Common questions about EV charging and this site.

charging.guide started as an EV charging calculator and reference site. While building it I slowly realized there was plenty of things that I didn't know about EVs. Instead of having constant searches, I figured it was best to write it all down in one place for people.

I hope that this helps you transition from a lifetime of gas engine understanding to the electirc future.

Start on the home page. Pick a vehicle from the directory or enter battery size manually, then set your current charge (SOC) and target charge.

Add one or more chargers — home Level 1 or 2, or a DC fast charger — with the power and price you expect. The calculator shows energy needed, session time, and cost for each option.

Adjust weather or battery temperature when those affect your car. Edit sample charger prices to match your home rate or a network you use.

Many EV owners stop daily charging around 80% state of charge because it is easier on the battery and often faster per mile added.

Lithium-ion packs charge quickly at low SOC, then taper as they fill. Above about 80%, power drops sharply on DC fast charging — the last 20% can take as long as the first 80%.

Automakers commonly recommend a lower daily charge limit for nickel-based packs — often around 80% — and saving 100% for trips. Battery chemistry matters: some LFP-equipped cars are designed for regular 100% charges instead.

Fleet data also shows degradation accelerates when a vehicle spends prolonged time parked at very high or very low SOC, not from a single occasional full charge before a drive.

The calculator defaults to 80% as a practical daily target, not a hard limit. Use it when you want a realistic session time for routine top-ups.

Yes. There is no rule against charging to 90% or 100% when you need the range — before a road trip, for example.

Higher targets are fine occasionally. Charging to 100% every night and leaving the car parked full for long stretches adds more stress than charging high and driving soon after.

In the calculator, raise the target charge slider to whatever you plan to stop at. Expect longer times and higher cost above 80%, especially on DC fast chargers where taper kicks in.

Level 1 — a standard 120 V household outlet — is OK if it matches your driving. It adds roughly 3–5 miles of range per hour for many EVs.

That works when you drive little and can leave the car plugged in overnight or all day. A short commute plus weekend errands often fits comfortably.

It is less ideal when you regularly deplete a large share of the pack and need it full again by morning. In that case Level 2 at home, or occasional public Level 2 or DC charging, saves time.

Level 1 is slow but gentle. Many owners use it for years without issue when their routine allows.

Level 2 — 240 V AC at home or public stations — is the most common setup for daily EV life and is absolutely OK as your primary charging method.

Typical home Level 2 adds about 20–40 miles of range per hour depending on the car and circuit. Most drivers recover an overnight session easily.

You do not need DC fast charging for everyday use. Fast charging shines on road trips when you need a large amount of energy in under an hour.

If you only have Level 2 at home, plan longer trips around DC stops when you need them. For local driving, Level 2 alone is enough for most people.