9 Safety Tips for Using Public EV Chargers

Publicly accessible electric vehicle (EV) charging points offer unparalleled convenience to EV owners and users by making it easier than ever to charge their vehicles while on the go. The expansion of the charging infrastructure comes with the increasing popularity of electric vehicles.

To attract the growing number of EV users as well as to support the shift to a more sustainable mode of transportation, many establishments looked into providers of EV charging point installation in the UK and upgraded their facilities. Over the years, EV charging stations have become more common in various locations such as shopping centres, car parks, and roadside rest areas. This accessibility enables EV drivers to extend their driving range without the need to rely solely on home charging solutions.

Risks Associated with Relying on Public EV Charging Stations

Despite the convenience they provide, however, using public EV charging stations does come with its own set of risks and considerations. These risks include security concerns such as vandalism, theft, and data privacy issues related to providing personal information when accessing charging stations. Because there are different types of chargers and vehicle models, EV users can encounter compatibility issues. It’s also possible for EV charging stations to be subject to technical issues and downtime or, because the facility is open to the public, for compatible charging stations to be occupied.

Despite these risks, following a set of safety guidelines can help mitigate these challenges and ensure a safer and more reliable charging experience. Make a habit of doing the following when using public EV charging stations.

Choose Well-Lit and Populated Areas

When using public EV charging stations, opt for locations that are well-lit and populated to reduce the risk of vandalism or theft. Choosing charging stations in safe and busy areas can help deter potential criminals and provide added security for both you and your vehicle.

Inspect the Charging Station

Before plugging in your EV, it’s a good idea to consider whether or not the station is regularly overseen by an EV charging point maintenance services provider. Take a moment to visually inspect the charging station for any signs of damage or tampering. Should you see any unusual or suspicious activity, make sure to report it to the charging network provider or the authorities, so it can be addressed immediately and the station can be kept in tip-top shape.

Use Official Charging Networks

Whenever possible, use charging stations operated by reputable and well-known charging networks. These networks often have better security measures in place and are more likely to provide reliable and safe charging experiences for EV owners and users.

Protect Your Personal Information

Be cautious when providing personal information to access charging stations or charging network apps. Use secure and reputable platforms to minimise the risk of data privacy concerns and ensure the safety of your personal and financial details.

Stay Nearby During Charging

While your EV is charging, stay nearby or within sight of your vehicle to monitor it and reduce the risk of theft or tampering. Keeping an eye on your vehicle allows you to anticipate and prevent potential security incidents and ensure a smooth charging experience.

Carry Necessary Cables and Adapters

To avoid compatibility issues, always carry any necessary cables or adapters that may be required to connect your EV to different types of charging stations. Being prepared with the right equipment can help you avoid unexpected challenges and ensure that you can charge your EV wherever you go.

Plan Ahead

Before embarking on a journey, plan your route and identify public charging stations along the way. This minimises the risk of being stranded due to unavailable or out-of-service charging points. It helps to work out alternative routes with sufficient charging points along the way as well to avoid this particular issue.

Be Prepared for Emergencies

Among the various issues that you can encounter while charging an EV are technical malfunctions or failures with the charging station itself, unexpected power outages, or compatibility issues with the charging equipment. Having a contingency plan in place, such as bringing a portable EV charger or having access to alternative charging options, can provide you peace of mind and make sure your journey is hassle-free.

Report Issues

If you encounter any problems with a public charging station, such as technical issues or safety concerns, report them to the charging network provider or relevant authorities promptly. Bringing these to the attention of the charging network operators can help ensure the safety and reliability of public charging infrastructure for yourself and other EV users.

Overcoming the challenges associated with the expansion of EV charging networks, such as security risks and compatibility issues, can help pave the way for a more sustainable and electrically powered transportation system. If you want to contribute to this endeavour by putting up a reliable commercial EV charging station for public use, you can find a local EV charger installer near you.

Elecology, for one, operates in many locations, and our engineers have extensive experience in installing commercial and residential EV charging stations. Schedule a site survey today.