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6 Tips for Charging Your Electric Vehicle

miio

Publication date: 08/07/24

With the growing popularity of electric vehicles (EVs), understanding how to optimise the charging process is essential for ensuring an efficient and worry-free driving experience. While EVs offer a more sustainable and economical alternative compared to combustion vehicles, charging can still be a challenge for many new users. Fortunately, with the right tools and practices, charging your EV can become a simple and convenient task.

In this article, we share six valuable tips to help maximise the efficiency of your electric vehicle’s charging. From planning charges at public stations to understanding the different charging levels and using smart features, these tips will ensure your EV is always ready for the next journey, maintaining battery health and ensuring safety throughout the process.

Plan Your Charges at Public Stations

For those who drive an electric vehicle, planning charges at public stations is essential for ensuring a smooth and efficient journey. Unlike combustion vehicles, where you can simply find the nearest fuel station, electric cars rely on a charging network that can vary in availability and compatibility. This is where the miio app comes in, a useful tool for any EV driver.

Use the miio App

miio makes it easy to locate charging stations along your route, offering real-time information on the availability and costs of stations.

  • Station Location: With your permission, miio uses your current location to show the nearest charging stations, ensuring you always have alternatives, even in less-served areas.
  • Real-Time Availability: The app provides real-time data on charger availability, helping you avoid busy stations and suggesting available ones.
  • Cost Comparison: With miio, you can compare the costs of different charging stations, helping you choose the most economical option.

Plan Ahead

In addition to using the app to find charging stations, it’s advisable to plan your charging stops in advance, especially on long journeys.

  • Route Planning: Before starting a trip, check the route and identify possible charging stops. The route planning feature can help integrate these stops into your journey, optimising travel time.
  • Monitor Range: Always keep in mind your vehicle’s range and plan stops based on the current charge level and the distance to the next station.
  • Cost Savings: By comparing costs and choosing the most economical options, you can reduce charging expenses.

Understand Charging Levels

There are three main levels of charging that vary in terms of speed and application. Understanding the difference between them ensures you use the most efficient and appropriate method for your needs.

Level 1 (Slow Charging)

  • Capacity: Limited to about 1.8 kW.
  • Usage: This charging level is generally very slow and is not used in Europe. It is more common in some homes in South America and North America.
  • Application: Due to its low capacity, this method is suitable only for emergencies or situations where the vehicle can stay plugged in for long periods, such as overnight.

Level 2 (Normal Charging)

  • Capacity: Can deliver up to 22 kW.
  • Usage: This is the most common charging method in Europe and is widely used in homes, workplaces, and public locations.
  • Application: Ideal for charging your vehicle overnight at home or during the day at work. With this capacity, you can charge an average battery in a few hours, making it convenient for most users.

Level 3 (Fast Charging)

  • Capacity: Available at public stations, can provide high power charges - above 50 kW -, allowing an electric vehicle to charge up to 80% in about 20-30 minutes.
  • Usage: This method is ideal for long trips where it is necessary to quickly charge the battery to continue the journey.
  • Considerations: While fast charging is very convenient, it should be used sparingly, as frequent use can lead to battery degradation over time.

Maximise Charging Efficiency

To ensure that your electric vehicle runs efficiently and its battery lasts as long as possible, it is important to adopt practices that maximise charging efficiency. Here are some essential tips to better manage the charging process and battery health.

Battery Management

Keeping the battery charge within certain limits can help extend its lifespan. Avoid letting the charge drop below 20% and try not to charge above 80%. Charging the battery to 100% may be necessary in specific situations, such as long trips, but doing so regularly can reduce the battery’s total capacity over time.

Use Appropriate Chargers

Use chargers that are compatible with your vehicle and preferably certified by the manufacturer. Inappropriate or low-quality chargers can affect charging efficiency and even cause battery damage.

Charge During Off-Peak Hours

If you have the option to charge your vehicle during off-peak hours (usually at night), take advantage of it. Electricity rates are lower during these periods, which can result in significantly reduced charging costs.

Utilise Smart Charging Features

Take advantage of the remote monitoring feature of the miio app to track your electric vehicle’s charging progress in real-time and make the process more convenient and efficient. With miio, you can:

  • Monitor Progress: See the current battery charge level and the remaining time for a full charge.
  • Receive Alerts: Get notifications when charging is complete or if there is an interruption.
  • Manage Time: Optimise your time by ensuring the vehicle is always ready for use.

Safety Practices

Here are some essential practices to ensure safety while charging your electric vehicle:

  • Proper Equipment: Always prefer the charging cable that came with your electric vehicle or one that is quality-certified.
  • Regular Inspection: Regularly check the condition of cables and connectors to ensure there are no damages or wear.
  • Firm Connections: Make sure all connections are secure before starting the charging process.
  • Avoid Overloads: If charging at home, avoid plugging in multiple high-consumption appliances at the same time to prevent overloading the electrical network.

Keep the Battery Healthy

As one of the most important components of an electric vehicle, here are some recommended practices to keep your EV battery in good condition:

Temperature Considerations

  • Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Electric vehicle batteries are sensitive to very high or very low temperatures. Whenever possible, park and charge your vehicle in places where the temperature is moderate.
  • Battery Preconditioning: Some electric vehicles have preconditioning systems that heat or cool the battery before charging, ensuring an optimal temperature for the process. Use this feature to optimise charging efficiency and protect the battery.

General Maintenance

  • Software Updates: Keep your vehicle’s software up to date. Updates can include improvements in battery management and new features that help prolong its lifespan.
  • Efficient Driving: Practice efficient driving to reduce battery wear. Avoid sudden accelerations and maintain a steady speed whenever possible.

Conclusion

Keeping your electric vehicle in good condition and ensuring efficient charging involves a combination of planning, using technological tools, and careful maintenance practices. By following these six essential tips, you can not only improve your EV driving experience but also extend battery life and maximise charging efficiency.

From planning charges at public stations with the help of the miio app to understanding different charging levels and implementing safety practices, each step is crucial for optimised use of your electric vehicle. Smart charging features offer additional convenience, allowing you to monitor charging progress remotely and receive important alerts.

Maintaining battery health through temperature considerations and efficient driving is equally vital. By adopting these practices, you can ensure that your EV remains a sustainable and economical choice in the long term.

By integrating these tips into your daily routine, you will not only take better care of your electric vehicle but also contribute to a greener and more technological future.

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