How to Use a Fast-Charging Station For Your Electric Vehicle

Fast-charging stations (often called "Level 3 stations") are designed to provide the power your vehicle needs during long trips. Unlike Level 2 stations, which are suitable for charging at home or at the office, fast charging stations use direct current (DC) to charge your battery more quickly.

On average, a fast-charging station can reach 80% in 20 to 40 minutes, depending on your battery capacity and the station's charging rate. It's the ideal solution for taking a coffee break while your vehicle regains energy.

Some vehicles are designed to support fast charging from the outset, while others are not. Before heading out, consult your owner's manual to verify the supported connectors and maximum power rating.

Before arriving at a public charging station, take a few moments to plan your stop. Anticipation is key to efficient, hassle-free charging.

Finding the Right Station

Use a mobile app like ChargeHub to locate nearby charging stations. Our app shows you real-time availability, power output, and connector types. You can also read comments from other drivers, a real plus when you're travelling.

Checking Compatibility

Not all charging stations use the same connector: the most common are CCS, CHAdeMO, and NACS. Make sure yours matches the station's. If your cable isn't compatible, some stations offer an integrated charging cord.

Taking Temperature Into Account

Battery temperature directly influences charging time. In cold weather, current flows more slowly and some stations may reduce power to protect the battery. In winter, try driving a few kilometres before charging an electric car; this will warm up the battery and speed up charging.

Once on site, everything becomes simple. Here are the steps to follow to plug in and start charging properly.

1. Authenticate Yourself

Most public charging stations require identification before plugging in. You can use the ChargeHub app to identify yourself or activate a charging station by simply tapping the station with a reader.

2. Start the Session

Once your vehicle is parked correctly and plugged in, start the session directly from the station's screen or via the mobile app.

Within seconds, the energy transfer begins.

The charging rate will depend on the station's power, your vehicle model, and battery temperature.

3. Monitor Progress

You can track charging time directly on the station's screen or via your vehicle's mobile app. Some models even show the exact percentage and estimated cost.

4. End the Session

Once charging is complete (typically around 80%), stop the session in the app or on the screen. You're ready to hit the road again!

Fast charging quickly becomes a reflex when you understand the basics. To optimize your time and preserve your electric vehicle's battery, a few best practices can make a difference.

1. Don't Always Aim for 100%

Most batteries charge more slowly from 80% onwards. To save time, stop the session when the level reaches this threshold. This also helps preserve your battery's longevity.

2. Check Your Vehicle's Settings

Before each session, open your vehicle's mobile app or check the onboard settings. Some models allow you to enable battery preheating or schedule the optimal charging time based on ambient temperature. These minor adjustments improve the charging rate and reduce overall charging time.

3. Preheat the Battery Before Arriving

Battery temperature directly influences charging speed. If it's too cold, current flows more slowly. In winter, driving a few kilometres before arriving at the public charging station helps reach optimal temperature.

4. Choose the Right Station

Not all charging stations offer the same power. A 350 kW station will be helpful only if your vehicle can accept that level. Otherwise, a 100 kW station will produce an equivalent result. In other words, choose a station compatible with your vehicle's fast charging capability.

5. Use Digital Tools to Your Advantage

With the ChargeHub mobile app, you can find the nearest station in seconds, check its power level, and see its real-time availability. This way, you avoid queues and stations that are out of service.

6. Monitor Your Charge

During the session, monitor the following indicators: power received, time remaining, and costs. If you notice a sudden drop in charging rate, it may be due to your vehicle's thermal management or a partially limited station. In this case, consult your owner's manual to understand your model's behaviour better.

7. Free Up the Station as Soon as Possible

Fast charging stations are often in high demand. When your charge is complete, promptly unplug your vehicle to avoid additional occupancy fees that may apply after the session ends. This also keeps stations available for drivers arriving after you.

We often see the same pitfalls, especially among new EV drivers. Here's how to avoid them.

Choosing an Incompatible Station

Not all electric vehicles use the same connector. Always check the technical specifications or consult your owner's manual before arriving on site.

Ignoring the Weather

In winter, a cold battery reduces charging speed; in summer, excessive heat can reduce efficiency. In both cases, let your car adapt before plugging it in.

Forgetting to Check Pricing

Some charging stations charge by the minute, others by the kilowatt-hour. ChargeHub's mobile app allows you to compare prices and avoid unpleasant surprises.

Leaving Without Ending the Session

Always stop the session via the app or the station's screen before unplugging. Otherwise, billing may continue.

Our mobile app was designed to simplify your EV driving experience. In a single tool, you can:

• Find the nearest charging stations, with real-time power and availability;
• Filter by your connector type or vehicle brand;
• Start and pay for a session directly from the app;
• Read reviews from other drivers to avoid broken stations;
• Plan a complete route with optimized stops based on your range.

Thanks to these features, you save time and drive with peace of mind, wherever you are in North America.

Learning to use a fast charging station isn't complicated: it's all about preparation, compatibility, and a few good habits.

With ChargeHub, you have all the information at your fingertips: location, power, costs, and availability. Whether you're travelling or simply on the go, our mobile app is your best ally for hassle-free EV charging.

Download the ChargeHub app today, find a public charging station near you, and thoroughly enjoy your EV driver experience.