It is no secret that our planet is more polluted than ever. Making an effort to save the little that we have is of utmost importance if we want to leave a functional habitat for the next generation. Air pollution, in particular, is dangerously high, largely due to the number of vehicles we drive. Switching from fossil fuels to electric cars is an ongoing process. If you have already made this environmentally friendly change, you are likely to now face a different set of problems. Charging and maintaining your futuristic four-wheeler isn’t always an easy feat.
Learn all about electric cars if you’re just starting
Electric cars are a great innovation that has a bit of a learning curve to it. If you’re considering purchasing one such vehicle, you may at first wonder – how much does an electric car cost? The prices can vary so it is important to do your research. The best electric cars will set you back quite a bit but there are also some budget-friendly options. The story, however, does not end there. Buying an electric car charger is also an important part of the equation you ought to consider before committing to this eco-friendly way of traveling. The more you know, the better you will be prepared for the switch.
According to Zap-Map there are 3 types of chargers, simply named: Rapid, Fast & Slow Chargers. The names are self-explanatory, so while Rapid Charger takes around 30 to 60 minutes to charge your car, Slow Chargers can take up to 12 hours, depending on your electric car’s battery. Basically, this sums up to how much time you have. If you’re driving down the road, you don’t have the time to use a slow charger, so you should always search for a Rapid or at least Fast Charger. On the other hand, if you just came back home from work and aren’t planning to drive anywhere for the rest of the day, Slow Charger is a better option since although it takes longer, it does cost less overall.
Find a charger no matter how far you travel
Traditional cars require fossil fuel to run which is something you can get at any petrol station. Electric car charging stations, however, are not yet as numerous as they ought to be. Still, before you venture out in the open, knowing how to charge an electric car at home is an important first step to make. It is also likely that you will ask yourself – should I charge my electric car every night? Such questions and answers will be covered in an app that deals with the topic. It will also tell you where to find chargers in your area and beyond. Such info will come in handy, especially if you’re planning on a trip across the country. I always rely on my smartphone to get me out of any car-related trouble.
Based on what we explained on charger types in the earlier section, it can feel a bit overwhelming to find the right charger when you’re in an unknown area. If you’re traveling across the United States or Canada, the most reliable list is the one that comes from The U.S. Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center. Since every public and/or private charge station needs to be listed, you can be sure you’ll find it on the official website.
The slight problem arises when you’re outside a populated area like California that you know is swarming with electric car chargers.
Finding private electric chargers
Since electric car owners are one big community, it’s no wonder many decide to share their chargers with others. While public chargers usually belong to a company that owns a chain of chargers scattered around the country, private chargers are in the hands of private car owners. As such, although they are listed, it’s harder to find a random person who’s willing to share their electric power with you. Also, it can feel a bit awkward. But it can be a lifesaver if you’re driving in an area that isn’t as “charger-populated” as your home city. I have recently found a neat list of apps that cover this and a number of other aspects of owning such cars. They have helped me a lot in navigating and maintaining my precious four-wheeler.
Apps to Find Chargers & Maintain an Electric Car
Dealing with everything from finding chargers to the dangers of electric car batteries, these pieces of software have become my constant companion when on the road. And as mentioned earlier, although some apps are better than others, most of them come with an interactive map to make finding both public and private chargers easier. Hopefully, the list will help you out as well so you don’t waste too much time finding the right app for your electric car.
Conclusion
Saving the environment is one of humanity’s main concerns of the 21st century. Electric cars are a great innovation that allows us to cut down on pollution. Still, if you’re a new owner, you will have plenty of questions. Luckily, most of those can be answered with the help of a few smartphone apps. Learn all about your new vehicle, make sure to get a good charger and know where to find charging points when on the road. Also, never forget to consider your safety and make sure that your car is well maintained. This will help you enjoy your vehicle in the years to come.
