How to Charge Your Hyundai Electric Car

Electric vehicles (EVs) are booming, and for good reason. They’re cost-effective, high-tech, and good for the environment. Hyundai hasn’t hesitated in growing its EV portfolio, with the IONIQ 5 and the KONA leading the pack as of late. Thanks to these ever-advancing EVs, the demand for charging stations increases with each passing day. But how do you use a charging station? Today, we’ll take a look at the types of charging available for Hyundai EVs and walk you through how to charge them. We’ll also let you know about some of the best practices to keep in mind.

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The Three Types of Charging for Hyundai EVs

There are three levels of charging for any EV — Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast charging (Level 3). In general, Level 1 is the most accessible level, as every EV comes with a 120-volt cable to charge with that plugs into a regular wall outlet. However, Level 1 is also the slowest charge level. Unless you plan on exclusively charging your vehicle overnight (and sometimes even for days), you might prefer to go for a Level 2 charger, which is easy to install at home and is the most frequently available at public charging stations.

If you want the fastest possible charge, a DC fast charger is the way to go. Although these are exclusively available at charging stations, they can charge your EV from empty to a nearly full battery in less than an hour. Not every EV supports DC fast charging capabilities — thankfully, all of Hyundai’s EVs do support Level 3 charging.

How To Charge a Hyundai EV

Depending on the level, chargers are available for both private homes and public settings. Although you can’t get the fastest possible charge through a home charger, a Level 2 charge is plenty fast for getting a good charge in a matter of hours. However, if you’re on the go, there are usually plenty of charging stations available while out and about. Some workplaces even have chargers in their parking lots.

Charging at Home

It’s easy to charge your EV at home. A Level 2 AC charger is straightforward to install and use, and it can charge your battery to full capacity in less than ten hours. It is a great option for letting your vehicle charge overnight and finding it ready to go in the morning. While it’s a slower charge, every EV comes with a Level 1 charging cable that plugs into a regular wall outlet, which makes it an extremely accessible option.

Charging at Public Charging Stations

Public charging stations are becoming more and more prevalent, especially in larger cities. From dealerships to grocery stores to parking garages, you can usually find a charging station near you wherever you may be. These are great for travel and running errands, and you can rest easy knowing you won’t be stranded with a dead battery. Plus, public charging stations are available at faster levels than home chargers, such as the DC fast charger.

Although most stations cost a few bucks to use, many are available for free, such as ChargePoint stations. Google Maps displays plenty of charging stations to route to, and you can also use ChargeFinder.com for more EV-specific information.

Best Practices for Charging a Hyundai EV

Although EVs are a great technological advancement in the auto market, their newness often makes them a bit more mysterious and intimidating to the average driver. Here are some tips you should definitely keep in mind as an EV owner when it comes to charging, from maintaining your battery’s health to planning ahead on long drives.

Maintaining Battery Health and Preventing Deterioration

As with any battery, your EV’s battery will deteriorate over time. That’s why it’s important to keep your battery health in mind and follow some best practices when it comes to charging up. The general rule is that the higher the charging level, the faster it can deteriorate your battery, so it’s important not to use DC fast chargers too frequently. Additionally, your battery will charge faster while it’s warm, so try to plug your vehicle in as soon as you arrive at your destination rather than charging it after it’s cooled down,

In addition, avoid letting your battery become depleted often. Try to keep your battery’s charge over 20%, and don’t leave it sitting on empty for too long.

Planning Ahead for Long Trips

Compared to the frequency of gas stations, many fear encountering a situation where your EV runs low on power and there isn’t a charging station in sight. If you know you’ll need a mid-trip top-up, one way to help ease your anxiety is by finding charging stations on your route in advance of your drive, if possible. Keep your chosen charging stations in mind throughout your drive, marking them as stops on your trip well before you think you’ll need them so you don’t find yourself in a sticky situation with a dead battery.

Shop Electric Vehicles at Allen Turner Hyundai

With the rise of the EV, it’s important to educate yourself on best practices for charging and for battery health, even if you haven’t already become an EV owner yourself. As long as you slot charging time into your daily routine and for long trips, you should find yourself impressed by the convenience and cost-effectiveness that EVs provide as opposed to gas-powered vehicles.

If you’re looking for an EV of your own and you’re located in Pensacola, Florida, or the surrounding area, be sure to visit us here at Allen Turner Hyundai. Not only do we offer the latest and greatest in Hyundai EVs and hybrid vehicles, but we also provide a vast inventory of other brand-new and high-quality pre-owned vehicles to choose from.

For any questions or inquiries, feel free to call us at 850-905-5313 or contact us via our website, and our friendly team would love to guide you toward what you need. We can’t wait to help you get behind the wheel and on the road.

Image by Sophie Jonas is licensed with Unsplash License