Owning an electric car is a big deal for many drivers. Not only do you have the pleasure of avoiding gas pumps, but you’re also doing your part to reduce pollution. However, it isn’t always easy to find an electric car charging station, and there are other charging-related nuances that can trip you up.

The following are five things to know about charging your electric car:

1. Know Your Range

How far can your electric car travel before it needs to be charged? Manufacturers share this information on the vehicle’s Monroney sticker, and it should be in your owner’s manual as well. Commit this number to memory to avoid running out of power at inopportune times.

2. Published Range Isn’t the Whole Story

Never rely exclusively on the manufacturer’s published or stated range when operating an electric car. If you do, you may lose power sooner than expected. For example, if you live in a hot or cold climate, your range may drop by 15 percent. On days with extreme temperatures, your range could fall by as much as 40 percent, according to Inside Science.

3. How to Locate a Charging Station

Although gas stations are plentiful, the same can’t be said for public charging stations. Still, you can easily locate one by downloading a mobile application on your smartphone.

One such app, PlugShare, is compatible with both Apple and Android systems. It provides useful information like the locations of public and high power stations. Further, you can find residential chargers shared by PlugShare members. Choose “more options” and you can search for charging stations by network. This is important if you have a charging card related to ChargePoint, Blink, EVgo or another system. Maps are available via the app, as well as directions to each electric car charging station.

4. Tesla and Nissan Owners, Take Note

If you own a Tesla or Nissan Leaf, you have a special advantage that other electric vehicle owners may not enjoy. With Tesla, a national supercharging network allows you to take extended trips without worry. Simply find the network station along your route and stop for your free and quick recharge. For Leaf owners, the Nissan No Charge to Charge arrangement is for those who buy or lease a 2013 or later Nissan Leaf. Here, owners get an EZ-Charge card that provides 24 months of unlimited 30-minute DC Fast charges and 60-minute Level 2 charges at participating stations.

Don’t own this brand of electric car? Check with your manufacturer to find out if a special deal is available for you.

5. Speed Up At-Home Charging

Electric cars are designed to charge when connected to any 120-volt outlet, even the ones found in your home. But charging can take hours at this voltage, and your car may not be completely charged even if it’s connected overnight. The solution here is to install electric vehicle service equipment (EVSE), which supplies 240 volts of electricity. When installed by an electrician, it should cost around $1,000, and discounts from your manufacturer may reduce the final price. The expense is worth it, though, as EVSE can reduce charge times by at least half.

Electric Car Adoption

If you currently own an electric car or are considering purchasing or leasing one, you’ll join a small group of consumers who are shaping the future. However, if range anxiety is a concern for you, a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle might be a better choice.

Check out all the electrical system products available on NAPA Online or trust one of our 16,000 NAPA AutoCare locations for routine maintenance and repairs. For more information on an electric car charging station, chat with a knowledgeable expert at your local NAPA AUTO PARTS store.

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