Electric Vehicle Charging

Jump to section:

• Types of EV Charging
• Finding a Public Charging Station
• Plugging in Your Vehicle
• Monitoring Your Energy and Charging Status
• How to Stop Charging and Unplug
• Maximizing Your EV Range

Types of EV Charging

You can charge your electric vehicle at home or at certain public places. There are different types (or levels) of charging, and your rate of charge will vary based on which one you use.

When charging your electric vehicle, power from the electrical grid will reach your vehicle through either alternating current (AC; Level 1 or Level 2) charging or direct current fast charging (DC Fast Charging). The specific type of charging supported by your vehicle depends on your vehicle’s capabilities.

Actual charge times will vary based on battery condition, the output of the charger, your vehicle settings and outside temperature. See Owner’s Manual for additional limitations.
 

AC Charging:

• Level 1: Level 1 charging can be done at almost any properly equipped standard 3-prong wall outlet (120v). This type of charging, typically done at home, will take the longest amount of time to fully charge your battery, so it’s best for “topping off” after short trips.
• Level 2: Level 2 charging is faster than Level 1. This type of charging requires a high-power, 4-prong wall outlet (240V; e.g., an appliance outlet) or you can have hardwired charging equipment professionally installed at home or in your preferred charging location. Public stations typically offer this capability.
• If your vehicle came with an available Dual Level Charge Cord, learn more about using it.

DC Fast Charging:

The fastest type of charging available is DC Fast Charging. It can only be done at public charging stations. If you’re using a DC Fast Charging station, here are some other things to know.

Finding a Public Charging Station

Public charging stations are typically managed by a charge point operator. The charge point operator may charge you to use the station, either by session time or how many kilowatt-hours (kWh) are used.

There are many features in your vehicle’s mobile app to help you locate charging stations, get information about the station (e.g., availability, type) and get directions to the station.

 
We’d also recommend checking out PlugShare, a free mobile app and website.

• Add your voice. Leave reviews, tips, photos, and more
• Add your vehicle. Automatically see only compatible chargers
• Exclusive access to Trip Planner: smart routing for long journeys
• Alerts when chargers open near you (app only)
• Driver to driver messaging (app only)

Wood Wheaton is not affiliated with PlugShare. By using their platform, you agree to their Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.

Plugging in Your Vehicle

• Make sure your vehicle is in PARK to start charging.
• Beneath your vehicle’s charging point door, you’ll see one or two connection points, called inlets, depending on your vehicle’s charging capabilities.
• These inlets let you plug in a charging station’s cord or use the charge cord included with your vehicle to plug into an outlet.
• If your vehicle came with a Dual Level Charge Cord, learn more about using it.
• If your vehicle has DC Fast Charging capability, the bottom inlet will have a dust cover that should be removed or flipped down before plugging in.
• Your vehicle’s charging status indicator will light up when charging begins and you may hear a chirp (if you haven’t disabled it in your vehicle settings). The colour and pattern of the indicator light provide information about the status of charging. Refer to your Owner’s Manual to see what each colour/pattern means.

Monitoring Your Energy and Charging Status

There are two key ways to monitor your vehicle’s energy use and charging status:

• The in-vehicle energy app: On the infotainment system, tap the ENERGY icon to access a variety of tools.
• Your vehicle’s mobile app: Use your compatible smartphone to access simple energy and route planning tools.

How to Stop Charging and Unplug

To stop charging, you can do the following:

• Use the charge station stop button (if it has one; not all stations will).
• Use the charge station app.
• Use the stop button on the infotainment screen (if it has one).
• Push the latch release button on the vehicle coupler.
• Locate the stop button on your vehicle’s centre console touchscreen.
• Note: You do not have to wait for a charge to complete to stop charging your vehicle. If the charge cord cannot be unplugged from the vehicle, refer to your Owner’s Manual for instructions on how to proceed.
• To unplug the charge cord, press the latch release button located at the top of the vehicle coupler to interrupt charging and free the coupler for unplugging.

Maximizing Your EV Range

Your electric vehicle efficiency and subsequent range are influenced by various factors. Some of these factors can be within your control and are similar to the ways you would maximize the gas mileage of a gas-powered vehicle.

It’s important to note that EV range will vary based on outside temperature, terrain, load and driving technique. Here are some tips to help maximize your range:

• Preheat or precool the cabin while your vehicle is plugged in to reserve the battery energy for driving.
• Use heated/ventilated seats (if equipped) for cabin comfort instead of your climate controls when possible.
• Drive at lower speeds on the highway.
• Accelerate slowly.
• Use One-Pedal Driving or Regen On Demand.
• Ensure your tires are properly inflated and not excessively worn.