Whenever a new technology is introduced, certain doubts and confusion often arise among early adopters. Similarly, the modern automotive world is replete with electric vehicles (EVs), which present a whole new set of learning opportunities for drivers. New EV owners will quickly realise that owning and operating a battery-powered electric vehicle is very different from driving a standard petrol or diesel vehicle. You can no longer pull up to a gas station and pump fuel to your vehicle’s tank. You should understand how to charge your electric vehicle, as well as the ideal EV charging solutions and their optimum charging ranges. This can be overwhelming for some drivers, leading to errors throughout the charging process that should be avoided for safety.  

Here are some common mistakes that EV owners should avoid when charging their vehicles.

• Lack of Planning in Advance 

In order to avoid becoming stranded on the way, you need to plan ahead of time and be aware of the public charging station locations along the route. For instance, you can schedule your meal breaks at restaurants with EV charging stations, which will allow you to recharge your vehicle while enjoying a meal. Thus, you can make the best use of your pit stops. You can also use charging apps to identify, reserve, and charge your EV across many EV charging networks.

• Frequent Charging and Overcharging

The battery is the most expensive component in an electric vehicle, and repetitive charging and overcharging can reduce its lifespan. In order to preserve its longevity, it is best to change your charging habits. You should avoid overcharging as you will not use more than 80% of the driving range on most days. If you drive 30-40 kilometres every day, there is no need to plug your vehicle into the EV charging station daily and fully charge your battery. Charging your EV battery less frequently allows it to maintain longevity. 

• Full Charge and Draining 

One of the most common mistakes EV drivers should avoid is repeatedly charging the vehicle to 100% or allowing the battery to deplete entirely. The lithium-ion batteries used in most EVs perform best when kept within the ideal charging range, which is often between 20% and 80%. Frequent full charging or battery depletion may accelerate premature ageing and reduce its ability to store energy. Moreover, it is recommended to park EVs for an extended period only when the battery levels are at 20% or more, as the battery can drain otherwise. 

• Constant Rapid Charging 

While rapid charging is a convenient solution when you are in a rush, using it on a regular basis can harm your electric vehicle battery. Rapid charging refers to EV charging solutions, such as DC charging stations, which have a power rating higher than 22 kW. It can put battery cells under more strain, reducing their lifespan. Therefore, it is better to opt for slow or fast charging methods whenever possible and to use rapid charging only when absolutely necessary. 

• Using Unauthorised Charging Stations

In order to ensure your safety and the optimal performance of your EV, it is crucial to use only authorised and approved charging stations. Using unauthorised charging stations can lead to serious safety and fire hazards, including electrical malfunctions and potential damage to your vehicle.

KED – Your Trusted EV Charging Solutions Provider in Singapore

Are you seeking reliable professionals to install EV chargers in Singapore? Then look no further than KED. We specialise in electric vehicle charging and offer a variety of related products, including EV charging stations suitable for residential, commercial, and fleet operations. Our EV-related services range from design, consultation and installation to operation and maintenance. At KED, we are committed to empowering our customers through the provision of ideal EV charging solutions. To learn more about the best EV chargers for your vehicle, get in touch with us today.