First time at the gas station? Here's how to avoid common mistakes

The transition to electric mobility represents a significant change in vehicle usage habits, and managing charging is the aspect that generates the most uncertainty for newcomers. A thorough understanding of charging dynamics is critical to ensure asmooth and optimized experience, avoiding frustration and wasted time.

This guide collects the most common mistakes made during initial public charging experiences, providing practical solutions and operational tips to deal with them safely and competently.

Checking availability and operational status

One of the most common initial mistakes is to go to a charging station without first checking its operational status and access conditions. This "analog" approach, borrowed from established habits with traditional gas stations, can lead to problematic situations: columns temporarily out of service for maintenance, charging points occupied by other vehicles, stations with restricted access (apartment buildings, businesses, private parking lots), and the absence of connectors compatible with one's own vehicle.

Unlike traditional gas stations, which almost always have immediate availability due to quick refueling (2-3 minutes), electric charging stations can have all spots occupied for extended periods, especially during peak times or along major highways on weekends.

Recommendation: use specialized applications in advance - such as Powy Charge - that allow you to check in real time the operational status of each charging point, the availability of connectors, the power that can be delivered and the access mode (public, semi-public or reserved). These apps often integrate navigation features that guide directly to the selected station and in some cases allow the charging point to be booked, avoiding unnecessary travel.

Understanding of connector compatibility

The type of connector is one of the most confusing aspects for those new to e-mobility, generating misunderstandings and inability to complete charging.

In Europe there are specific standards that vary according to the charging mode. For alternating currentAC), mainly used in slow and semi-fast charging (up to 22 kW), the European standard is Type 2 (also called Mennekes). This connector is universally adopted on all electric vehicles sold in Europe from 2018 onward.

For direct currentDC), used in rapid and ultra-rapid charging (50 kW to 350 kW), the European standard is the CCS Combo 2 (Combined Charging System). This connector integrates DC contacts at the bottom while maintaining compatibility with Type 2 sockets at the top.

There is also the CHAdeMO connector, used mainly by some Asian models such as Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, although it is gradually disappearing from the European market in favor of CCS. Tesla vehicles produced until 2021 used a proprietary connector, but newer models adopt the CCS Combo 2, aligning with the European standard.

Recommendation: although today it is rare to find incompatibilities between a charging station and your electric vehicle, it is always a good idea, before going to a charging station, to check precisely the type of socket in your vehicle by consulting the user manual or checking the charging door directly. Dedicated apps also allow you to filter stations by the type of connector you need, showing only those that are compatible with your car.

Error in session activation

One of the most frequent problems for beginners concerns the interruption of the charging process due to an error in the initiation and authentication protocol. A typical example is when the vehicle is physically connected to the charging station, but energy transfer does not start due to incorrect sequence of operations or lack of communication between vehicle and station.

For example, in some cases, if you connect the cable first and only then authenticate yourself, charging may not start correctly. Each charging station follows a specific protocol that must be strictly adhered to in order to ensure the session starts correctly.

Recommendation: always follow thecorrect order of activation indicated by the charging station or app:

1. Authenticate the session using the application or the other modes (QR code, POS, RFID)
2. Wait for confirmation from the station that the charging point has been unlocked and activated (usually indicated by an appropriate LED or an audible signal).
3. Connect the cable to the electric vehicle firmly, making sure the connector is fully inserted and the mechanical locking "click" is heard.
4. Verify the start of charging on the vehicle display or on the application, which should confirm that energy transfer is in progress with an indication of the power delivered.

If it fails to start, do not disconnect the cable immediately, but first check the app for any error messages and follow the directions provided. Sometimes it is sufficient to wait 20-30 seconds for the communication between vehicle and column to stabilize.

Confusion about power and charging speed

Understanding charging power is crucial to correctly estimating the speed and time needed to complete charging, as not all stations deliver the same power. Many beginners expect very short charging times even from low-power columns, generating frustration and misunderstandings.

Charging speed depends on three main factors: the maximum power that can be delivered by the charging station (expressed in kW), the maximum power acceptable by the vehicle (limitation of on-board electronics), and the state of charge of the battery (recharges are fastest between 20% and 80%).

Practical recommendations:

Power specifications: Always check, either through the app or on the column itself, the maximum power output of the charging point. Domestic or slow public posts typically deliver 3-7 kW (full charge in 6-10 hours), semi-fast posts 11-22 kW (full charge in 2-4 hours), fast posts 50-100 kW (80% charge in 30-45 minutes), and ultra-fast hyperchargers 150-350 kW (80% charge in 15-25 minutes).

Vehicle limitation: Even if the station has high power, one's own vehicle may accept less power. For example, many inexpensive electric cars accept a maximum of 50 kW in DC, so using a 150 kW station will not reduce charging time. Consult your vehicle's technical specifications for maximum AC and DC power.

