Charging tips for your fully electric car
These tips can help you charge your fully electric car efficiently and protect its battery over time.
Charging speed and range can vary depending on factors such as temperature and how you use the car. Read these tips to better understand what to expect when charging your car.
Charge your car when it works for you
It's not necessary to wait until the battery level is low before charging. You can charge your car whenever it is convenient. For daily use, it's recommended to keep the battery level between 20% and 90%.
Track your current charging status
Keep an eye on your car's charging status at home or on the go in the Volvo Cars app or your car's driver display. You can track how much the battery has charged and how long is left until charging is done. You can also see the car's charging status in the charging port, where the light changes colour to show the current status of the charging cycle.
Charge remotely with the Volvo Cars app
Use the Volvo Cars app to easily manage charging at home and on the go. You can monitor charging status and set a target battery level for home and public charging. At home, you can also schedule charging to save on energy costs. On the go, the app helps you find nearby charging stations.
The app is updated regularly, so make sure that you have the latest version on your phone.
You don't need to charge to 100% every day
For daily driving, it's generally recommended to charge the battery up to 90%. You can charge to 100% when you need more range, such as for longer trips. For some cars, however, it's recommended to fully charge to 100% at least once a week to help maintain battery health. Check the user manual for more specific information about your car.
You can set a target battery level via the charging view in the centre display or in the Volvo Cars app.
Charge at home for everyday convenience
Charging at home is cost-effective and ensures your car is ready when you need it. Home charging uses AC charging, which is suitable for everyday charging and helps maintain the battery's condition over time. You can set a charging schedule in the charging view or in the Volvo Cars app, for example when the car is plugged in overnight.
| Manual schedule | You decide when charging should start and stop. |
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You can also set an amperage limit in the charging view or in the Volvo Cars app to control how much power the car uses when charging. This helps avoid overloading your home's electrical system. It’s also a great way to save your battery from unnecessary wear and tear.
Use public charging when you need to
Many drivers find that everyday driving can be covered by charging at home or at work. If you ever find yourself running low on battery while on the road, public charging is available in many locations. Public chargers may offer both AC and DC charging options. DC charging is faster but it costs more and causes more wear on the battery over time.
When using public charging, you can use Plug & Charge to simply plug in and start charging automatically, with no extra steps needed. It's an authentication and billing system that simplifies the charging experience. You can read more about Plug & Charge in your car's user manual.
Use fast charging on longer trips
Fast charging uses DC charging and is available at certain public charging stations. It's useful when you need to charge the car quickly, for example during longer journeys.
Prepare your battery for fast charging
Battery preconditioning helps your battery charge faster by warming or cooling it to an optimal charging temperature. It automatically activates when a fast charging station is set as your destination in the navigation app. Preconditioning usually starts about 30 minutes before you arrive. In very cold weather, it may start earlier. Use the car's navigation to plan charging stops, and ensure the charging station is added at the start of your trip so the battery has time to precondition.
Charging slows down to protect the battery
It is normal for charging to be faster at low battery levels during fast charging. After reaching approximately 30%, the charging speed gradually decreases. If you experience this, it's because the car's system helps protect the battery and keep it in good condition over time.
Cold weather effects are normal
Low temperatures can affect charging performance and available range. Charging may take longer and the driving range may be temporarily reduced in cold weather, although battery preconditioning can help improve charging performance.
Read the user manual to learn more about charging
For more customised information about charging your car, check the user manual. It's available in your car's centre display and via the Support tab in the Volvo Cars app. You can also sign in at the top of this page to access your car's user manual and a charging guide.