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How to charge an electric car
July 21, 2021
2021 Nissan LEAF
Charging an electric car is a simple process that requires minimal equipment. Whether you’re charging at home with your electric vehicle’s (EV) standard charging cable or at a public charging station, charging your EV is as easy as plugging in and powering up, then hitting the road. [[153]]
Electric car public charging
Charging an EV at public charging stations
Charging an electric vehicle at a public charging station is as convenient as charging at home. Most public charging stations simply require you to swipe a credit card to get started. Some stations will recommend you download a mobile app and create an account to begin the charging process. [[153]]
After you follow the steps on your mobile app or swipe your credit card at the charging station, you simply plug the station’s charging cable into the appropriate charging port behind your EV’s charge port door. Once your EV is charged, return the cable to its designated spot for the next user.
While most public charging stations accommodate multiple charging ports, it’s important to note that your EV’s make and model will determine what type of connector it requires.
Locating public charging stations
Public charging stations are becoming more and more prevalent and convenient. You’ll find them at grocery stores, gyms, movie theaters, adjacent to parking, at shopping centers, and almost anywhere else your daily drive takes you.
If you have a Nissan ARIYA, the MyNISSAN App gives you access to the entire NISSAN ENERGY Charge network of over 90,000 public chargers. Just head to your owners portal and set up a payment method in your Nissan Wallet to make charging even easier.[[3959]]
Charging an EV at home
When charging at home, you can easily plug your car’s electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) — a charging cable that comes standard with many electric cars — into its Level 1 charging port and a standard 3-pin, 120-volt outlet. Level 1 Charging requires no special equipment and provides a slower charging cycle compared to specialty EVSEs.
Wallbox delivers powerful performance for faster EV charging in the home with up to 8 times faster than a Level 1 charger. [[1316]] With Wallbox, a home charger and installation assistance is just clicks away. [[3417]]
Learn more about charging and how electric vehicles work.
Nissan LEAF standard 120V charging cable
How to charge an EV without a garage
As long as you have a power source and a place to park, you can charge your electric vehicle at home. For EV owners without a garage, outdoor-rated, weather-sealed EVSEs can be installed on the exterior of your home for home charging.
For apartment dwellers, many residential complexes are starting to offer charging units in parking garages, so be sure to reach out to the property manager to find out what your options are.
How to charge different types of EVs
The electric vehicle charging process could look slightly different depending on which makes and models you’re considering. With manufacturer-specific charging inlets on many EVs, your car will require a specific connector type to properly charge. Some of the most common EV charging fast charging connectors include:
Combined charging system (CCS) connector
Using the universal J1772 charging inlet with two additional high-speed charging pins, the combined charging system (CCS) connector is standard in North America and Europe. The CCS connector can be used for fast charging, and nearly every car manufacturer in the country has agreed to use it in their electric vehicles. Some of the most common EVs that utilize a CCS connector include the BMWi3, the Ford Focus Electric, the Chevy Bolt. Nissan’s all-new Nissan Ariya will also be compatible with the CCS connector. [[3905]]
CHAdeMO connector
CHAdeMO connectors were designed in Japan for fast and efficient electric vehicle charging. In North America, the Nissan LEAF uses the innovative CHAdeMO connector on their vehicles.
Learn more about the charging, range, and power of the Nissan LEAF.
Learn more about the charging, range, and power of the Nissan LEAF.
Tesla connector
Tesla uses a single proprietary connector that accepts all voltages, which means their electric vehicles (EVs) do not require a different connector for fast charging. Tesla vehicles are also the only EV that can charge at their proprietary DC fast-charging stations, which are known as Superchargers. The ability to supercharge is standard on Model X, Model 3, Model Y, and certain Model S cars. Some public charging stations offer adapters for Tesla vehicles and Tesla connectors at select locations. [[153]]
Discover more EV features and benefits
No matter which kind of electric vehicle you have or are looking into, charging has been made simple. When you’re charging your EV at home, powering up your ride is as simple as plugging into a designated outlet or utilizing a professionally installed wall unit. [[3906]] When charging on the go, public charging stations simply require a form of payment and the right connector. [[153]]
Ready to discover all the benefits of owning an EV? Explore more of the electrifying features of the all-new Nissan LEAF today. Be sure to stay up to date on the upcoming new electric crossover from Nissan, the Nissan Ariya.[[3905]]
2021 Nissan LEAF
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