Top Tips for EV Charging

Introduction

The electric vehicle revolution is well underway across the UK, with more drivers making the switch to cleaner, greener transportation every day. While EVs offer numerous benefits, getting the most from your electric vehicle means mastering the art of charging. Smart charging habits don't just save you money – they extend your battery life, reduce charging time, and eliminate the dreaded range anxiety that many new EV owners experience.

In this comprehensive electric vehicle charging guide, we'll walk you through practical, easy-to-implement strategies that will transform the way you power up your EV. Whether you're a new owner wondering how to charge an electric car effectively or looking to optimise your existing charging routine, these tips will help you charge smarter, faster, and more affordably.

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1. Understand Your EV's Charging Capabilities

Before diving into specific charging strategies, it's essential to understand what your vehicle can handle.

Level 1 vs Level 2 Charging and Beyond

Level 1 Charging: This uses a standard 3-pin home socket (10 amps/2.3kW). While convenient, it's the slowest option, adding just 8-10 miles of range per hour. Perfect for overnight charging at home when you're not in a hurry.

Level 2 Charging: Found in most public charging stations and home wall box installations (7-22kW). This mid-range option adds approximately 25-30 miles of range per hour, making it ideal for daily charging.

DC Fast Charging Explained: The speed champion (50-350kW), adding up to 200 miles in just 30 minutes for compatible vehicles. These rapid chargers are typically found at service stations and designated charging hubs, providing the quickest energy top-up when you're on the go.

How to Check Your Car's Maximum Charging Speed

Your EV's maximum charging rate isn't just about the charger – it's about what your car can accept. Check your vehicle handbook or the manufacturer's website for specific charging capabilities. Most modern EVs display their maximum charge rate in kilowatts (kW).

Matching Your EV to the Right Charger

For everyday use, find chargers that match your car's capabilities. Using a 350kW ultra-rapid charger on a vehicle that maxes out at 50kW means you're paying premium rates without getting premium speeds. The EV Infinity app helps you filter chargers based on your vehicle's specifications, ensuring you only connect to compatible stations.

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2. Know Where to Charge

Charging at Home vs. Public EV Charging

Home Charging: Typically 30-50% cheaper than public charging, making it the most economical option for regular use. Set up a dedicated home charger for consistent, reliable energy top-ups.

Public EV Charging: More expensive but offers flexibility when you're on the go. Public chargers vary significantly in price, speed, and reliability, making good EV charging apps essential.

Apps and Tools to Find EV Charging Stations

While there are several EV charging apps available, EV Infinity stands out by offering access to every charging station across the UK network. Find your nearest available charging point in under 20 seconds, check real-time availability, and pay directly through the app – all without juggling multiple accounts or membership cards.

Tips for Charging at Work or on the Road

Workplace Charging: Many employers now offer free or reduced charging. Take advantage of these benefits to top up while you work, reducing your home electricity bills.

Road Trip Charging: Plan your route around rapid charging stations, ideally timing your stops around meal breaks or rest periods. The EV Infinity app shows you compatible chargers along your route, complete with amenities nearby.

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3. Optimise EV Charging at Home

Home EV Charger Installation

A dedicated home wall box typically costs £800-£1,200 installed but reduces charging time by up to 70% compared to a standard socket. Look for smart chargers that connect to your home Wi-Fi for added features like remote monitoring and scheduled charging. Home EV charger installation is a one-time investment that pays dividends in convenience and efficiency.

Best Time to Charge EV at Home

Most energy providers offer significantly reduced rates during off-peak hours (typically midnight to 7am). Setting your car to charge during these times can cut your charging costs by up to 60%. Some energy providers offer special EV tariffs with extended off-peak windows specifically designed for electric vehicle owners.

Setting Scheduled Charging

Use either your car's built-in charging timer or your smart home charger to automate charging during the cheapest hours. This "set and forget" approach ensures your car is always ready while reducing costs.

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4. Save Money on EV Charging

Take Advantage of Utility EV Incentives

Many energy providers offer cash rebates for installing home chargers or reduced rates for EV owners. Check with your utility company about special EV electricity tariffs that could significantly reduce your EV charging cost. These utility EV incentives can make a substantial difference to your annual charging expenses.

