Electric Vehicles: Charging Curve Explained

What is the charging curve of an electric vehicle?

Buckle up, it’s time to talk about the charging curve of electric vehicles (EVs). You might have noticed that your EV charges at a steady speed when the battery is between 20% and 80%, but then slows down outside of this range. Why? Well, it’s all about keeping your EV’s battery safe and healthy.

Just like how a 100m sprinter starts off slowly and then accelerates to reach maximum speed, an EV charging curve begins with a slower charging rate when the battery is low, and then quickly ramps up to reach the maximum charging rate around 20% battery level.

Similar to how a sprinter maintains their maximum speed for a short period of time before slowing down or they could become injured , an EV battery charges at its maximum rate for a limited time during the charging session before gradually slowing down at 80% as the battery charges up. This is to protect the battery from overheating or damage.

So, just like how a sprinter gives it their all for a brief period of time before slowing down, your EV’s charging curve is full of excitement and energy, getting you charged up and ready to go in no time!

Other factors such as battery temperature, battery condition, limitations on local power supply and the weather can cause the charging rate to vary, resulting in a different curve even if you arrive to the same charger with a similar SOC (state of charge).

Simply put, the charging curve shows you the maximum charge your vehicle can get throughout the charging process. Knowing this for your EV can help you plan your charge time, so you can hit the road quickly instead of twiddling your thumbs waiting for that final 10% of charge.

The graph below is a visual representation of the above explanation- the battery sprints to its maximum charge rate and then gradually slows down over time as it recharges. (graph for illustrative purposes only)

Charge Curve Graph

EV Charging Etiquette

At PoGo we want to promote fair use and access to our chargers. Here we have a few examples of how to be considerate of your fellow EV driver:

  1. Don’t hog the charger: Once your car is charged to the required amount for your journey, move it out of the charging spot to allow other EV drivers to use it. Don’t use the charging spot as a parking spot if you’re not actively charging.
  2. Be mindful of time: Charging stations are often in high demand, especially in busy areas. Don’t leave your car parked at a charging station longer than necessary to charge your battery for your journey.
  3. Plan ahead: Know your EV’s range and plan your trips accordingly. If you’re driving a long distance, make sure you have enough charge to get to your destination or to the next charging station. See our tips on how to extend your EV’s range.
  4. Be considerate: If there are limited charging stations available, share them with others. If you see someone waiting for a spot, offer to let them charge first if your battery is already partially charged, taking into account the charging curve of your vehicle.
  5. Keep it clean: Just like with any public space, clean up after yourself. Don’t leave any rubbish behind, and make sure to properly return any charging cables or adapters you use.

By following these simple guidelines, you can help create a positive charging experience for all EV drivers, and ensure that everyone has access to the charging infrastructure they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly.

At PoGo, we’re committed to making EV charging simple and convenient. With our expanding network of charging stations and 24/7 driver support, you can be confident that you’ll have everything you need to Power and Go!

So why wait? Join the PoGo EV revolution today and start enjoying the benefits!

See our related piece on Electric Vehicles: Busting the Myths

Published

17th April 2023

Andrew Lawrie - Marketing Manager

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