If you recently got your first electric vehicle (EV), are looking to purchase one, or want to optimize your current charging schedule, you probably have questions regarding when and how to plug your EV in. There's no time that is definitively best for charging your EV. You'll need to find a time that works for you and your schedule.
What Time of Day Should I Charge My EV?
EV charging applications most commonly let EV owners set a certain time at which they want to start and stop charging every day. There isn't a right or wrong time to charge your vehicle, but if you're looking to save money, it's best to do so during "off-peak hours".
Ultimately, the best time to charge an EV depends on your circumstances and needs as a driver.
To find your the best time for you to charge your EV, here's a few tips:
- Battery health and efficiency
When scheduling your next charge, it's best to considerate the state of charge or range. Keep your EV battery between 20 to 80%. Charging outside of this range can take longer, be less efficient and harm battery health in the long-term. But if you need the car to be charged to 100% for long journeys, slow charging is always better for your battery health than fast or rapid charging.
- Charger availability
Charging should suit your lifestyle. If you don't have access to a charger at home, using a destination charger regularly to keep your battery topped up is not a big problem. There's no need to charge your EV everyday. As a rule of thumb, you should always have at least 20% battery charge, especially in the winter when the cold weather can sap the battery faster.
