FAQs For Automotive Dealerships Educating New EV Owners
Making the switch from gas to electric vehicles (EVs) can feel like a daunting task for many. There is a lot to learn about EV technology and charging best practices. We are here to break down some of the most common questions new EV owners have about their vehicles so you can help them feel ready for their new ride.
How do I charge my electric vehicle (EV)?
There are a variety of ways to charge an electric vehicle (EV). You can charge at home, public charging stations, or on the go.
For at-home EV charging, you can use a Level 1 or Level 2 home charger. Level 1 EV chargers come with most electric cars and are plugged directly into a standard wall outlet. With faster charging speeds, Level 2 chargers are a common upgrade that occasionally requires electrical upgrades. Level 2 chargers use a 220V outlet, the same type of outlet where you plug in your dryer.
Public charging stations are also available for EV owners. Public EV chargers are typically Level 2 or Level 3 (DC fast chargers). While they are faster, you should not rely solely on fixed public charging stations because they can experience frequent downtime due to vandalism or servicing.
Recent innovations have given electric car owners more flexibility with EV charging by offering mobile charging services. SparkCharge is leading the way in EV charging delivery with their app SparkCharge Mobile. EV owners in SparkCharge service areas can order DC fast charging delivered to their vehicle at any location when it is needed. This provides EV owners with reliable and accessible EV charging.How long does it take to charge an EV?
The amount of time it takes to charge depends on several factors such as vehicle battery capacity, state of charge, and level of EV charger.
The capacity of an electric vehicle battery plays a crucial role in determining the charge speed. EVs with larger battery capacities can handle faster charging speeds. For example, a Ford Mustang Mach-E can accept charging speeds of up to 107 kW but a Chevrolet Bolt can only accept up to 50 kW. This means that the Mach-E can accept faster charging speeds.
The state of charge (SOC) of your vehicle when you start charging also affects your charge time. The more full your EV battery is, the slower the charge speed is.
The level of charging station you choose also determines the time it takes to charge an EV.
Level 1 EV Chargers
Level 1 EV chargers come with most EVs and plug directly into a 120V wall outlet. To charge from 20% to 80% it can take 40-50 hours. Level 1 chargers use a J1772 charge port to plug into vehicles.
Level 2 EV Chargers
Level 2 chargers typically require an electrical upgrade because they need 240V to deliver faster speeds. These chargers are common for home charging and public charging stations. They also use a J1772 plug. It can take between 4-10 hours to charge depending on battery capacity and output energy.
Level 3 Charging Stations
Level 3 (DCFC) is unavailable for home charging due to the amount of construction and electrical upgrades needed. These are only available for EV owners through public charging stations. This is the fastest level of charger available and uses a CCS, CHAdeMO, or NACS cable for charging. These chargers can deliver fast charging speeds to charge a car up to 80% in about 30 minutes.
What is the range of my electric car?
The range of your electric vehicle can be found on the dashboard in your vehicle. Typically found in the spot where your fuel level would be. Every electric vehicle will have a different range, so it is important to understand how much range your vehicle has for planning routes and charging.
4. Can I use a regular wall outlet to charge my electric car?
You can use a regular wall outlet to charge your vehicle. That would be a Level 1 charger. Level 1 chargers are great to keep in your vehicle in case of emergency.
5. What is regenerative braking and how does it work?
Regenerative braking, aka one-pedal driving, is when you release your foot from the gas your car will begin to slow down and store energy. It is a feature that most electric cars have to help extend the range of your vehicle. Some models allow you to toggle it on and off if you do not like it.
6. How often do I need to service my vehicle?
EVs require less maintenance than internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles because they have less moving parts. It is recommended that you take your EV in twice a year to be serviced and have the tires rotated.
7. What happens if I run out of charge on the road?
If you run out of range on the road, you’ll need to call your roadside provider. It is important to let them know that you drive an electric vehicle and will need a flatbed tow truck. Some roadside providers, such as AAA, partner with SparkCharge to provide AAA members with mobile EV charging, delivering energy to dead EVs on the side of the road. Check with your local AAA to see if they offer roadside charging.
8. How do I maintain the health of my EV battery?
There are a few tips and tricks to help keep your EV battery running smoothly.
Minimize exposure to extreme weather conditions. Parking your car in the shade when it’s very hot out or in a garage when temperatures drop below freezing will help maintain the health of your EV’s battery. It can also help extend the range of your vehicle.
Don’t let your battery percentage drop below 20%. Not only will this prevent you from running out of range on the road, but keeping your battery above 20% helps to preserve the health of your battery.
Don’t plug your vehicle in every night. Leaving it plugged in for extended periods when your vehicle is at 100% can decrease the lifespan of your battery.
9. What is the lifespan of an electric car battery?
Electric car batteries can last as long as 20 years or cover 200,000+ miles. Just stick to regular maintenance and follow the best practices for charging and driving to make the most of your EV battery.
10. Can I tow my electric vehicle?
Towing an electric vehicle with a standard tow truck can cause damage to your vehicle. When the tires rotate it generates energy that is not being used which could damage your vehicle. It is best to use a flatbed tow truck or a roadside EV charging service.
If you think these tips would help your customers better understand their new electric vehicle, download our free FAQs one-pager below to print out and give to new EV owners at your dealerships.