How to Safely Charge Your Electric Car?

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If you are wondering if it's safe to charge your electric car, the answer is always yes. Even though electric cars today are designed to avoid all kinds of risks by manufacturers, you still need to be careful about your charging habits. So what exactly constitutes dangerous charging? And how can you charge your electric vehicle safely? This article will introduce you to how to charge your electric cars safely at home.

Charging incorrectly can be dangerous
  • Many electric vehicle drivers charge their EVs (or plug-in hybrid) with extension cords that just are not suitable for EV charging. Some owners even connect several extension leads together to cover long distances. Others use indoor extension leads outdoors.
  • Charging your EV using a domestic socket can still be dangerous. There's a possibility that your home's power outlet can be overheating. This is especially true for houses with older electrical installations. 
  • Exposing the battery to extreme temperatures (both hot and cold) for extended periods can degrade the battery's health over time. Similarly, exposing the battery to high levels of charge (e.g. charging to 100% capacity frequently) can also impact its overall lifespan.
Tips for charging your eletric cars
  • If you are planning to leave your EV plugged in for an extended period, you need to set a charger limit, park the car in a cool and dry environment to prevent overheating, and enable storage mode.
  • If you're seeking a safer charging option than using a standard domestic socket, then using a reinforced type socket is just that. However, it is important to note that you must first fit your outlet with a suitable circuit breaker. 
  • Find a shady spot when parking on a hot day. This will prevent your electric cars from overheating.
  • Hire a professional electrician if you need to install a wall box. They will probably need to check your preferred location for fitting and your home's electrical circuitry before going ahead.

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