Modern electric cars can last as long as a regular car if they're kept properly charged up. That's why nearly everyone buying an EV will also purchase a charger to go with their new vehicle, so they can charge it up whenever they're at home. This charger should also be able to last for many years - but it does require a little care and maintenance.
So with Toyota electric cars only growing in popularity every year, let's talk a bit about how to keep your home charging system working great for years to come!
Level 2 chargers can pull the full 240v from your home's power supply, which allows them to charge up an EV in just a few hours. The downside is that they must be installed by a professional electrician, which makes them more expensive. However, this is well worth the investment! A properly installed L2 charger will last longer than a cheap Level 1 charger, and you'll get much better performance from it as well.
Too much dust or grime getting into your charger can easily foul the connection, or potentially even damage the connectors, so it needs to be kept clean. Fortunately, this is easy enough. Just use a soft cloth and mild soap or detergent. Be sure to thoroughly dry it before using it again!
Just be careful not to use any sort of abrasive soap, or harsh scrubbing materials. These can damage the charger.
Once a month or so, give your charger a quick look-over. Like all electrical devices, it could suffer from frayed or chewed wires or loose connections. These could damage the charger or your EV if they go unnoticed! If you do see any electrical problems, be sure to call in an electrician for help. The voltage going through an L2 charger could do real damage to you if you touched a live wire.
Be very careful with the charging cable itself, since almost any internal damage could cause it to cease working. Avoid ever bending or twisting the cable any more than is strictly necessary. And, as with the charging station, always keep an eye out for damage to the cable.
If your charger is mounted outdoors, don't leave it exposed to the elements! Wind, rain, and other weather debris can seriously damage it. There are plenty of covers and shields available for every type of charger, so this should be a very minimal extra expense.
1000 Islands Toyota is Brockville's choice for the best in Toyota cars and trucks, both new and used, including hybrids and EVs. If you're ready to embrace the future of automobiles, we're here to help! Contact us to ask about current stock, or just visit our lot for a test drive!