7 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using an EV Charger in the UK

Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular around the world. As a result, more drivers are switching to cleaner, greener transportation in the UK. Because EV charging stations are rising nationwide, recharging your vehicle is also becoming handy.

Nonetheless, it is common for EV drivers to make some mistakes, this blog post will pinpoint the common errors that EV drivers should avoid when they are charging their electric vehicles.

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1. Charger Compatibility:

Each electronic vehicle has a different configuration, and a charger is selected as per that requirement. Not all electronic vehicles can be charged with a single EV charger. So, after you plug in a charger, you should check its compatibility. In case it is incompatible, it can lead to significant irritation and troublesome situations.

Charging affinities differ between EVs because they have different plug types. We must avoid any mishaps or time wastage caused by mis-happenings or wastage of time, which can happen due to ignorance when checking compatibility. So, we should always ensure that our EV’s plus type suits our charger. We could also use adapters to work on compatibility gaps if required.

Charge at home

2. Being unplanned:

Owning an electric vehicle in the UK and being unplanned with your charging stations in advance is not a good combination and could be one of the biggest underestimations. Just imagine you are in the middle of nowhere, and you run out of battery. Also, you did not research the charging stations for this locality you are in. It could be tense and troublesome to find a charging station nearby.

So, to ensure you do not end up in such a horrific situation, which is even scary to imagine, make sure to plan. To avoid this, you must plan your routes so that you can locate charging stations as per the requirements on the way. You can use apps or websites to do the same. While planning the route, you may also consider aspects like charging speed and the time it may take. This approach is part of our guide to EV charging station selection. 

3. Charging Time:

Charging a vehicle is not as quick as putting in petrol. It is a bitter truth, but yes, it is a fact that an electric vehicle takes time to charge. And with a slow charger, it may take even longer. One of the biggest neglects most drivers end up doing is the incorrect judgement of the time the electric vehicle may take to get charged, which often leads to annoyance and unnecessary waiting.

For example, a driver might hope that a slow charger will be sufficient to provide enough power for their travel, but they might end up waiting for a longer duration, which they did not anticipate or make a plan for. This could put them in a more troublesome situation, especially if they are on a tight schedule. To solve this problem, make sure you estimate the time it takes for your electric vehicle to get charged correctly and make plans while keeping the time in mind. Try to be a little flexible with your time and plans.

Also, look out for fast chargers as they can reduce charging time, but you will be fortunate if you find them more often.

4. Leaving the Charging Process Unmonitored:

Not monitoring the charging process can make you troublesome. It is of vital importance to keep an eye on the charging process so that the charging happens smoothly. The chargers may sometimes face technical issues or even stop charging unusually.

You must check the charging status, which can be done through the vehicle’s dashboard. You may also use a mobile app for the same, as per the availability. You can observe and catch any problems by checking the charging status and taking the required action.

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5. Incorrect Parking at Charging Stations:

If you park improperly at charging stations, it may cause hindrance to other EV drivers. Sometimes, you may be required to pay fines or penalties for incorrect parking. So, to avoid such disruption, make sure you park your vehicle in the charging bay that has been assigned to you.

Moreover, ensure you do not obstruct anyone from accessing the chargers or parking space. Also, do not forget to monitor the time limits, regulations, and guidelines provided by the specific charging station.

6. Not monitoring the Cables:

If you leave the charging cables neglected and unmonitored, you pose a safety hazard. Leaving the charging cables unattended may also cause theft or damage. Stay around your vehicle while charging, and do not leave it unmonitored to avoid any wrongful activity. If you must leave the vehicle, lock the system and guard the cable to prevent theft.

7. Maintenance and Safety Checks:

Procrastinating on regular maintenance of electric vehicles and EV chargers at home would not be fruitful. Recurring safety checks are essential for the safety of electric vehicle chargers. Before using the charger, check for any damage, such as broken cables or loosened connections.

If any concern arises, contact the charging station operator immediately and do not use the charger until it has been repaired.

Conclusion

To conclude, make sure to avoid these common mistakes as an electric vehicle driver in the UK to have an optimum charging experience. Also, to enjoy the ease and benefits of owning an electric vehicle, plan, stay informed and practice the ideal charging etiquette.