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Park only to recharge
Optimising the use of charging stations for electric vehicles is crucial, not only to maximise the efficiency of the network, but also to respect other users. It is important to park at a charging point only to recharge your vehicle. Once you've finished charging, it's a good idea to move it to free up the space. three good practices that we recommend you :
- Respect the maximum recommended charging time and do not occupy a charging point for longer than necessary.
- Select a charging point with the right power for your vehicle's charging capacity.
- If you are a company, don't hesitate to put in place policies for sharing terminals (reservation system, user charter) between users to guarantee access for all your employees.
Quickly remove your electric vehicle once charged
Removing your electric vehicle from the charging point as soon as it is fully charged not only protects the health of the environment, but also the environment itself. battery of your vehicle by avoiding overcharging, but it also frees up the bollard for other users who need it even more. So it's a good idea to :
- Monitor charging time and disconnect the electric vehicle when charging is complete (many chargers have timer functions).
- Charge the vehicle during off-peak hours (10 p.m. to 6 a.m.) to benefit from reduced electricity rates and reduce the load on the electricity network.
- Keep therecharging infrastructure by cleaning up its waste and reporting any malfunctions.
Make way for other users
Leaving space for other users after recharging is not only a question of respect, but also ensures an optimal recharging experience for everyone. Charging points must be accessible and meet everyone's needs fairly. This includes prioritising the installation of charging points in areas of high residential density and urban neighbourhoods where residents and visitors frequent regularly.
Finally, the efficient sharing of charging points can be regulated by clear policies and management systems, such as mobile applications that display the availability of charging points in real time. These tools enable users to plan their charging and avoid conflicts of use.
Use terminals with the right power for your electric car
To recharge your electric vehicle efficiently, it's essential to choose a charging point that's suited to your vehicle's capacity. There are different charging levels, and it's important to select the most appropriate one for your vehicle:
- Level 1 (120 V) : This is the slowest charge, using a standard 120-volt socket. Ideal for overnight charging at home, it is suitable for light electric vehicles or plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) that do not require fast charging. For example, a PHEV can be fully recharged in 5 to 6 hours.
- Level 2 (240 V) : Offers faster charging at 240 volts, typical of domestic and public installations. This level can recharge a light electric vehicle from zero to full charge in 4 to 10 hours, which is practical for everyday use or recharging while at work. For example, a vehicle with a battery of 480 km ofautonomy can be fully recharged in around 6 to 8 hours.
- DC fast charge This level uses high voltages for ultra-fast charging, ideal for long-distance journeys where time is a critical factor. For example, some models like theHyundai Ioniq 5 can be recharged from 22 % to 80 % in around 16 minutes.
It's crucial to select a charging point that matches not only the battery capacity of your electric car, but also your driving habits. If you mainly use your car for short daily journeys, a Level 2 charging point might be sufficient. However, for longer journeys requiring rapid recharging, a Level 3 terminal would be more appropriate.
Indicate the estimated end of recharge time
When using electric vehicle charging points, it is essential to indicate the estimated end time of charging, so that other drivers know when a point is available. Certain key steps are necessary.
Calculate the time at which your recharge will end
There are two main factors you need to take into account when estimating the correct time to finish charging: the capacity of your vehicle's battery and the power of the charging point you're using.
- Calculating recharging time: Charge required (kWh) / Terminal power (kW) = Hours required for recharging.
Example: If a Tesla Model 3 with an 80 kWh battery charged at a Level 2 terminal supplying 7.68 kW and the car needs 60 % of additional charging, the calculation will be :
- Load required = 80 kWh x 60 % = 48 kWh
- Recharge time = 48 kWh / 7.68 kW ≈ 6.25 hours.
- Indicate your charging time on the charging point or the application: these allow you to enter and display the estimated time at which you will finish charging. This allows subsequent users to plan their recharging or choose another terminal if necessary.
Our tips for better top-up management
Since factors such as temperature and battery condition can affect the speed of recharging, we recommend that you allow a margin when calculating the recharging time to avoid any inconvenience. You can also use dedicated electric car applications to help you monitor and adjust your recharge time according to the power available and your expected consumption.
Avoid recharging at public charging points if you can recharge at home
Charging at home is cheaper than using public charging stations. Residential electricity rates are lower than those charged by public charging stations, and you avoid the extra service charges that may apply at some public sites.
What's more, recharging at home offers a level of comfort you can only find at home. You can charge your vehicle overnight or at any time that suits you, without having to search for an available charging point. No more hassle of having to plan around the locations of charging stations and, above all, of having to cope with queues at public charging points, or full or broken-down charging stations.
Finally, an important point to consider is that frequent use of public fast chargers can accelerate the degradation of your vehicle's battery. While fast chargers are handy for long journeys, for everyday use it's best to stick to a slower, more regular charge at home, which can help prolong the health and longevity of your vehicle's battery.
So remember, if you have the option of charging your electric vehicle at home, it can offer you advantages in terms of cost, practical and battery life. However, installing and maintaining a home charging point is an investment, but one that often pays off in the long term.
Keep charging points in good condition
There are a number of things you should do to ensure that your charging points work properly.
- Use charging cables and connectors with care, avoid pulling on the cables to disconnect them and make sure you follow the instructions.
- Report problems promptly (e.g. damaged cable, obvious leak, system malfunction) to the station operator or use the support functions.
- Keep the area around the charging points clean and free of debris, don't leave any rubbish, and if possible, clean up any small dirt.
- Follow the instructions provided by the charging point, including recommendations for parking and charging time.
- Avoid using fast-charging stations for frequent full charges if your vehicle supports lower-level charging.
If you would like to find out more about the tax credit for in-car charging points 2024For more information, see our article on this subject.
Also read → How do I find a free charging point?
