Resources for EV Charging
Charge at Your Workplace
Besides your home, the next most logical and convenient place to charge your EV is at your workplace. If your workplace doesn’t currently offer a dedicated place to charge, it can be beneficial to discuss the possibility of adding one with your employer. Adding a charging station can be a great way to attract new employees or attract visitors to the neighborhood. Some manufacturers install charging stations for free following approval of the location while others will contribute partial funding.If you work a conventional 8-hour shift, Level 1 charging can add about 30 minutes of range during the workday. Better still, Level 2 stations create the potential to fully charge your vehicle while you’re working. The best part is that depending on the station type and location, the charging costs are free instead of being tacked onto your home electrical bill.
Public Fast-Charging Stations
Rapidly growing by the day, the nationwide network of public fast-charging stations means that you’re never far from a place to charge up quickly. DC fast-charging, often known as Level 3 charging, can add anywhere between 50 to 150 miles of range in as little as 30 minutes. While some stations are free to use or access is included from your vehicle’s manufacturer, many require an account with the specific network. Availability may also vary depending on peak hours and demand in the station’s location. Regardless, public fast-charging stations are the perfect way to charge quickly while you enjoy a meal at a restaurant, take care of some shopping, or visit a museum.Combine Your Resources, Plan Accordingly, and Stay Flexible
The most effective solution to staying on top of your vehicle’s charge is to take advantage of all the charging solutions you have available. Whether that means using some Level 1 charging with workplace and public charging stations along with your home station — you should never run into any kind of range issues. Most brands also include smartphone apps for tracking and monitoring your charge status, helping you schedule times to charge and stay informed. As EVs continue to grow in popularity, access to charging stations of all types will continue to become easier and more convenient.