Charging Guide

EV Charging Session Checklist

Public charging is straightforward once you have done it a few times. The first time can feel overwhelming because every charger looks different and the instructions are not always clear. This checklist covers what to think about before, during, and after each session so nothing catches you off guard. If something goes wrong, check the troubleshooting guide.

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Before You Plug In

A few seconds of preparation before you plug in saves time and avoids the most common problems. Most failed charging sessions happen because of a wrong connector, an expired payment, or a charger that was already out of service.

✓ Check the connector type. Make sure the charger has the right plug for your car. Common standards include CCS, Type 2, CHAdeMO, and NACS (Tesla). Your car's manual or charge port label will tell you which you need.
✓ Verify the charger is available. Check the screen or app. A green light usually means available. If someone just unplugged, wait a moment for it to reset.
✓ Have your payment ready. Open the charging app or have your RFID card in hand. Some chargers also accept contactless credit cards.
✓ Check parking rules. Many charging spots have time limits or parking fees. Look for signs about maximum stay, parking meters, or pay-and-display requirements.
✓ Note the charger's pricing. Check per-kWh rates, any idle fees (charged after your car is full but still plugged in), and session start fees. This information is usually on the charger screen or in the app.

Starting the Session

Every charger brand has a slightly different process. Some want you to authenticate first (tap card, open app), then plug in. Others want you to plug in first, then authenticate. Follow the on-screen instructions. If there are no instructions, try plugging in first and see what happens.

✓ Authenticate first, then plug in (or vice versa). The order varies by charger. Some want you to tap your card first, others want you to plug in first. Follow the on-screen instructions.
✓ Push the connector in firmly. You should hear or feel a click. A loose connection is the most common reason a session fails to start.
✓ Confirm charging has started. Check your car's dashboard or app. You should see charging power (kW), estimated time, and current battery percentage. If nothing happens after 30 seconds, try unplugging and starting over.
✓ Set a reminder if there are idle fees. Some chargers charge extra per minute once your battery is full. Set a phone alarm so you can move your car when it is done.

During Charging

Once charging starts, you can leave the car and go about your business. The cable locks automatically when the car is locked on most EVs, so nobody can unplug you. Check your car's app or the charger screen to monitor progress remotely.

✓ Lock your car. The charging cable locks automatically on most EVs when the car is locked. This prevents someone from unplugging you.
✓ Do not leave the cable across a walkway. Position your car so the cable does not create a trip hazard. This is both courteous and sometimes required.
✓ Fast charging slows down above 80%. DC fast chargers slow significantly after 80% battery. Unless you need the extra range, stop at 80% to save time and let the next person charge.

When You're Done

Ending a session properly matters. If you just yank the cable without stopping the session first, the charger may not release the connector, and you may get charged idle fees while it figures out what happened. Here is the right sequence.

✓ Stop the session before unplugging. End the session through the app or charger screen first. Then unlock the cable from your car (usually a button on the dash or key fob).
✓ Hang the cable back properly. Place the connector back in its holster. Do not leave it on the ground. The next driver will appreciate it, and it keeps the connector clean.
✓ Check you have been charged correctly. Look at the session summary in the app. Verify the kWh delivered and the total cost match what you expected.
✓ Move your car promptly. Once done, free up the spot for other drivers. Leaving a fully charged EV at a charger is inconsiderate, and some networks charge idle fees for this reason.
✓ Close the charge port. Make sure your car's charge port door is fully closed before driving off. It is easy to forget.
✓ Pay for parking if required. Do not forget about the parking meter or pay-and-display. A charging session does not always include parking.

What If Something Goes Wrong

Chargers are not always reliable. If the session does not start, try these things in order: check the connector is fully seated, try authenticating again, unplug and wait 30 seconds, try a different stall. If the connector will not release when you are done, try locking and unlocking your car, or use the manual release (usually inside the trunk or behind a panel near the charge port).

For detailed help with specific problems, the free EVcourse app covers 100+ real-world charging scenarios with step-by-step visual guides. You can also browse the help guides on this site.