Day 1 EV Resources

You saw the commercials, you read the news articles, and you may have even tried a test drive.  Now you've decided to buy an electric vehicle (EV), so it's time to prepare for the purchase process and all that follows.  

My name is Patrick and I have owned (or leased) three electric vehicles so far.  My first was the Nissan LEAF, which I purchased in 2011 and owned for six years.  In 2018, I Ieased a Chevrolet Bolt for three years. And in 2021, I purchased a Tesla Model 3.  In addition to driving these amazing cars, I have volunteered to promote and share information about EVs in my community and more broadly. 

My purpose with this site is to share what I wish I had known prior to owning an EV, as well as what I learned along the way. I hope it helps you prepare for a great ownership experience.  

Before the Purchase

Resources to learn more about your car: 

Online User Groups 

EV owners are usually very engaged, happy to share helpful content and exited to welcome new people to discussion forums.  As a group, they like to learn from each other and discuss items such as delivery dates, potential accessories to purchase, problems encountered, get togethers, etc.  Find an online user forum for your new vehicle with a quick Google search--examples include "Mach E forum" or "Model 3 forum".  Most of these forums do not require you to create a user account for access, but you may wish to create one to engage more fully in these discussions.   

Charging

Charging the battery in your new EV is fairly straightforward. Like charging your mobile phone, it will quickly become your "new normal."  Instead of gas stations, you will be using charging stations while traveling or at home. Let's look at each of these. 

Home Charging 

110 volt charging 

Most EVs come with a basic charging kit for charging from a home outlet.  This kit is usually located in the trunk when you pick up the car from the dealer/agent/etc.   Check to make sure you have a basic 110v supported charging cord.   Home charging for many people is as simple as plugging into a standard 110v three-prong outlet.  This method of charging is commonly called 'Level 1' or 'trickle' charging because it's a slower method.  If you do not drive long distances each day or use the car every day, then this method may be all you need.    

220 volt  charging

Ideally, your new charging kit will also have a charging cable that supports charging from a 220v source.  This is quite helpful and will allow you to charge from an existing 220v outlet at your house/apartment or while on trips.  These sorts of chargers will usually support plug changes, too.   For instance, Tesla sells this kit - https://shop.tesla.com/product/nema-adapter-bundle that covers a wide range of common plugs used today in North America.  If the automaker does not supply optional plugs and accessories for charging, you may find solutions on sites such as EVSE Adapters.  

Home EVSE installed 

Many EV owners find the most convenient and effective charging is done via dedicated Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE).  Cost wise, home installation of an EVSE may just be the cost of the charger if you have a pre-existing DEDICATED 220v outlet near where you park your car. However, this will typically require an electrician to visit and install a dedicated circuit for this purpose.  

I suggest having the electrician install a 50 or 60 AMP circuit if your budget and wiring will allow.  The idea is to maximize the charging capabilities of your home charger to allow for future equipment upgrades with as little cost as possible.  Back in 2011 when I received my Nissan LEAF, I had a 30 AMP circuit installed. This was plenty for the  small 24 kWh battery of that original LEAF. But when I changed to the Bolt (in 2018) and then eventually the Model 3 (in 2021), it would have been nice to have faster home charging than the circuit allowed. Note, however, that in almost every scenario, I am still able to fully charge my Model 3 using overnight charging with this 220v/30 Amp circuit.   

As for purchasing and installing a home EVSE, here is a helpful list of equipment manufacturers with filters to select from.  You do not need this installed before driving your vehicle home for the first time. But you will find it easier and more convenient to use your new car by charging with a home EVSE, especially if you plan to drive frequently. 

Connectors/Adaptors

In all instances for installing a home charger, I would opt for a J1772 connector installation.   Even if you own a Tesla,  the standard connection used for 220v charging in North America is a J1772 connector.  I use an adapter with my Tesla for all my home charging and find it easy and fast to use.  (For future Tesla owners, your car will even come with a free J1772 adapter.)  Some Tesla owners opt for a Tesla EVSE with a Tesla connector; however,  I direct friends to purchase a non-Tesla connector should they ever change cars or sell their home with this as a feature.  

Charging while Away from Home

Charging away from home may be done with the previously mentioned J1772 adapter at Level 2 charging locations that are found widely in North America.  These level 2 charging stations are often located near public parks, tourist locations, restaurants or hotels.  These are typically setup as 30 to 50 AMP charging stations and may be free or have a cost to use.  (See "Networks" below for more about how to find these charging stations.)

Fast Charging (often called DC or Level 3 charging)

Fast charging is the type of charging that most manufacturers are talking about when they refer to "charging to x percent in 30 minutes" or something like that.  Fast charging is when the charging method utilizes Direct Current (as opposed to AC current) to enable the battery of the car to be recharged faster (no conversion to do) and with much higher current.  

There are three plug types in North America to support fast charging at public charging locations.  These are: 

1)  NACS - The Tesla connector found at Tesla Supercharger locations and supported by a few other companies (EVgo supports Tesla fast charging at several of their locations).  This NACS, North American Charging Standard, is quickly becoming the default standard charging method for all automobile manufacturers in North America.  Expect for any vehicle purchased after 2025 to include this connector. 

2) The CCS Connector type 1 with the J1772 plug plus two additional high voltage connectors that are added to the bottom of this connector.  This connector is the one found on most EVs found in North America that support fast charging. If you are planning to purchase any vehicle other than a Tesla, I suggest you verify this type is going to be included on your car.  (If you are purchasing a car in Europe or most of the rest of the world, then you will use a CCS Connector type 2, which looks nearly the same but the circle of the J1772 portion of the connector appears to have had a top slice cut off of it making it flat up top.)  

