Owning an electric vehicle (EV) is an exciting step into the future of sustainable transportation. However, one of the first questions you might have is, “Where can I charge my new Hyundai EV?”
If you’re unsure about charging locations for your Hyundai EV, this article is designed to help. Our team at Huffines Hyundai McKinney has compiled this guide to help you understand the different types of charging stations, explain where you can find them, and highlight essential tools that can make owning an EV straightforward and convenient.
Understanding Charging Levels
Before we dive into where you can go to charge your Hyundai, it’s essential to understand the different levels of charging available: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 (also known as DC fast charging).
Level 1 Charging
Level 1 charging, also known as “trickle chargers,” uses a standard 120V electrical outlet and comes with a nozzle cord included with your EV purchase. It’s ideal for residential use due to its affordability and convenience. However, it takes up to 24 hours to fully charge a battery, making it impractical for high-mileage daily drivers.
Level 2 Charging
This AC charger uses a 240V electric outlet (similar to a dryer outlet) and charges much faster than Level 1. You can often find public Level 2 chargers at apartments, retail spaces, employers, parking garages, and other public areas. They typically provide a full charge within a few hours.
Level 3 Charging
Also known as DC chargers or superchargers, these stations use direct current (DC) to charge EVs significantly faster than Level 1 and Level 2 chargers. Level 3 chargers can charge a modern EV from zero to 80% in less than an hour. The charging speed often slows after 80% due to heat and battery management. Because of this, many EV drivers charge up enough to get to their next destination rather than filling up to 100%.
Where Can I Charge My Hyundai EV?
Now that you understand the different charging levels, let’s explore where you can charge your Hyundai EV.
Home Charging
Home charging accounts for 80% of all charging done by EV drivers. It offers the convenience of charging overnight at home and cost savings compared to public charging and gas. Some drivers just use a standard wall outlet (Level 1 charging), whereas others have a Level 2 charger installed in their garage or by their driveway.
Charging at Work
Some employers offer workplace charging for their employees. This service provides a longer electric range when combined with home charging and allows for faster charging with Level 2 stations. The employer may cover the cost, or it might be at a lower rate compared to public charging.
Public Charging
Public charging allows EV drivers to charge on the road when traveling longer distances. You typically find Level 2 chargers near facilities where you’ll be spending a lot of time (such as a parking garage). The faster Level 3 chargers are often in shopping centers where you can make a pit stop while on a road trip.
Accessing Charging Stations with Apps
To help you locate public charging stations easily, consider using apps such as the free PlugShare app. Available on Android, iOS, or via a website, PlugShare provides access to a database of over 250,000 charging stations in the USA and Canada with global coverage of an additional 450,000+ stations. You can see reviews, tips, and photos from other EV drivers and find all the stations along a road trip route with a built-in trip planner.
Partnered Charging Networks
Hyundai has partnered with Electrify America, a network that allows EV owners to charge their vehicles quickly. It offers 3,592 fast chargers and 116 Level 2 chargers across 822 stations, with hundreds more in the works.
Hyundai electric vehicles have among the fastest charging speeds in the US. The Hyundai IONIQ 5 can go from a 10% to 80% state of charge in as little as 18 minutes with a 350-volt DC fast charger.
Through Hyundai’s partnership with Electrify America, KONA Electric owners get up to 250kWh or about 1,000 miles of driving. IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 6 drivers get two years of free 30-minute DC fast-charging sessions from the date of vehicle purchase.
Tips for Charging Your Hyundai EV
Just like filling up your gas car, charging your EV also requires a strategy to maximize efficiency and battery health. Here are some important tips to keep in mind when charging your Hyundai EV:
Use Level 3 Charging Strategically
While it can be tempting to use Level 3 or DC fast chargers all the time due to their speed, it’s best to use them strategically. These superchargers are great for long trips where you need a quick top-up to reach your destination. However, continuous use of fast charging can have an impact on the longevity of your battery. For daily charging needs, Level 2 chargers are ideal, as they strike a balance between charging speed and battery health.
Don’t Always Charge to 100%
It may feel counterintuitive, but experts suggest that you don’t always charge your EV’s battery to 100%. Charging just enough to meet your daily driving needs is usually sufficient. This approach not only protects the health of your battery over the long term but also saves you time at the charging station.
Plan Your Charging Stops
Planning your charging stops in advance is a crucial aspect of EV ownership. This forward-thinking approach ensures you’re never caught off guard with a low battery, especially on long trips.
Take Advantage of Off-Peak Rates
When you charge at home, many electricity providers offer off-peak rates during certain times of the day when demand is low. If possible, schedule your home charging sessions during these periods to save on electricity costs.
Charging an electric vehicle may seem complex at first, but with these tips and a little practice, it will become second nature. Remember, the key to effective charging is a balance between speed and battery health and between cost and convenience.
Discover Hyundai EVs
Charging your Hyundai EV is easy once you understand the different levels of charging and where you can find them. Whether it’s at home, work, or public charging stations, there are plenty of options for keeping your Hyundai powered up.
Are you ready to explore Hyundai’s EVs? Learn more about our range of vehicles at Huffines Hyundai McKinney and start your sustainable journey by checking out our new inventory today.