As breathing is to living, so is charging your electric car. EVs are powered by batteries (rather than gasoline); hence, they need regular charging.
However, understanding how to unplug electric car charger will help you avoid any challenges at the charge station. Usually, EVs are built such that you will have to unlock the charger before you can successfully remove the cord.
This article will help you understand the step-by-step procedure to unplug your EV’s charger without any complications.
How to Unplug Electric Car Charger?
Unplugging your electric car charger is straightforward, provided you follow the prescribed instructions. The process of unplugging your EV’s charger may differ from another, depending on the car brand.
However, without any further ado, the following steps will guide you through the process of unplugging your electric car’s charger successfully.
Step 1: Unlock the charger
Most electric cars are designed to lock the charger’s cord in place while charging. This serves as a security system and a protective measure to prevent users from unplugging the charger while the charging process is still on.
So, ensure to unlock the car first using the car’s remote control or the designated lock and unlock button. However, if you drive a Renault ZOE, use the button close to the steering wheel.
Meanwhile, if you drive a Tesla Model 3 and are wondering how to unplug Tesla charger, go to the touch screen and click on Controls, then click the car’s charge port icon (the lightning bolt).
Step 2: Unplug the charger from the car
Once you unlock the charger, locate the car’s charging port and gently unplug the charger cord from the port.
Gently wiggle the cord back and forth while pulling it out to ensure you don’t damage the cable or the port so that you don’t have to bother about how to fix a car charger port.
Step 3: Unplug the charger from the charge point
After disconnecting the charger from your car, you need to unplug the charger from the charge point. To do this, locate the plug on the charger cable and gently pull it out of the power source. Make sure to pull the plug out straight to avoid damaging the cord.
Step 4: Store the charger
Once you unplug a charger from your car and the power source, ensure that you store it away safely. You can simply coil the cable neatly and keep it in a safe, cool, and dry place to prevent it from any damage and prolong the lifespan of the charger.
How Long Can You Leave An Electric Car Unplugged?
You can leave your electric car unplugged for several days or weeks because electric vehicle batteries are large and capable of holding charge for a long time without significant depletion. However, avoid leaving your car unplugged for too long.
The length of time you can leave an EV unplugged depends on a couple of factors, such as the battery size, the charge level, the outside temperature, and the battery’s age.
Tesla electric car owners enjoy an average range of 267 miles on a single charge, which means the car can be left unplugged for several days without complications.
However, parking the car in extremely hot or cold temperatures may negatively impact the battery’s performance and reduce the time it can be left unplugged. This is because extreme temperatures can make the battery lose charge faster, reducing its overall capacity and lifespan.
EV experts recommend that the car should have at least 50% – 80% charge before storing an electric vehicle. It’s important to note that older batteries may not hold a charge for a long time as much as new batteries.
In that case, ensure to know the state of your EV’s battery before leaving it unplugged, especially for a long time to avoid any damage.
Can Anyone Unplug My Tesla?
No. Anyone cannot just unplug your Tesla without having access to unlock it. Tesla EVs are designed to lock the charger cable while charging to avoid unauthorized disconnection.
You will have to unlock a Model 3 before unplugging the charger. In other words, if you’re asking how to unplug a Tesla, you may have to use the touchscreen or your authenticated phone to unlock the charger before unplugging the cord.
Tesla also has some inbuilt security settings to help deter dubious fellows from attempting to unplug and steal your car’s charger.
What Happens If You Leave An Electric Car Charging?
If you leave your electric car charging for an extended period, the battery will continue to charge until it attains total capacity or until you unplug it.
Once the EV’s battery is fully charged, it will stop automatically, and the car will no longer draw any more power from the power source. However, leaving your electric car charging for too long can have various consequences.
Firstly, it may cause the battery to degrade over time, thereby reducing its overall lifespan. Typically, lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles can be damaged due to overcharging, which can cause a build-up of heat and the formation of dendrites (tiny, needle-like structures) within the battery.
The occurrence can further lead to a short circuit. Also, some charging stations may charge you additional fees if your vehicle stays connected longer. So, it is essential to check the terms and conditions of the EV charging station you’re using.
Conclusion
Owning an electric vehicle can be fascinating. However, knowing how to handle the dynamics of the EV will determine how much satisfaction you derive from being a proud owner of one.
Now that you understand how to unplug electric car charger, you can now enjoy the fulfillment of mastering how your EV works.
However, you should check your owner’s manual if you’re contemplating how to unplug Audi e-tron and you notice any uniqueness in the car’s charging system.