Help! I Bought an EV and I Don’t Know How to Charge It!

Ever been afraid to ask a “stupid question”? The truth is lots of other people probably have the same question you have. Many drivers think they lack the EV know-how needed to purchase one. But the truth is that everyone started at the beginning at some point! EVs are designed to be user-friendly, and we promise you don’t need a Ph.D. in electrical engineering to drive one.

First, congratulations on the purchase of your first electric vehicle! Many manufacturers and websites tell new drivers how simple it is to “just plug in and go!” They fail however to go through the process step by step for those who have never done it before.

Charging is simple, and owners quickly get the hang of it. But if you’re a first-timer, follow these simple steps to charge your new EV and discover just how simple Blink charging can be!

Charging at a Public EV Charging Station

The process is very much the same for public charging, with a few noticeable differences. Most public chargers are Level 2 chargers, like the Blink IQ 200. The cord you will need is already attached to the charger.

Steps:

1. Park your car in the spot marked for EVs and make sure you’re close enough to use the cord

2. The cord for the charger should be wound around the charger. Unwind it and bring the plug to your “fuel tank” (charge port)

3. Flip open the tank

4. Push the Blink charger end into place and make sure it latchs into your EV

5. Start the charge with the Blink mobile app, your Blink member card, or by calling customer service

6. Once the screen displays the charge has started electricity is flowing. If you’d like to double-check you can look at the dashboard. Some cars will have a light that looks like a plug that lights up. Also look at the charger to make sure miles are being added

7. The cord is locked into place while charging so please move your car.

8. When you are finished charging or would like to leave, remove the connect, wind the cord up, and put it neatly back where you found it. It’s considered rude and a tripping hazard to throw the cord on the ground.

9. The process is complete.

Charging at Home

A simple 110-volt charging cord comes with your new EV, and you can use it with a plugin your garage with a Level 1 Charger.

Steps:

1. Plug your cord into a regular 120v wall outlet

2. Locate the “fuel tank” (charge port) on your car, or where the cord connects to charge the car

3. Park your car close enough to the outlet for the cord to reach the connection

4. Flip open the tank

5. Push charger into place and make sure they connect

6. The electricity will flow automatically, but you want to make sure, so look at the dashboard. Some cars will have a light that looks like a plug that lights up.

7. The cord is locked into place while charging so don’t try to move the car.

8. When you are finished charging, unplug the cord on both ends, roll your cord up, and put it back in the bag it came in.

9. The process is complete.

At Blink, EV charging is what we do, and we’re always here and always happy to help. If you have any questions at all, call us anytime. We’re excited to fuel the future together.