How to get your first public charge right
By Nina · Updated 2026-04-08
Watch: Your first public charge, step by step (2 min)
Your first public charge is the one most people dread. You pull up to a charger, stare at the screen, and wonder if you are supposed to plug in first or tap your card first. This video walks through everything, from where to park to what to do when the charger refuses to start.
What you will learn
- Park for the cable. Charge port locations vary by car. Park so the cable reaches without stretching across the car or blocking the path.
- "Authorize First" vs "Plug First." Read the labels on the charger. Some require payment before plugging in, others want you to connect first. Getting this wrong is one of the most common reasons a session fails to start.
- Find the Station ID. Most charging apps need the station ID to start a session. Look for a sticker or label on the charger body, usually near the screen or on the side panel.
- The 80% rule. Charging speed drops significantly after approximately 80%. Unplugging around 80% saves time and often money at public fast chargers.
- The 10-second reset. If a session fails to start, unplug, wait about 10 seconds, and plug back in. This clears many temporary errors.
When something goes wrong at the charger
Most charging problems have simple fixes. A failed session often means the authorization order was wrong, the connector was not seated properly, or the charger needs a moment to reset. If the 10-second reset does not work, try a different connector on the same station. If that fails, move to another charger and contact the charger operator.
If the screen shows an error message or text you do not understand, you can scan it with the EVcourse app for an instant explanation, in any language.
Charger interfaces, payment methods, and connector types vary by operator, country, and station age. The steps in this video cover the most common public charging workflow in Europe. Always follow the instructions displayed on your specific charger. Check your vehicle's manual for connector compatibility and recommended charging limits.
From Nina, co-founder and EV driver in Finland: The first time I used a public charger, I stood there for five minutes trying to figure out why the session would not start. Turns out I was supposed to tap my card before plugging in. That one detail is something every new EV driver figures out the hard way.
EVcourse uses expert knowledge to translate charger screens and decode error codes instantly. Scan any display for help, free to start on iOS.
Common questions about public charging
Should I authorize or plug in first at a public charger?
It depends on the charger. Some stations require you to authorize (tap card or start in the app) before plugging in. Others require you to plug in first, then authorize. Read the labels on the charger, they usually show the correct order with numbered steps.
What is the 80% rule for EV charging?
Charging speed slows down significantly after approximately 80% battery level. If you are using a public fast charger, unplugging around 80% saves time and often money, because the last 20% can take as long as the first 80%. For daily home charging, charging to 80% or 90% is generally recommended by most manufacturers to preserve battery health.
What should I do if my electric car won't start charging?
Try the 10-second reset: unplug the connector, wait about 10 seconds, and plug it back in. This clears many temporary errors. If that does not work, check that you have authorized correctly, try a different connector on the same station, or move to a different charger.
How do I find the Station ID on a public charger?
The Station ID is usually printed on a label or sticker on the charger, often near the screen or on the side panel. You need this ID to start a session in most charging apps. Some chargers also have a QR code you can scan instead.
EVcourse is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any charger operator or vehicle manufacturer. All brand names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Information on this page is for educational purposes only. Always follow the instructions on your charger and consult your vehicle's manual.