Charging an electric vehicle is a simple process, but it can raise questions for those considering the transition to electric mobility. Unlike refueling a combustion engine car, which requires a stop at a gas station for a quick fill-up, charging an electric vehicle can be done in different ways depending on the driver's needs and location.
In this guide, you'll learn where and how to charge your electric vehicle, the key factors that influence charging time and cost, and how to make the process more efficient.
Where to Charge an Electric Vehicle
Electric vehicles can be charged in different locations, depending on the available infrastructure and the driver's needs. Each option has its own advantages, and understanding the alternatives helps plan charging more effectively.
Home Charging
Charging your vehicle at home is one of the most convenient and cost-effective options for those with access to a suitable space. Using a home charger (wallbox), you can charge the battery overnight, take advantage of lower electricity rates, and ensure your car is ready to use the next day.
Another option is a portable charger, which offers more flexibility as it can be used with both industrial sockets and standard household outlets, depending on the type of connector. For those without a wallbox, this type of charger can be a viable alternative, although charging time will vary depending on the available power.
Public Charging
Public charging stations are available in various locations, such as parking lots, shopping centers, and service stations. These stations offer different charging power levels, from slow charging to fast and ultra-fast charging, which can provide a significant amount of energy in just a few minutes.
With apps like miio, you can find available charging stations, check prices, and start charging directly from your smartphone.
Workplace Charging
Many companies now offer charging stations for their employees, providing an excellent alternative to charge your vehicle while you work. This type of charging may be free or paid, depending on company policy.
Chargers and Power Levels: How to Charge
Not all chargers work the same way. The charger's power output directly affects how long it takes to charge the vehicle's battery. Choosing between a slower or faster charge depends on the driver's needs and the available infrastructure.
Slow and Semi-Fast Charging (AC)
Alternating current (AC) charging is the most common method for home charging and some public charging stations. Power levels typically range from 3.7 kW to 22 kW, depending on the charger and electrical installation.
- Household socket (up to 3.7 kW) → Slower charging that can take several hours to fully charge the battery.
- Wallbox or AC charging stations (7 kW to 22 kW) → Provides faster and more efficient charging, ideal for daily use.
Watch out for costs! While AC charging is generally cheaper than DC charging, some public stations charge based on time rather than energy consumed. In these cases, a prolonged AC charge could end up being more expensive than a quick DC charge.
Fast and Ultra-Fast Charging (DC)
Direct current (DC) charging is mainly used at public charging stations, making it ideal for quick charges during road trips or for those who need a rapid charge.
- Fast charging (50 kW to 100 kW) → Can charge approximately 80% of the battery in 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the vehicle.
- Ultra-fast charging (+100 kW) → Can deliver a significant amount of energy in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for long journeys.
DC charging is usually more expensive than AC when billed per kWh, but it can be a better option in certain cases, especially when time efficiency is a priority.
Want to learn more about different types of charging stations and their features? Check out this article: Types of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations.
How Much Does It Cost to Charge an Electric Vehicle?
The cost of charging an electric vehicle varies depending on several factors, including the charging location, power output, and pricing model used by the charging provider.
Home Charging: The Most Affordable Option
Charging at home is typically the cheapest option, as it allows drivers to take advantage of lower electricity rates, especially during off-peak hours (depending on the electricity plan).
The total cost depends on the electricity price per kWh set by the energy provider and the vehicle’s battery capacity. To estimate the cost, simply multiply the required energy consumption by the price per kWh.
Example Calculation:
Let's consider an electric vehicle with a 50 kWh battery, currently at 20% charge, and the goal is to charge it to 80%. This means 60% of the battery needs to be charged, which is 30 kWh (50 kWh × 60%).
If the electricity rate is €0.20/kWh, the total cost will be: 30 kWh × €0.20/kWh = €6
Public Charging: Pricing Models and Cost Considerations
At public charging stations, pricing can vary based on different models:
- Per kWh consumed → The most common model, where you pay only for the energy charged.
- Per time used → Some stations charge based on the duration of the charging session, regardless of the amount of energy delivered.
For charging stations that charge per kWh, the final price may also include additional costs such as network operator fees, taxes, and other service charges, depending on the provider.
Cost vs. Efficiency: If a station charges by time and your vehicle has a slower charging speed, the total cost could be higher than at a station that charges per kWh.
Want to estimate your charging costs in advance? With the miio app, you can simulate the cost before starting a charging session.
How to Start and Stop a Charging Session
Charging an electric vehicle is a simple and intuitive process, but it may vary depending on the type of charger used. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure that charging is done correctly.
Home Charging
- Check your electrical installation → If you're using a wallbox or a portable charger, ensure it is properly connected and ready to use.
- Plug in the charging cable → Connect the charging cable to the vehicle’s charging port.
- Start charging → Depending on the charger, charging may start automatically or require activation via a button or mobile app.
- Monitor the charging process → Most electric vehicles display the charging status on the dashboard or through a dedicated app.
- Unplug the cable → Once charging is complete, first stop the charger (if necessary) and then remove the cable from the vehicle’s charging port.
Public Charging Station
- Find an available charging station → Use apps like miio to locate nearby stations and check their availability.
- Check connector compatibility → Before starting the charging session, make sure your vehicle's charging port is compatible with the station's connector.
- Plug in the cable → If the charging station has an integrated cable, simply connect it to the vehicle’s charging port. Otherwise, use your own cable.
- Authenticate at the station → Most stations require authentication using an RFID card, eKey, or a mobile app.
- Start charging → After authentication, the charger will activate, and energy will begin flowing to the vehicle.
- Monitor the process → The miio app allows you to track charging in real time, check costs, and monitor energy consumption.
- Stop charging → When you’re ready to stop charging, you can do so via the app, the charging station, or directly from your vehicle.
- Unplug the cable properly → If the cable is locked, check whether you need to release it through the vehicle’s system or the app.
Important Tip: Before leaving the station, ensure that the charging port is properly closed and that the cable is safely stored.
How to Charge Efficiently
To optimize your electric vehicle charging and extend battery life, it’s important to follow some best practices:
- Plan your charging sessions to avoid unexpected situations and ensure you find available charging stations.
- Prefer slower charging for daily use, reserving fast chargers for long trips.
- Take advantage of lower electricity rates, charging during off-peak hours whenever possible.
If you want more recommendations, check out this article with 6 essential tips for efficient EV charging: 6 Tips for Charging an Electric Vehicle.
Conclusion
Charging an electric vehicle may seem complicated at first, but in reality, it’s a simple and adaptable process. With charging options available at home, at work, and in public stations, you can choose the one that best fits your routine.
The type of charger and power level influence charging time and cost, but with proper planning, it’s possible to find a balance between convenience and efficiency. Apps like miio make this process easier by helping you locate charging stations, simulate costs, and track your charging sessions in real time.
If you're still considering switching to an electric vehicle, you now have the essential knowledge to understand how charging works and what your options are.
Quick Summary: How to Charge an Electric Vehicle
- Where to charge? You can charge at home, at work, or at public stations. Each option has its own advantages.
- How to charge? Charging can be done using alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC), with options ranging from slow to fast and ultra-fast charging.
- How much does it cost? The price of charging depends on the location, pricing model (per kWh or per time used), and any additional fees set by the charging operator.
- Charging process: Plug the cable into the vehicle’s charging port, authenticate if required, monitor the session, and disconnect properly when finished.
- Best practices: Plan your charging sessions, check connector compatibility, and take advantage of lower electricity rates.
Want to learn more about EV charging? Explore the full content on the miio blog.
