Loading

Blog

Avoid These Mistakes While Using Your Danielsville, PA EV Charger


Avoid Mistakes With Your Danielsville, PA
Electric Vehicle Charging Setup

Correct Use Ensures The Best Results
And Longest Battery Life


An electric vehicle (EV) must be charged regularly to keep the battery full and the vehicle running. You can do this at a public charging station, but many people find an electric vehicle charging setup in their Danielsville, PA home more convenient.

A home charger lets you charge the EV while you relax overnight, and there’s no need to search for a public station when your battery gets low. You don’t have to wait at the station while the car charges, which can feel like you’re wasting time. It can also be cheaper in the long run to charge at home.

However, many people make mistakes when using their home charging stations. Below is a look at the most common errors and how to avoid them.


Plan Your Danielsville, PA Driving Schedule In Advance

The average EV can drive about 300 miles on a single charge. This is usually fine unless you have an exceptionally long commute or are planning a longer-than-usual drive.

Unfortunately, many people neglect to plan their driving schedule in advance and find they need more juice than their vehicle has. If this happens to you, you could find yourself stranded on the side of the highway without access to a charger.

When your driving needs are greater than usual, always make sure you know where you can find a nearby public charging station. You should also make sure you have the time it takes to top your battery off. This can sometimes take hours unless you can access a Type 3 Fast Charger.

Charging stations are not nearly as plentiful as gas stations are, so take time to locate and save a few along your route on your phone’s mapping app before venturing on a road trip. Do the same if you must drive around an unfamiliar part of town.

Some drivers even carry a portable gasoline generator to charge their battery in an emergency. Whatever you decide, be sure to decide in advance how you will handle your electric vehicle charging setup needs.


Use The Correct Electric Vehicle Charging Setup Cable

There are three types of EV chargers:

  • Level 1 chargers: These charge slowly using a 120-volt wall current. Charging can take hours.
  • Level 2 chargers: These can charge up to eight times as rapidly as Level 1 chargers can.
  • Level 3 chargers: These are also called DC Fast Chargers. They run on high voltage and can charge an EV battery in only 30 minutes.

Always use the right connector for the type of charging you’re doing. Failure to use the right cable can slow down charging time and damage your EV’s battery. The retail price of a new battery is often around $3,000, so you should treat it well to get the most use out of it as possible.

In addition to Level 1 through 3 cables, you should also be aware that Tesla uses a different cable than other EVs – Hyundai, Toyota, etc. – do. So, ensure you’re using the proper cable for your vehicle brand. Otherwise, charging might take forever and reduce your battery’s expected lifespan.


Don’t Overcharge Your Vehicle With The
Electric Vehicle Charging Setup

EV battery manufacturers recommend that you don’t overcharge their products. For maximum battery life, it’s best to maintain a charge between 20% and 80%. The latter is the charging sweet spot. It combines an extended range of travel with the most efficient battery use.

Depending on how much you drive, you may only need to charge your vehicle every other night or nightly for only a few hours. During charging, check the battery levels regularly to ensure you aren’t overcharging. This should tell you how much and how often you should charge.

Occasionally, charging the battery to “Full” won’t destroy it, but doing so daily can dramatically shorten its lifespan. So, if you expect to put on a lot of mileage tomorrow, feel free to maximize the charge. But be careful not to leave the vehicle plugged in overnight regularly if it results in overcharging.


Reach Out To Shafnisky Electric In Danielsville, PA To
Schedule Electric Vehicle Charging Setup Installation

The mistakes above will affect the efficiency and lifespan of your charging station, so be sure to follow the recommended steps. They will make owning an electric vehicle more convenient and less expensive.

So, if you need a home electric vehicle charging station installed, contact Shafnisky Electric in Danielsville, PA. We’ve been satisfying Northampton County area clients for decades and are 100% committed to your satisfaction.

Call us today at (610) 435-2237 or reach out to us on our website to request a free estimate.


Share this article