Tips For Charging Your LEV Safely

February 2nd, 2023 by

Luxury electric vehicles and EV chargers are both engineered with safety in mind. However, it is still worthwhile to observe some basic safety procedures whenever you charge an electric vehicle.


One of the biggest differences between electric vehicles and gas-engine cars is the need to recharge instead of refuel. Not only are electric charging stations found in different places than gas pumps, but the process itself is different. 

Charging an electric car, even with a DC charger, takes longer than refilling a gas tank. Most luxury electric vehicles require around 30 minutes at a DC charger to be fully charged. Of course, many EV owners also enjoy the convenience of having an AC charging station installed in their homes. This process takes several hours, but can be taken care of from the comfort of your own space.

Whether you charge at home or in public, safety should be at least a minor concern. While EV charging is not dangerous, damaged or malfunctioning products can cause serious injury. Here are some tips you should always observe to charge your EV safely.

Electric Vehicle Charging Safety Tips

Only Use Approved Equipment and Outlets

Luxury Electric Vehicle ChargingWhether you are using a Level 1 or Level 2 home charger, you should be sure that your setup is appropriate. Never plug a Level 1 charger into an outlet that can’t handle its voltage. And always make sure that the charging cable you use is approved by the EV manufacturer, and compatible with your car.

Have an Electrician Install Home Charging Stations

If you’re having a Level 2 charging station installed at home, hire a professional electrician to do the job. Any advanced electrical work should always be handled by a certified professional. EV charging stations are no exception. Make sure you have a 240V circuit to handle the power your Level 2 charger needs. And, again, make sure all installed equipment is approved and compatible with your vehicle.

Inspect and Replace Damaged Parts

Another important thing to be mindful of with at-home charging stations is the quality and condition of your equipment. Make sure you are routinely inspecting your charging cables, adapters, and outlets for signs of wear and tear. Replace any components that look damaged. Worn-out products can cause damage to your EV battery, or may result in injury.

Always Inspect Public Chargers for Signs of Damage

A blue Audi e-Tron charging in a driveway.Using at-home charging stations is convenient and provides you with more control over your equipment. However, at-home charging is not always an option. When you need to use a public charging station, be sure to take a moment to inspect the components as well. Be on the lookout for the same signs of wear and tear that you’d watch for at home. And, of course, make sure that the charger is able to secure tightly to your EV’s charging port.

 

Is It Safe To Charge Your EV in the Rain?

One question that often comes up about EV charging safety is whether or not it’s safe to charge in the rain. Water and electricity can be a notoriously dangerous combination, after all.

But it is actually perfectly safe to charge (and operate) an electric vehicle in the rain. All of the electrical components of an EV are well-insulated for complete protection from rain. While you should always exercise basic safety precautions, there is absolutely no added risk of charging your electric car in the rain.

EV Charging Safety

Ultimately, charging your electric vehicle is perfectly safe as long as you exercise basic precautions and use good judgment. If the equipment is professionally installed and shows no obvious signs of damage, it’s safe to use. If any components look worn, replace them, or notify the owner so they can have it fixed.

Where Can I Charge My Luxury Elextric Vehicle?

Ray Catena Auto Group is the tri-state area’s biggest name in electrified luxury. Find a dealership near you or read more about which LEVs have the best charge range.

Learn more about charging Luxury Electric Vehicles: