Electric cars in India are gaining popularity day by day, and it has been seen that most of the time, car owners prefer to charge their EV cars at home. The very first reason is that it’s a quite cheaper option, and second, it is convenient and the car is ready to go each morning. This not only saves time but also saves money in the long run. But guys, do you know what the right way and time to charge these electric cars efficiently and safely is?
Well, some studies show that if you don’t charge EV car in right way or on the right time then this might affect the battery life and performance of your car. With the right information, you can make the most of your electric car and keep the battery healthy for long-term.
Importance of Battery Care
Electric cars have lithium-ion batteries, which cost quite a lot. All moderns Ev cars come packed with li-ion battery pack which manufacturers place under the floor of the vehicle, within the chassis. Hence, it is important that these batteries are taken care of properly so as to ensure their longevity.
Battery life depends on several factors, one of which is the right way and right time of charging. So if you use EV car for daily-use then you must know how to charge an electric car at home efficiently and safely. This will preserve the life of your car and also save money and you can experience stress free journey!
Different charging options
There are three main methods of charging electric cars:
- AC charging (level 1 and level 2)
- DC fast charging
- Wireless charging
As our article is focused on charging at home, we will go with AC charging because at home you will get only AC charge option to charge the electric car.
AC charging (level 1 and level 2) is the most suitable option. Let’s have a look at both what’s the difference between Level 1 and Level 2 AC charging and also cover which is best.
Level 1 charging
This is the slowest and cheapest method. It uses a common 120V AC outlet. It takes about 12-24 or even more hours to fully charge a fully discharged battery. This method is suitable for people who charge their car overnight and travel short distances during the day. The installation cost of this one is low!
Level 2 charging
This is the faster and more efficient method. It uses a 240V AC dedicated circuit. It takes about 4-8 hours to fully charge a fully discharged battery. This method is suitable for people who charge their car during the day and travel long distances. Installation cost of this one is high but it is much safer and secure.
For example: A level 2 charger of 3.3 kW or 7.4 kW is used at home to charge vehicles. So if you own a car having battery pack of 19.2 kWh, then a 3.3 kW AC charger will take around 6-7 to charge the car from 0-100%, while the 7.4 kW AC wall charger will take 3-3.5 hours to fully charge the car.
What is the Right time for charging
To ensure the longevity of the battery, it should not be allowed to get fully discharged or fully filled. The battery should be charged between 20% and 80%. This way the battery life will increase and it will not need to be charged as frequently.
Charging at night is the best option as the demand for electricity is low at this time and the rates are also low. Moreover, it also ensures that your car will be fully charged by the morning and you will be able to start your journey.
Precautions while charging
The best time to charge an electric car is when the battery drops below 20%. But still there are some precautions that everyone should take while charging.
- Protect the charging cable and outlet from moisture
- Use only the charger recommended by the manufacturer
- Avoid overheating of the car during charging
- Disconnect the cable after charging is complete
- Use a dedicated circuit as it is more safe and secure.
- Inspect charging point and equipment regularly.
- Avoid frequent half-charging like 70-100% or 80-100%.
Final Words
Charging electric cars is a crucial step that affects the battery life and the efficiency of the car. Charging at home is convenient and economical, provided it is done correctly and on time.
Use Level 1 or Level 2 charging, charge the battery between 20% and 80%, and charge at night. These measures will not only increase battery life, but will also save you money in the long run.
Do you know any other tip? Please let us know in the comments and don’t forget to share it with others!
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