All-electric cars have become much more popular in recent years. This is partly because it has gotten easier to charge an electric vehicle these days. Still, most people can say they’ve never driven an EV. Because of this, there are several things to know before renting or buying one of these more efficient vehicles.

People driving all-electric cars for the first time should know the differences in chargers

There are many things to consider when driving all-electric cars. Naturally, one of the most extensive topics concerns charging an electric vehicle. Many assume you find the nearest charging station and then simply plug it in. This isn’t the case, as there are a variety of chargers, including level 1, level 2, and level 3 options. 

Regarding level 1 chargers for all-electric cars, these are your run-of-the-mill 3-prong connectors. They use a 120-volt outlet, and it can take up to 50 hours to charge a vehicle to 80 percent. Drivers would typically use these when they aren’t near an EV charging station or their home charger. 

Level 2 chargers are the ones people typically install in their homes. These are intended to charge the vehicle overnight. However, some public chargers are level 2. They use a 240-volt outlet. Then there is the level 3 charger. Often called DC fast chargers, they can typically get an EV battery to 80 percent in only about 30 minutes. Of course, drivers will need to determine what type of charger connector their specific vehicle needs. 

How to pay

Many people who have never driven all-electric cars have no idea how paying for charging works. In fact, some people believe that charging is entirely free, which isn’t the case. Though not as simple as paying for gas, this process isn’t nearly as complex as some think. Of course, charging your electric vehicle at home is the simplest way, as its cost is included in your monthly bill for electricity. 

When it comes to charging all-electric cars at public chargers, there are different ways people go about it. In most cases, people use a smartphone app from whatever company the chargers they’re using are from. For example, ChargePoint is one of the most common apps, which means drivers can manage their accounts by downloading the app from their respective app stores. Additionally, drivers can opt for a charge subscription or pay peruse. Readers should note that the subscription model often offers a discount per kWh. 

Regenerative braking helps

Despite the several advancements to all-electric cars, there is still a considerable amount of range anxiety. However, one thing that helps conserve energy is regenerative braking. According to JD Power, this system takes kinetic energy when the vehicle slows down or stops. This energy is then stored in the battery, which can add to the range. Additionally, this feature slows down the wear and tear of your braking system. The good thing is that most modern EVs with this feature have it turned on already, meaning it requires no action from drivers. 

Still, there is much to know about all-electric cars. This includes the fact that your touchscreen acts as a control center for many of the car’s functions. Consulting the owner’s manual or researching the specific EV you plan to drive is a great way to become more comfortable with the thought of being at the wheel of an EV.