Maximising Efficiency: Tips For Using Your EV Charger Effectively
Maximising Efficiency: Tips For Using Your EV Charger Effectively
Posted on 30/03/2025
Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming an increasingly popular choice for environmentally-conscious drivers in the UK, offering a cleaner and more efficient alternative to traditional petrol and diesel cars. To truly maximise the benefits of an EV, it's crucial to understand how to use your EV charger effectively as charging habits directly impact battery health, electricity costs and vehicle performance.
Using your EV charger efficiently ensures that your vehicle is always ready for use while optimising energy consumption at the same time. Charging at the right times and in the right way can help prevent unnecessary battery degradation, ensuring that your EV maintains its range and longevity over time. Whereas poor charging habits can lead to premature battery wear, reducing the overall efficiency and value of your vehicle.
It's also important to remember that electricity costs in the UK can vary depending on the time of day. Many energy providers offer off-peak tariffs, such as Economy 7 or EV-specific charging plans, which provide cheaper electricity rates when you plug in for an overnight charge. By scheduling your charging sessions during off-peak hours, you can significantly reduce your energy bills. Some providers even offer tariffs that allow you to take advantage of renewable energy when there is an abundance of solar or wind power being generated.
Finally, as the EV market grows across the UK, efficient charging habits will contribute to a more sustainable and balanced national grid. By making use of smart charging solutions and taking advantage of renewable energy sources, EV owners can play a key role in reducing overall carbon emissions and supporting the country’s transition to a greener future.
In this guide, Eco Wizard will explore the best ways to maximise your EV charger’s efficiency, ensuring you get the most out of your charging sessions while keeping costs down and promoting sustainability at the same time.
Choose The Right EV Charger For Your Needs
There are different types of EV chargers available to buy, and selecting the right one is the first step towards charging more efficiently and effectively. By opting for the right EV charger based on the market's most popular options, you'll be able to tailor your EV charger to your specific driving routine and lifestyle, preventing unnecessary battery wear and optimise energy consumption.
The three main charger types include:
Level 1 Chargers (AC slow charging up to 6kW): Found around homes, on residential roads, streets and in many different public places. Level 1 chargers are considered to be 'slow' and can take anywhere between 12 hours and 24 hours or more to fully charge your electric car. These slow chargers typically use a standard household outlet (120V) and are best suited to overnight charging.
Level 2 Chargers (AC fast charging 7kW-22kW): Considered the most common level of charger installed around the world. Level 2 chargers are essential for people who need to regularly charge their electric vehicle, have a longer daily commute or simply require faster charging times. Many of the chargers at Eco Wizard fall within the 7kW to 22kW fast-charging category. Once fitted, your fast charger can power up an electric vehicle in 4 to 8 hours (7kW) or 3 to 4 hours (22kW).
DC Ultra Fast/Rapid Chargers (over 50kW charging speeds): Found at public charging points, such as motorway service stations and rest stops, a rapid charger is the fastest way to energise your electric vehicle. Ideal if you need to get back on the road as soon as possible, rapid chargers can give you 80% charge from 0% in as little as 35 to 40 minutes.
Please Note: Exact charging times for all charging levels mentioned above will depend on factors such as your electric vehicle battery size and the specific brand of electric vehicle charger you've opted for. Also, rapid chargers should be used sparingly to preserve battery health.
Optimise Your EV Charging Schedule
Making clever adjustments to your charging timetable and taking advantage of smart, eco-friendly features or integrations that come with your EV charger can transform your EV charging experience.
To reduce costs and improve efficiency, consider the following:
Charge During Off-Peak Hours: Many utility providers offer lower electricity rates at night or early in the morning. Charging during these times can save you money, especially if you’re on a time-of-use (TOU) electricity plan.
Use Smart Scheduling Features: Many EVs and charging stations have built-in scheduling options. Set your charging sessions to start and stop automatically during cost-effective periods using an onboard system or mobile app.
Leverage Solar Energy: If your home is equipped with solar panels, charge your EV during peak solar production hours to maximise renewable energy usage and reduce dependence on the grid.
Enable Load Balancing: Some smart chargers can distribute power effectively between your EV and home appliances, preventing electrical overloads and optimising overall energy use.
Plan You Public Charges Strategically: If you use public charging stations, choose locations with high-speed chargers that align with your travel schedule to minimise waiting times. Use apps that provide real-time charger availability to streamline your charging experience.
Maintain Battery Health With Proper Charging Habits
Looking after your EV's battery health is crucial for optimising charging efficiency and extending battery lifespan. By avoiding deep discharges, limiting fast charging and charging at moderate speeds instead, you'll reduce the strain on the battery, ensuring it charges more effectively and lasts for as long as possible.
To ensure long-term battery performance, follow these best practices:
Keep Your Battery Charge Level Between 20% & 80%: Avoid fully depleting or charging up to 100% frequently as it can stress the battery and reduce its lifespan.
Limit DC Fast Charging: While it is convenient, frequent use of DC fast charging can generate excessive heat and degrade battery health. Use it only when necessary, such as during long trips.
Use Slow or Level 2 Charging For Daily Needs: Charging at a moderate speed helps preserve battery life by reducing heat buildup.
Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Park in shaded or temperature-controlled areas when possible, as extreme heat or cold can impact charging efficiency and battery longevity.
Precondition Your Battery: Some EVs allow battery preconditioning, which warms or cools the battery before charging to improve efficiency and longevity.
Unplug After Reaching Optimal Charge: Leaving your EV plugged in for extended periods, especially when fully charged, can lead to battery degradation over time.
Monitor Battery Health With Connected Apps: Many EVs come with battery monitoring apps that help to track battery health and suggest optimal charging habits.
Drive Efficiently To Reduce Strain On The Battery: Smooth acceleration and regenerative braking can help to extend the overall lifespan of your EV’s battery by minimising excessive discharge cycles.
Utilise Smart Charging Technology
Smart chargers and apps allow you to monitor and control your charging remotely. Features such as load balancing, energy tracking and scheduled charging can help you optimise energy usage and avoid overloading your electrical system.
Think about these additional benefits of smart charging technology:
Remote Monitoring & Control: Use a smartphone app to check charging status, stop or start charging, and adjust settings without needing to be physically present.
Energy Usage Tracking: Smart chargers provide insights into how much electricity your EV is consuming, allowing you to analyse trends and adjust charging habits to save money.
Demand Response Participation: Some utility providers offer incentives for EV owners, allowing their smart chargers to automatically adjust charging during peak demand times, helping to balance the grid.
Over-The-Air Updates: Smart chargers receive automatic software updates to improve performance, enhance security and introduce new features over time.
Customised Charging Schedules: Set personalised charging times based on your daily routine and electricity rates, ensuring you charge at the most cost-effective and efficient times.
Vehicle-To-Grid (V2G) Capabilities: Some advanced smart chargers enable bidirectional charging, allowing your EV to send excess power back to the grid or your home when needed.
Take Advantage Of Renewable Energy Sources
Using renewable energy sources can make EV charging even more sustainable and cost-effective.
Consider these strategies:
Install Solar Panels: A home solar panel system can generate electricity to charge your EV, reducing dependency on the grid and lowering energy costs.
Join A Renewable Energy Program: Many utility providers offer green energy programs that allow customers to purchase electricity from wind, solar or hydro sources.
Utilise Wind Energy: If you live in an area with access to wind energy, consider using wind-generated electricity to power your EV for a fully sustainable charging solution.
Monitor & Optimise Energy Usage: Use energy monitoring apps to track how much of your EV charging comes from renewable sources and adjust charging times accordingly.
Invest In A Smart Solar EV Charger: Some chargers are designed to maximise solar energy use by intelligently managing when and how much power is drawn from your solar panels.
Conclusion
Maximising your EV charger’s efficiency is about more than just plugging in your vehicle. By selecting the right charger, scheduling your charging sessions strategically, maintaining battery health, utilising smart technology and incorporating renewable energy, you can ensure a cost-effective and sustainable charging experience. Implementing these practices will help you get the most out of your EV while also reducing the impact on the environment.
