Driver interest in electric vehicle (EV) charging stations has naturally grown alongside the increase of electric vehicles on the road. According to the International Energy Agency, electric car sales in 2021 were double that of 2018, making it clear that more people are embracing this clean and efficient way of getting around. Have you recently come into possession of an electric vehicle? If so, as you begin driving such a vehicle, it's important to understand how charging stations work. Here are some tips on how to use an EV charging station before you begin.

Locate a Station and Plug In

The first step in using an EV charging station is to locate one. Several websites and apps can help you find one nearby. Make sure that you know what kind of connection your car uses beforehand. In addition, you should be sure to check that the cable is fully connected and secure before doing anything else. Your vehicle should have a light indicator to let you know it's charging properly.

Start Charging

Depending on the type of station you're using, you may have to initiate the charging process on your own. To manually begin charging, you may need to activate the station using a card, app, or touchscreen display. Once activated, the charger will start delivering electricity to power up your EV.

Monitor Progress

It's important to keep an eye on the progress of your auto charge. An EV charging station will usually have indicators to show you how much power your vehicle has received and approximately how long it'll take until the vehicle is fully charged. If you need to unplug your car or end the charging session before the battery is full, make sure to do so safely and securely.

Pay for the Services

Once your vehicle has finished charging, you'll need to pay for the services. Most chargers use a payment system that requires you to pay when you plug in or when you unplug from the station. In most cases, you'll be able to use either cash, a card, or your smartphone to complete the transaction. Also, it's important to note that some stations charge extra for faster charging speeds. Your price may differ depending on which option you chose.

As electric vehicles continue to grow in popularity, EV stations will continue to sprout up. By understanding the different types of EV charging stations and how they work, you can make your charging experience as easy and efficient as possible. If you're looking to install or fix up your own EV charging station, give us a call today at Beard Electric Company. We'd love to help!