Public Charging Station Memberships & Loyalty Programs

The EV Infinity app offers a rewards programme that lets you earn points with every charge, regardless of which network you use. These points can be redeemed for free charging sessions, retail vouchers, or even restaurant discounts – making public charging more affordable.

Avoiding Idle Fees and Overstay Penalties

Once your battery reaches your target charge level, move your vehicle promptly. Many public chargers implement idle fees that can add £10+ per hour when you remain connected after charging completes. The EV Infinity app sends notifications when your charge is nearly complete, helping you avoid these unnecessary costs.

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5. EV Battery Health Tips

Charging EV to 100% - When to Do It

For daily use, charging to 80% extends your battery's lifespan. Most EVs allow you to set a charge limit through the vehicle settings or app. Reserve charging EV to 100% only for long journeys when you need maximum range. This simple habit is one of the most important EV battery health tips you can follow.

Avoid Running the Battery to 0%

Just as overcharging can stress your battery, so can deep discharges. Try to keep your battery above 20% whenever possible. The EV Infinity app helps you locate nearby chargers when your battery gets low, preventing stressful situations.

Use "Eco" or "Battery Saver" Modes When Available

These driving modes optimise energy consumption, helping extend EV battery life between charges. They typically reduce power to climate control and limit acceleration, but the efficiency gains are worth the minor performance trade-offs.

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6. Electric Car Road Trip Tips

Plan EV Charging Stops in Advance

Before embarking on longer journeys, use the EV Infinity route planner to map out convenient EV charging stations on route. The app accounts for elevation changes, weather conditions, and real-time charger availability to ensure you never experience range anxiety. These electric car road trip tips will save you time and stress during your journey.

Know How Long You'll Need to Charge at Each Stop

Different chargers and different vehicles mean varying charging times. As a rule of thumb:

• DC Fast Chargers (50kW): 20-40 minutes to reach 80%
• Ultra-Rapid Chargers (150kW+): 10-20 minutes to reach 80%

The EV Infinity app calculates estimated charging times based on your specific vehicle model and the charger's capabilities.

Carry Backup Charging Adapters if Needed

While the UK charging infrastructure is becoming more standardised, having an emergency adapter can be a lifesaver in remote areas. The most useful is typically a Type 2 to Type 1 adapter for older vehicles.

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7. EV Charging Etiquette

Don't Unplug Others' Cars Without Permission

This should go without saying, but disconnecting someone else's vehicle is both rude and potentially disruptive to their plans. If you desperately need to charge, leave a polite note with your contact information instead. Good public charger behavior starts with respecting others' charging sessions.

Be Mindful of Charging Station Rules

Once your vehicle has reached a sufficient charge level (typically 80%), consider moving to free up the space for other drivers – especially at busy locations or rapid chargers. The EV community thrives on courtesy and consideration. Most charging station rules are unwritten, but following proper EV charging etiquette makes everyone's experience better.

Keep Cables Organised and Avoid Blocking Chargers

Always return cables to their holsters and park considerately to ensure other spaces remain accessible. Poor cable management creates trip hazards and can damage charging equipment.

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Our EV Charging Tips Recap

Mastering your EV charging strategy isn't just about convenience – it's about maximising your investment while minimising costs and environmental impact. By implementing these practical tips, you'll build good EV charging habits that help you spend less time worrying about range and more time enjoying the many benefits of electric driving.

This EV charging tips recap highlights what matters most: understanding your vehicle's capabilities, knowing where and when to charge, protecting battery health, and planning effectively for longer journeys.

Take the pain out of searching for chargers by downloading the EV Infinity app today. With access to every charging station in the UK, real-time availability updates, and a rewards programme that puts money back in your pocket, you'll wonder how you ever managed without it.

Have you discovered any charging hacks that make your EV experience better? Share your tips in the comments below or reach out on social media – we're always looking for new ways to help our community charge smarter!

Download EV Infinity now and locate your nearest available charging point in under 20 seconds.

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