Charging curve: The speed does not remain constant throughout the session. The battery accepts more energy when discharged (20-50%) and slows down progressively after 80% to protect the cells. To optimize time, it is advisable to stop fast charging at 80% and complete the remaining 20% with slow charging or at home, avoiding paying high rates for charging that gets slower and slower.

Errors in finalization and disconnection

Disconnecting the cable without properly following the finalization directions can result in several problems: blockage of the connector in the vehicle socket or column, continued charges even after leaving the station, and inability for other users to use the charging point.

Many beginners make the mistake of simply pulling the cable when they think there is enough charging, without formally ending the session via the app or the button on the column. This can trigger safety locking mechanisms that prevent removal of the connector.

Recommendation: before disconnecting the cable, always end the charging session by following this sequence:

1. Stop the session via the app or by pressing the stop button on the column.
2. Wait for end-of-session confirmation (LED changing color, message on the app, or beep from the column).
3. Unlock the connector by pressing the release button on the cable or on the post if there is one.
4. Remove the cable from the vehicle with firm movement but without excessive force.
5. Correctly stow the cable in the post holder to leave the station tidy for the next user.

If the cable remains stuck despite the correct procedure, never force removal. Verify that the session has actually ended on the app, try unlocking the vehicle and then re-locking it (sometimes this releases the mechanism), and if the problem persists, contact operator support via the number listed on the column.

Inadequate planning of long trips

A common mistake for those taking their first long electric car trip is underestimating the importance of planning for charging stops. Unlike thermal vehicles, where gas stations are ubiquitous and refueling takes minutes, electric trips require a more structured strategy.

Recommendation: use planning apps or the vehicle's built-in navigation features that automatically calculate optimal stops considering initial battery, estimated consumption, weather conditions, and column availability. Always provide a 10-15% safety margin on the remaining battery on arrival, and avoid planning routes that would bring the charge below 10%.

During long trips, it is preferable to make more frequent and shorter stops (15-20 minutes) at hyperchargers instead of long stops (60+ minutes) at slow columns, optimizing time by taking advantage of the fastest charging phase between 20% and 80%.

Ignoring weather conditions and their impact

Extreme temperatures significantly affect battery efficiency and charging times, but many beginners do not consider this factor in planning. At temperatures below 5°C, battery capacity is reduced by 15-30% and charging speed can decrease significantly because the system must first warm the cells.

Recommendation: in winter months, precondition the battery before fast charging by activating the warm-up function while driving to the charging station. Many modern vehicles do this automatically when setting a fast-charging station as a destination in the navigation system. Consider 20-30% higher consumption on winter trips than summer values and plan charging stops accordingly.

In conclusion, once you have analyzed the main mistakes made in your first charging experiences, you will be able to ensure an efficient, fast and trouble-free charging experience, optimizing the use of charging stations and enjoying the full benefits of electric mobility. The initial learning curve is rapid, and after a few recharges, operations will become natural and automatic.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions about the first charging of the electric car.

How do I know if a charging station is available before I go there?
Use specialized apps such as Powy Charge, PlugShare, or Nextcharge that show the real-time operational status of charging stations, availability, type of connectors, and how to access them. These apps also allow you to navigate directly to the selected station.

What is the difference between Type 2 and CCS Combo 2 connector?
The Type 2 (Mennekes) is the European standard for alternating currentAC) charging up to 22 kW, while the CCS Combo 2 is used for direct currentDC) fast charging from 50 to 350 kW. CCS integrates the Type 2 contacts at the top, maintaining compatibility.

What is the correct sequence to start a recharge?
First authenticate the session via app or RFID card, then wait for confirmation that the charging station is unlocked, then connect the cable to the vehicle making sure of the locking "click," and finally verify on the app or vehicle display that recharging has actually started.

Why does charging slow down after 80% battery?
The battery accepts less power after 80% to protect the cells from deterioration. This is normal and it is advisable to stop fast charging at 80% to optimize time and cost, completing the remaining 20% with slow charging.

How do I properly end a charging session?
Always terminate the session via the app or the button on the charging column, wait for end-of-session confirmation, unlock the connector if necessary, remove the cable from the vehicle, and properly place it back in the charging column holder. Never disconnect the cable without ending the session first.

About Powy

Powy is a company that owns, develops and operates Italy's leading independent network of public charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, with a growing presence in Spain as well.

Founded in Turin, Italy in 2018, Powy is at the center of the transition to more sustainable mobility, offering an innovative charging infrastructure that uses only 100 percent renewable energy.

Powy 's network includes quick, fast, and ultra-fast charging solutions strategically placed in public and private parking lots, supermarkets, shopping malls, and transportation hubs to ensure maximum convenience and accessibility for EV drivers. Each station is equipped with advanced technologies to provide a reliable and efficient charging experience.

Learn more: wpowy.energy