Driving an electric vehicle is an exciting, eco-friendly way to get around Buffalo. To get the most out of your Honda EV, it's important to understand how to charge the battery properly. In this guide, we'll cover everything you need to know about charging your Honda electric car.
Types of Charging Connectors
Honda electric vehicles use the SAE J1772 charging connector, which is the most common connector type in North America. This connector is used for both Level 1 and Level 2 charging. For Level 3 DC fast charging.
Charging Levels and Speeds
There are three main levels of EV charging:
- Level 1 uses a standard 120V household outlet and can add about three to five miles of range per hour of charging. This is the slowest charging method but can work for overnight charging if you have a short daily commute around Amherst, NY.
- Level 2 requires a 240V outlet (like an electric dryer plug) and a dedicated EV charging station. Level 2 charging can add 12-80 miles of range per hour. Most homes, workplaces, and public charging stations offer Level 2 charging.
- Level 3, also known as DC Fast Charging, can charge an EV to 80 percent in just 30-45 minutes. DC Fast Chargers provide direct current to the battery and require special equipment. You'll find Level 3 public charging stations in convenient locations like shopping centers and parking garages around Buffalo.
Finding Public Charging Stations
public charging stations make it easy to top up the battery when you're out and about in your Honda EV. Popular apps like PlugShare, ChargePoint, and EVgo let you locate available public chargers from your smartphone. Many public parking lots, garages, and shopping centers around Amherst, NY now provide Level 2 and DC fast chargers.
If you're heading out on a road trip from Buffalo, apps can also help you plan a route with convenient charging stops along the way. The new Honda Prologue will even integrate charging station info right into the navigation system.
Home Charging for Your Honda EV
For maximum convenience, many Honda electric vehicle owners install a Level 2 charging station at home. Home charging lets you wake up to a full battery every morning without having to stop at public stations. Level 2 home chargers require a dedicated 240V circuit and professional electrician installation.
For easy home charging, Honda has partnered with ChargePoint — a leader in home EV charging equipment. Home charging stations come in both plug-in and hardwired versions, with many advanced smart features like scheduled charging, mobile app monitoring, and automatic software updates.
To maximize battery performance and lifespan, it's best to regularly charge your Honda EV to around 80 percent capacity for daily driving and only charge to 100 percent when needed for longer trips. Avoid running the battery down to zero, and don't leave your vehicle uncharged for extended periods of time.
We hope this guide has helped you understand how to charge your Honda electric vehicle. Whether you install a convenient home charging station or utilize handy public chargers around Buffalo and Amherst, NY, it's easy to keep your Honda EV charged up and ready to hit the road!
