Charging an EV

By the end of this topic you can

• You can describe Level 1, Level 2 and DC fast charging and when to use each.
• You can identify the main connector types used in Canada.
• You can plug in, start and stop a charging session safely.
• You can plan charging stops for a longer trip.
• You can follow good charger etiquette.

What you need to know and understand

• Level 1 uses a standard 120-volt household outlet and is the slowest way to charge.
• Level 2 uses 240 volts, at home or in public, and can typically refill most EVs overnight.
• DC fast chargers are the quickest and are mostly used on trips; charging usually slows down as the battery nears full, often around 80 per cent.
• Level 2 public chargers in Canada mostly use the J1772 connector; fast chargers use CCS, NACS (also called SAE J3400) or the older CHAdeMO plug.
• A home Level 2 charger should be installed by a licensed electrician, and a permit may be required.
• Many public chargers are paid through an app, card or account, and some charge by time rather than energy.

Three speeds of charging

How fast a car charges also depends on the car itself, how full and how warm the battery is, and the charger's power.

• Level 1 (120 V): plug into a regular outlet with the cord supplied with the car. Fine for short daily driving or plug-in hybrids, but slow.
• Level 2 (240 V): the usual home charger and common at workplaces, malls and hotels. Good for overnight or a few hours of parking.
• DC fast charging: found along highways. Adds a lot of range in a short stop, best for road trips rather than every day.

Plugging in step by step

Do not use a damaged cable or connector, and report broken chargers to the operator. Follow the car maker's advice on outlets and avoid ordinary household extension cords.

1. Park so the cable reaches without stretching across a walkway.
2. Put the car in park and switch it off.
3. Start the session in the charger's app or with a card if required.
4. Push the connector firmly into the port until it clicks.
5. Check the car or app shows charging has started.
6. To finish, stop the session, unlock the connector, and hang the cable back up neatly.

At home and on the road

Home charging is usually the cheapest and easiest. Many owners plug in every night and start each day with a charged battery. If you live in an apartment, ask about building chargers or use workplace and public Level 2 stations.

For trips, use a charging map app to plan stops, check that the charger has your plug type, and keep a backup in case a station is busy or out of service. It is often quicker to charge to around 80 per cent and move on than to wait for 100 per cent at a fast charger.

Charger manners

Rules on parking in EV spaces without charging vary by province, municipality and property owner, and some can issue fines or tow.

• Only park in an EV charging space while you are charging.
• Move your car when charging is finished so others can use the charger.
• Never unplug someone else's car.
• Keep cables off the ground and out of walkways.

Common mistakes

• Arriving at a fast charger with a connector your car cannot use. Check plug type first.
• Leaving the car in a charging space after it is full. Move it promptly.
• Waiting at a fast charger for the slow last part of charging. Leave at around 80 per cent when it makes sense.
• Using a damaged or makeshift cord. Use only proper equipment.
• Assuming every charger works. Plan a backup stop.

Test yourself: Charging an EV

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.