New Treatment for Dreaded Range Anxiety

Charging your electric vehicle (EV) is different from refueling a gasoline car. This guide will explain everything you need to know to keep your EV topped up and ready to go. Recent advancements have even introduced a new treatment for dreaded range anxiety, providing peace of mind to EV owners.

Understanding Charging Levels

There are three main charging levels, each with varying speeds:

Level 1 (Slowest).
Plugs into a standard 120-volt household outlet. Adds 2-4 miles of range per hour and is best for overnight charging if you have short commutes. Most EVs come with a Level 1 charger.

Level 2 (Faster).
Uses a 240-volt outlet, similar to a dryer. Adds 25-75 miles of range per hour. As a result, it is ideal for home charging as it’s significantly faster than Level 1. You’ll likely need to purchase and install a Level 2 charger.

DC Fast Charging (Fastest). Public charging stations offering the quickest charging, adding range up to 10-20 miles per minute. This makes it perfect for long trips, but not for regular use as it can strain the battery.

Charging at Home

Convenience and Cost-Effectiveness.
Most EV owners charge at home overnight with Level 1 or 2 chargers. It’s convenient and often cheaper, especially with off-peak electricity rates.

Level 2 for Faster Charging.
Consider a Level 2 charger for faster charging times at home. Consult an electrician for proper installation.

Charging on the Go – Public Charging Stations

Locations.
Public stations are available in malls, parking garages, and along highways.

Charger Types.
Look for stations with Level 2 or DC fast chargers depending on your needs. Furthermore, DC fast charging is ideal for long trips when you need a quick boost.

Finding Stations and Initiating Charging.
Download charging station apps to locate stations, check availability, and initiate charging sessions. Some stations may require a membership or per-use payment.

Charging Tips for Optimal Battery Health

Frequent Top-Ups.
Unlike gas-powered cars, you don’t need to wait for a low battery. Frequent charging is better for battery health.

Public Charging Costs.
Public charging stations may have membership fees or per-use costs. Factor this into your budgeting.

Charging Time Variations.
Charging times depend on the charger’s power, battery size, and current charge level. A larger battery or a lower charge will take longer.

Remember.
With a little planning and understanding of charging options, you can keep your EV running smoothly and efficiently.

There are several directories available to help you find charging stations for your electric vehicle (EV). Here are a few popular options:

PlugShare.
Plugshare is a widely used app and website with a comprehensive database of charging stations around the world . It allows you to search for stations by location, filter by charger type (Level 2, DC Fast Charging, etc.), and see real-time availability.

ChargeHub.
The ChargeHub website offers a directory of charging stations specifically for the United States and Canada . It provides information on station locations, charger types, networks, and even user reviews.

Alternative Fuels Data Center
This is a resource from the Department of Energy that allows you to search for electric vehicle charging stations in the United States and Canada (Electric Vehicle Charging Station Locations). It’s a good option for a basic search based on location.

In addition to these directories, many EV manufacturers also have their own apps that can help you find charging stations compatible with their vehicles. These apps may offer additional features like trip planning and charging history.

No matter which directory you choose, it’s a good idea to download it to your phone or bookmark it on your computer for easy access on the go.

Roadtrips

Charging stations along highways.
Many highways now have designated electric vehicle charging stations. These stations are typically Level 2 or DC fast chargers, which can add a significant amount of range to your battery in a short amount of time. Electric vehicle charging station along highway

Charging stations at rest stops.
Many rest stops also have EV charging stations. This is a convenient option to charge your car while you take a break from driving. Electric vehicle charging station at rest stop

Charging stations in towns and cities.
You can also find charging stations in towns and cities along your route. These stations may be located at shopping malls, hotels, or public parking garages. Electric vehicle charging station in city.

Dealership chargers. Some dealerships that sell electric vehicles will allow you to use their charging stations for free, even if you didn’t buy your car from them.

Here are some tips for finding charging stations on a road trip:

• Plan your route: Before you go on your trip, take some time to plan your route and identify charging stations along the way. There are several websites and apps that can help you do this, such as PlugShare, ChargeHub, and the Alternative Fuels Data Center.
• Consider the range of your car: Be sure to factor in the range of your car when planning your route. You don’t want to get stranded in the middle of nowhere without a charge!
• Allow extra time for charging: Charging times can vary depending on the type of charger you use and the current charge level of your battery. Be sure to allow extra time for charging when planning your trip.
• Download a charging station app: There are several charging station apps available that can help you find stations, check availability, and start charging sessions.
• Bring your charging cable: Be sure to bring the charging cable that came with your car. You may also want to consider bringing an adapter so that you can charge at different types of stations.

ChargePoint offers one of the largest network of chargers and should be one of several apps to have handy on your phone.

• Wide Network: ChargePoint offers a vast network of charging stations, including Level 2 and DC fast chargers . This makes it a convenient option for finding stations on the go.
• Compatibility: ChargePoint aims for driver inclusivity. Their stations and app allow you to check for compatible charger types with your specific vehicle. You can set your car model in the app to filter for stations that work for you.
• Roaming Partners: Even if a station isn’t directly operated by ChargePoint, it might still be accessible through their roaming partner networks. This expands your charging options further.

Here’s how to find out for sure:

1. Download the ChargePoint App: The app allows you to search for stations near you and see what type of chargers they offer.
2. Check Station Compatibility: Use the app’s filter to see if the station has a connector compatible with your car model.

Additional Tips

1. Account Creation: Consider creating a ChargePoint account for easier access and payment options at stations.
2. Payment Methods: Explore payment options beforehand as some stations might require a membership or per-use fee. The app usually provides this information.

By following these steps, you can determine if ChargePoint is a suitable charging solution for your electric vehicle.

THE TAKEAWAY
Charging is one of the primary reasons people delay the purchase of an EV. Charging stations have proliferated throughout the U.S. and every day more are added. Additionally, ranges of the standard car battery has increased dramatically over the past five years. Use our guode to alleviate your fears of charging your EV and take the plunge into a whole new transportation paradigm.

Sources: EV Car Answer Editors, Gemini, Jeep