Q&As about Electric Vehicle Charging

Electric vehicles (EVs) are increasingly becoming a part of our work and daily lives. Some owners may have concerns about using EVs. Here, we compile some common Q&As about electric vehicle charging for reference and discussion.

Q1: Can you use the air conditioner while charging?

A: Yes. Some vehicles require the system to be turned off before charging and restarted after charging begins. Newer models allow continuous use without needing to shut down the system.

Q2: Does using the air conditioner while charging affect the battery?

A: It doesn’t affect the battery but does slow down the charging speed. The air conditioner and battery operate in parallel, with a small portion of power going to the air conditioner and most going to charge the battery. As shown in the power distribution data, using the air conditioner has a minor impact on fast charging but a significant impact on slow charging.

Q3: Can you charge in rain, snow, or during a thunderstorm?

A: Yes. Ensure the connector is free of water or debris before plugging in. The connector is waterproof once plugged in, making it safe to charge in rain or snow. EV Charging stations, EV chargers, lines, and cars are designed to be lightning-resistant, making it safe to charge during a thunderstorm. For safety, personnel should remain indoors.

Q4: Can you sleep in the car while charging?

A: It is advised not to sleep in the car while charging. Due to current battery technology, it’s safe to stay active inside the car but not to sleep. According to national standards, the battery won’t catch fire or explode within 5 minutes after thermal runaway, allowing enough time to leave the vehicle.

Q5: At what battery level should you charge the car?

A: Ideally, keep the battery level between 20% and 80%. Charge when the level drops below 20%. If home charging is available, charge as needed; slow charging does not harm the battery. An EV is a tool—use it as needed, and even if the charge drops to 0%, it won’t cause visible damage.

Q6: To what level should you charge the battery?

A: Slow charging can be done to any level, preferably to full. Fast charging should be limited to 80%; some fast chargers stop automatically at about 95% to prevent overcharging. Keeping the battery at a low level for a long time can reduce its lifespan. If the car is unused for an extended period (over 3 months), charge it to 80% and check it monthly.

Q7: What are the different charging methods for EVs?

A: EV charging methods include fast charging, slow charging, battery swapping, wireless charging, and mobile charging.

Q8: Does frequent fast charging harm the battery?

A: Yes, frequent fast charging compared to slow charging can harm the battery, accelerating the polarization of battery cells and leading to lithium plating. This reduces lithium ions and battery capacity, impacting battery lifespan.

Q9: What should you do after fast charging? How to choose between fast and slow charging?

A: Except for lithium iron phosphate batteries, let the battery rest briefly after fast charging to allow lithium metal to revert to lithium ions, restoring normal temperature. Frequent fast charging reduces the battery’s ability to recover. Use slow charging for daily needs and fast charging for emergencies. A weekly slow charge can help maintain battery health.

Q10: What are wireless charging and mobile charging?

A: Wireless charging involves charging through embedded wireless charging pads in parking spaces and roads without cables. Mobile charging extends this concept, allowing charging while driving on certain roads equipped with charging systems, eliminating the need for charging stations.

Q11: What if the EV doesn’t charge?

A: EV charging involves six steps: physical connection, low-voltage auxiliary power, charging handshake, parameter setup, charging, and stopping. If charging fails or stops, the charger will display error codes that can be looked up online. For efficiency, contact the charger’s customer service or staff to determine if the issue is with the car or charger, or try another charger.

Q12: What precautions should be taken when charging in the rain?

A: EV owners may worry about electric leakage during rainy conditions. Charging stations and components are waterproof to prevent accidents. EV batteries and charging ports have insulating seals. Charging in the rain is safe, but use an umbrella to keep the port and connector dry during plugging and unplugging. Avoid outdoor charging in severe weather like thunderstorms or typhoons.

Q13: What precautions should be taken if the EV is not used for a long time?

A: Maintain a battery level of 50%-80% if the EV is not used for extended periods. Avoid keeping the battery too full or too low for long durations. For cars parked for over a month, recharge slowly before use. Perform a charge-discharge cycle every 1-2 months to maintain battery performance.

Q14: Can EVs be charged overnight?

A: Yes, but ensure you use standard-compliant charging equipment. Avoid makeshift connections. The battery will stop charging automatically when full.

Q15: What should be noted when charging in the summer?

A: Avoid charging under direct sunlight in hot weather. Prefer shady and well-ventilated areas, and avoid charging immediately after driving.

Q16: What should be noted during the charging process?

A: Follow proper procedures: turn off the vehicle, insert the charger, and then start charging. After charging, stop charging before unplugging the charger.

In emergencies or special situations, use the red “emergency stop” button on the charger to stop charging before unplugging. If the charger fails to charge, check the emergency stop button. Restore it after use to allow others to charge.

Q17: What if the charging plug won’t come out?

A: Repeat normal procedures or manually unlock:

Push in and pull out again, or re-start and stop charging, or repeatedly lock/unlock the car;

For fast chargers, locate the manual release hole, remove the plug, and use a tool to unlock;

For slow chargers, find the release cord near the charging port inside the car, pull to unlock;

If unsuccessful, contact customer service for remote unlocking or technical assistance. Avoid forcefully removing the plug to prevent damage.

Q18: Which is safer, fuel vehicles or EVs?

A: Statistics show EVs have a lower probability of spontaneous combustion compared to fuel vehicles, making them generally safer. However, fuel vehicles might offer more time to escape in the event of a fire.

Q19: Do EVs or charging stations emit radiation?

A: There is electromagnetic radiation, but it has no effect on the human body.

Electromagnetic radiation is ubiquitous; the Earth itself is a giant electromagnetic field. Sunlight and all household appliances emit electromagnetic radiation. As long as the intensity is below a certain level, it is harmless to humans. Currently, charging stations on the market are manufactured strictly according to national standards, and their electromagnetic radiation levels fully comply with these standards.

The country has stringent standards for electromagnetic radiation from various devices. Test data show that the electromagnetic radiation intensity of electric vehicles is lower than that of commonly used smartphones.

Only high-intensity electromagnetic radiation and ultra-high-frequency ionizing radiation are harmful to humans. It is necessary to maintain distance to avoid excessive exposure, such as from TV transmission towers, large substations, and X-ray equipment in hospitals.