3) If you are purchasing a used Nissan LEAF or older Mitsuibishi i-miev (no longer made), then you may have a CHAdeMO connector.  This connector is no longer targeted to be installed or used by new cars (even Nissan) in North America; however, the large number of Nissan LEAF vehicles sold over the last 10 years means we will still see support for the connector for years to come.  

Networks

Before purchasing your car, you may want to investigate the charging infrastructure on the roads and highways that you use frequently.  For instance, I often travel between Seattle, Washington and Salem, Oregon.  This route on Interstate 5 has several convenient locations to recharge my car using the Electrify America charging network.  

To determine which networks of charging stations will be most useful to you,  check the PlugShare.com site. You will need to create an account and provide your vehicle manufacturer and type in order to filter the networks/locations to just the ones that support your vehicle.  Once you have done this, I suggest creating accounts for the networks that you think you may use the most.  As things stand today, Electrify America and EVgo are the biggest networks--but again please check the PlugShare site and filter locations for your specific car.  Typically, these companies do not require you to sign up for a monthly subscription; however, you will need an account on file to be able to charge at most of their locations.  

One note: If you own a Tesla, your car will typically be configured to allow for a period of free charging at Tesla Superchargers. After that, you will need to pay for your EV charges with the associated credit card on file in your Tesla account.  

Using a Charging Location

First, let's cover the easiest charging experience, which is offered by Tesla.  Finding a Tesla Supercharging location is built right into the intuitive navigation system of the car.  When you arrive at a supercharger location, just back your car in (all Teslas charge from near the rear of the car) and plug in.  The car "authenticates" itself automatically and charging is initiated.  On rare occasions, a supercharger may not function or be out of order.  If this is the case, people typically hang the charging cable over the top of the charger to indicate it's not working....the light on the individual charging unit may also be off. 

As for charging with a CCS or CHAdeMO connector,  these networks have not supported authentication by just plugging in until recently.  Keep up to date on this technology by querying Plug & Charge related to your car.  Instead, you will need to authenticate using a card, token or app that you have received after signing up for the network service, such as ChargePoint.  Some of the chargers allow you to initiate a charge session with a credit card, but I have often found this to be an unreliable source to initiate a charge. Thus, I highly recommend pre-registering your account before your first trip using a fast charger.  

Planning trips

Today's EVs are capable of long-distance trips...just as easy and definitely more cost effective than gas-powered vehicles. For instance, I have travelled from Seattle to Ohio in three days and two nights (which is more driving than anyone would usually want to do in any sort of vehicle =), but my point is it's definitely possible!  

Of course, there are trade offs and benefits to driving long trips with EVs.  The obvious areas of concern are related to locations for chargers along your route and the range of your car between chargers.  Here, too, companies have stepped up with helpful resources.  The site https://abetterrouteplanner.com/ is a great option for plotting trips ahead of time to determine charge locations and routes that will give you confidence in planning your trip.  

Note: Some hotels now offer free vehicle charging for staying at their location.  The best way to find these is to use the PlugShare application, determine a city/town that you may want to stop each night of your trip, and then search for nearby hotels that offer charging.  The hotel parking spots for charging are typically dedicated just for EVs and allow you to charge overnight at 220v --Level 2 charging--for free.  One side benefit is that this parking is often near the entrance of the hotel or monitored with cameras to verify the spots are used by hotel visitors. This may provide you with a sense of an extra level of security.

For Tesla owners, chargers co-located at hotels are called "destination chargers" and they are often found at 3-star or above hotels.  

You won't find hotels offering free gasoline, so this is a definite benefit to being an owner of an EV. But don't expect the hotel staff to know or even care about these chargers.  They are typically installed during the build phase and the staff have little knowledge about them.  

Charging etiquette

When using charging locations at hotels (or anywhere for that matter), monitor your charge level. Once your car is full or you have all the charge you need for your travels, please move your car to a different parking spot as soon as possible.  I have found on recent road trips that these convenient charge locations are almost always full as the evening wears on. Be mindful, for example, if you are driving away from the hotel for dinner because free charging may not be available when you return (i.e., all the spots full).  

EV owners are sharing the charging infrastructure, so your efforts to make the chargers available as quickly as possible are appreciated by all.  Thank you!

Additional Tips

ICE'ng 

You may hear the ICE acronym from other EV drivers but what does it mean?  ICE'ng relates to drivers of internal combustion engines (i.e., gas) who park in dedicated EV charging location spots.  Unfortunately, some people still have hostile attitudes about EVs.  I urge you to avoid confrontations with these individuals.  

If you encounter a situation like this, I suggest finding another charging solution.  Please don't engage in scolding or conflict behaviors as it won't change opinions and may be misinterpreted.  If you wish, you could leave a friendly note informing the individual that the parking spot is used by EV owners to recharge and that they probably didn't see the signs, chargers, etc. But, again safety first!

In fact, I think these encounters will likely disappear as more and more EVs become the norm.  With the advent of the F150 Lightning Pickup and Tesla Cybertruck, the EV buying public is shifting--consisting of people across the political spectrum who are all interested in the same benefits of driving electric--reduced costs, improved (and fun) performance, and higher reliability. 

Learn more and share 

I have been an active member of Plug In America for several years and a social media organizer for National Drive Electric Week.  Check out these sites to learn more about EVs, share your interest  in EVs with others, and contribute to the organizations that have been advocating for EV legislation for years.  

There are many more things to learn about driving an EV but this should help you get started on your journey.  Let me know if you have questions that I haven't answered.  Any suggestions for improvements that I can make here are also welcome.  

EV Glossary 

https://www.electrifyamerica.com/glossary/

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