Educating Drivers on Efficient Home Charging Practices

As of 2022, there were almost 20,000 private electric vehicle chargers in the United States. This number grows along with the increase in electric vehicles (EVs) themselves. While many EV drivers cry out for more public chargers, 80% of charging is actually done at home. So, making your home charger more efficient should be your top priority.

Bluedot is a driving force in connecting EV drivers with charging points, but we’re also here to support drivers in caring for their vehicles. Whether you’re tracking your Fleet’s home charging through the Bluedot app or simply want to maximize your battery life, here’s how.

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6 Ways to Charge Better at Home

According to the NREL, in Q3 of 2023, there was an 8.4% rise in the number of public charging ports and a 2.8% increase in private ports. This reflects a growing complexity in charging. If you want to maximize the efficiency of charging at home, these six tips will help.

1. Avoid Overcharging

Overcharging your EV’s battery can degrade it. This may lead to decreased capacity, which means your car is less efficient. Many modern EVs have systems in place to prevent this, including the possibility to set your own “charging maximum” on the vehicle’s dashboard. Ideally, you should try to avoid charging your battery over 80% where possible.

However, it’s still important to unplug your EV after it is fully charged.

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2. Prevent Deep Discharge

‘Deep discharge’ refers to your battery running very low. Ideally, you should charge your EV when it hits 20-30% battery level instead of letting it run out. This might require some careful planning, but it’s worth it to protect your battery!

3. Pay Attention to Temperature

Temperature is crucial for EV batteries. Hot temperatures can shorten the lifespan through thermal stress, while low temperatures can reduce the battery’s ability to provide power effectively. 

Try to avoid extreme temperatures by parking (and charging) your EV out of direct sunlight and keeping it in a garage during cold weather. You can also warm up the battery using pre-conditioning features before charging. 

4. Look After Plugs and Cables

Your plugs and cables, like your battery, are also susceptible to wear and tear. Make sure you regularly inspect your car’s components to ensure they’re running smoothly and free of dirt and debris. Not only does this lead to better charging, but it’s also important for safety.

5. Use the Battery Management System (BMS)

Modern EVs have battery management systems, which exist to protect your battery. They prevent over- and undercharging, monitor temperature and voltage levels, and more.

So, instead of attempting to micromanage the charging process, learn to rely on the BMS.

6. Know When to Charge

Try charging your vehicle during off-peak hours, between 11:00 p.m. and 7:00 a.m. on weekdays, then all day on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. It can be more efficient to charge your vehicle during these hours, since fewer people are using the electricity grid. Plus, it can be cheaper, with may localities offering discounted prices for electricity during off-peak hours.

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But What About When You’re Out and About?

If you need a way to navigate the challenges of both home charging and charging while out, Bluedot is the answer. With the nation’s largest EV charging payment network coverage, you get unparalleled accessibility to charging points wherever you are.

With Bluedot for Fleets, track your home charging statistics, from kWh delivered to charging costs. For fleet managers, Bluedot makes it easy to access everything in one simple dashboard.  If you are interested in learning more about how to simplify reimbursement with IRS compliant receipts for your drivers, connect with us at partnerships@thebluedot.co.

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