The adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) is growing at a rapid pace with over 1.1 million fully electric cars now on UK roads. Electric vehicles differ significantly from their ICE counterparts, so it’s important that drivers fully understand the new technology so they can get the most out of their EV.
This guide highlights everything you need to know about EV charging, including figuring out the best charging times and top safety tips. Whether you primarily charge at home or rely on public charge points, following these best practices will help you make the most of your electric vehicle.
1. Routine charging habits
Adopting routine charging habits is the best practice for electric vehicle (EV) owners as it enhances battery life, ensures optimal performance, and reduces range anxiety.
Regular charging, preferably overnight when electricity demand is low, can ensure the battery stays within its optimal state of charge (SOC). This is typically between 20% and 80%. By staying within this range whenever possible and avoiding deep discharges, you can extend the lifespan of your battery.
Routine charging also ensures that the EV always has sufficient range for daily commutes, reducing the risk of “range anxiety”.
Find out more about how to charge electric vehicles with our guide.
2. Stick to the best charging times
To reduce your EV operating costs, you should stick to charging during off-peak hours, where possible. Electricity rates are usually lower between 10pm and 8am due to reduced demand. By recharging your vehicle overnight, you’ll save money and ensure your vehicle is charged and ready for the day ahead.
Smart charging apps or timers can be useful to schedule charging sessions at the most cost-efficient times.
3. Avoid overcharging
Regularly recharging your EV to 100% can cause long-term damage and impact the efficiency of your vehicle. This is because lithium-ion batteries can degrade faster when they are consistently charged to their maximum capacity.
Home chargers and public charge points will usually stop automatically when you reach 80% charge, so there’s less for you to worry about. Some newer electric vehicles also have a setting which allows you to choose a max charge level, ensuring your EV maintains the optimal SOC.
4. Temperature considerations
Changes in temperature can impact the efficiency of your electric vehicle. Whilst this can’t always be avoided, particularly in chilly Britain, it’s an important consideration for EV drivers when they’re looking to recharge.
EV batteries rely on chemical reactions to generate power, and these reactions slow down in cold temperatures, reducing the battery's performance and efficiency. This can lead to a decrease in range, as the vehicle may not be able to travel as far on a single charge.
Drivers often rely on heating systems during colder weather which can use a significant amount of power and reduce the driving range of your EV further. Charging times can also be longer in colder temperatures, so you should factor this into your schedule.
On the other hand, extreme heat can be just as damaging to your electric vehicle. High temperatures can cause an EV battery to overheat, which might lead to a slower charging process as the vehicle attempts to protect the battery from damage. Furthermore, excessive heat can degrade the battery over time, shrinking its overall capacity and reducing your vehicle's range.
To reduce the impact of extreme temperatures on your EV, you should:
- Precondition your EV
- Park in the shade
- Charge during off-peak hours
- Monitor your battery
- Keep your SOC between 20-80%
5. Slow vs. fast charging
For fast charging, you can use public charge points which can recharge your EV to 80% in just 30 minutes. Although these are a convenient option, their high speeds can overheat your EV battery causing its capabilities to deteriorate over time.
To maintain optimal battery health, you should instead use slow, level 1 chargers. These can be installed at your home, allowing you to charge overnight, and are much cheaper to use than public charge points.
EV safety tips
Understanding how to maximise efficiency and performance is important, but the safety of yourself and other road users should be your priority. Here are some top safety tips all EV drivers should follow:
- Regular maintenance – ensuring your EV is in good working condition by conducting regular checks of your tyres, brakes, and electrical systems. Electric vehicles require specialist servicing and maintenance and this should be conducted just as frequently as their ICE counterparts.
- Use certified charging equipment – always use certified charging equipment as this has been tested to ensure it meets safety standards. Make sure your charging station is installed by a certified electrician, so you know the equipment is safe to use.
- Regular inspections of charging ports and cables – check the condition of your EV charging equipment on a regular basis and avoid using damaged or frayed cables.
- Protect your EV in the rain – EV chargers are designed to be completely waterproof, so you can use them and recharge safely in all weathers, including the rain. However, you should take care with extension leads, making sure they’re waterproof and suitable for outdoor use. If the internal components of the EV charger get wet, then you need to act quickly and turn off the electricity supply to prevent the risk of an electric shock.
- Be prepared for emergencies – it’s sensible to keep an emergency kit in your EV at all times, so you’re prepared for anything. You should always make a note of the nearest charging stations on your route in case you run out of charge unexpectedly.
Maximising battery life
Maintaining the longevity and efficiency of your EV battery is crucial to your vehicle's performance. Here are some practical tips to help maximise your EV’s battery life.
- Regularly update software and battery management systems
- Avoid deep discharges
- Keep your charge level between 20-80%
- Drive efficiently using eco-mode
- Limit the use of fast chargers
- Use regenerative braking
Adjusting to a new vehicle always takes time, but for drivers switching to electric, there’s so much more that you need to consider. A combination of good habits and strategic use can prolong the life of your vehicle’s battery and ensure you’re maximising efficiency and cost-effectiveness. If you want to save even more money, you could also consider using one of our EV charge cards.
Discover our EV guides for more information or compare our range of fuel cards.
 | Matt DoddsWith over 14 years of experience across two of the leading fuel card companies in the UK, Matt Dodds joined RFC Edenred to help lead the development of products to support our customer's move to EV and other alternative fuels, a transition he feels passionately about. |
