Home Car Shopping How to Check if an EV Battery Is Fully Charged

How to Check if an EV Battery Is Fully Charged

Battery capacity and charging levels are primary concerns for those exploring electric vehicle (EV) ownership. Rest assured, you can monitor battery levels just as easily as you can see how much fuel is in a petroleum-fueled car’s gas tank.

Here are some tips for checking the charging status of an electric car.

RELATED STORIES: Buying an Electric Car: Tips You Need

How to Determine if Your EV Battery is Charged

MORE: Should You Buy an Electric Car or a Plug-in Hybrid?

Types Of EV Chargers

MORE: How Long Do Electric Car Batteries Last?

Editor’s Note: We have updated this article since its initial publication. Andrew Ganz contributed to the report.

FAQ

  • How do I know if my EV is fully charged?

    To know if your electric car got charged, you can look at the instrument cluster display, an indicator light located on the dashboard or near the battery charging port or check a connected smartphone app.

  • Do I have to pay for a smartphone app to view my EV's charge status?

    You might, but it depends on the electric vehicle. Automakers usually provide free trial access to remote charging information and settings. However, you might have to pay a monthly fee after that.

  • Is it best to fully charge my EV?

    No. Unless you know you will need to drive your EV for nearly its entire range, it is generally best to charge its battery to about 80%. That extra 20% requires a lot of energy, eventually degrading battery life.

Sign up for Autotrader newsletters

The best cars and best deals delivered to your inbox

Where You Can Buy

Loading dealers...

Leave a Comment