As the UK moves towards a cleaner, greener future, the number of electric vehicles (EVs) on the road continues to surge. For EV drivers, understanding how to charge efficiently is essential—not only for saving time and money but also for prolonging battery life and reducing energy consumption. At London EV Chargers, we’re here to empower our customers with smart charging habits. Here’s a collection of expert tips and tricks to help you get the most out of every charge.
1. Know Your Charging Options
EVs can be charged at fast (7-22kW), and rapid (50kW+) charging stations. For home or workplace setups, a 7kW or 22kW fast charger is ideal. Rapid chargers, often found at service stations, are great for topping up quickly during long journeys but are less battery-friendly for everyday use.
🛠 Pro Tip: At commercial premises, 22kW AC chargers installed by certified providers like London EV Chargers offer the best balance of speed and efficiency for businesses and fleet operators.
2. Charge During Off-Peak Hours
Most EV owners don’t realise that charging during off-peak hours (typically overnight) can significantly reduce electricity costs, especially with Time-of-Use tariffs.
💡 Pro Tip: Use smart charging features or scheduling options in your EV app to automatically start charging when rates are lowest.
3. Avoid 100% Daily Charging
While it’s tempting to fully charge your battery every time, doing so regularly can degrade its long-term performance. Most experts recommend charging up to 80-90% for daily use.
🔋 Pro Tip: Save full 100% charges for long-distance trips only.
4. Precondition Your Vehicle
Preconditioning refers to warming up or cooling down your EV while it’s still plugged in. This not only improves driving comfort but also preserves battery range, especially in colder weather.
🌡 Pro Tip: Schedule preconditioning via your EV’s app or dashboard settings before setting off.
5. Use Reliable Charging Networks
Always choose reliable, well-maintained public charging networks for efficiency and safety. In London, London EV Chargers partners with top hardware brands and offers real-time charger availability through compatible apps.
📍 Pro Tip: Use apps like Zap-Map or Fuuse to locate your nearest charger and monitor status.
6. Keep Your Battery Cool
Heat is one of the biggest enemies of lithium-ion batteries. Avoid frequent fast charging in hot weather and always park in shaded areas when possible.
🧊 Pro Tip: Some EVs have battery cooling systems—ensure they are working correctly through regular maintenance.
7. Monitor Your Usage with Smart Apps
Leverage smart analytics to track your charging sessions, energy usage, and cost savings. London EV Chargers provides clients with dashboard access to manage multiple chargers, view reports, and track usage trends.
📱 Pro Tip: Fleet managers can optimise charging schedules to cut costs and reduce downtime.
8. Maintain Your Charger Regularly
Just like your vehicle, chargers require maintenance. Make sure your home or workplace charger is checked regularly for firmware updates, cable wear, and performance issues.
🧰 Pro Tip: London EV Chargers offers tailored maintenance packages for business clients.
Final Thoughts
Efficient EV charging isn’t just about plugging in and waiting—it’s about using the right equipment, habits, and data to maximise every charge. Whether you’re a new EV driver or managing a commercial fleet, London EV Chargers is here to provide smart solutions and ongoing support.
For EV charger installations, maintenance, or expert consultation across London and the UK, get in touch with London EV Chargers today.