Tips for Improving Your Ford EV Charging Time

To optimize your EV battery's charge, it's a good idea to avoid both over-charging and under-charging, as they can lead to long-term damage on the battery. Over-charging happens when the battery is consistently charged beyond its recommended capacity, like when you leave your EV charging all night without a timer. This diminishes the battery's lifespan and weakens its overall performance. Under-charging happens when drivers operate their EV at low charge levels, which causes excess strain. Striking the right balance and following the manufacturer's charging guidelines is essential to prevent overcharging or frequent discharge to low levels. By keeping your battery charged between roughly 20-80% during use, you can effectively preserve the longevity and efficiency of your EV battery.

If you're aiming to optimize your EV charging time, a straightforward yet highly effective strategy is to turn off any additional features such as the radio, air conditioning, or lights while charging. Though it might not seem like much, these features consume power from the battery and can impede the charging process. By minimizing power use during charging, more electricity can be used for replenishing the battery. This helps reduce the overall charging time, enabling you to hit the road sooner. Plus, certain EV models offer a "charge only" mode that temporarily disables non-essential systems to prioritize charging. By making sure your extra features are turned off, you'll be able to make quicker pit-stops, and get back to your day! 

While fast-charging offers a convenient solution for recharging your EV's battery, it is crucial to consider its long-term impact on battery health. Overuse of fast-charging can expose the battery to high temperatures and increased stress, potentially leading to damage over time. To ensure the longevity of your battery, it is a good idea to opt for a Level I or Level II charging station whenever you can. This allows the battery to charge at a more moderate pace, reducing strain. Striking a balance between convenience and battery preservation involves a combination of regular Level II charging and occasional fast-charging when necessary. You can help adopt this habit by researching the charging stations in your area, so that you can allow ample stopping time when needed. 

Optimizing your charging time in extreme cold conditions involves a simple yet effective strategy: allowing your electric vehicle to warm up before you plug it in. In especially cold temperatures, the cold weather can impact the efficiency and performance of your EV's battery. By allowing your vehicle to warm up before charging, you enable the battery to reach a more optimal temperature for charging, resulting in improved charging efficiency and reduced charging times. This proactive approach ensures that your EV's battery is at an optimal temperature range for charging, allowing you to maximize your charging time and get back on the road with minimal delay, even in extreme cold weather conditions.

Fullerton Ford is thrilled to present an extensive selection of new electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles designed to cater to your specific driving needs. Whether you desire the formidable power of the Ford F-150 Lightning, the remarkable efficiency of the Mustang Mach-E, or the versatility of the Escape PHEV, we have the perfect options available. Conveniently explore our inventory online, where you'll discover comprehensive details, captivating photos, and transparent pricing options. If you prefer a hands-on experience, we cordially invite you to our dealership to personally test drive your favorite EV or PHEV. Our team of knowledgeable experts is dedicated to answering your queries and providing expert guidance on financing options and incentives tailored to electric and hybrid vehicles. Embrace the future of sustainable driving with Fullerton Ford and embark on your electrified journey today!