New EV? Everything you need to know about charging

Congratulations on your new electric vehicle! If you are like most people, you probably have some questions about how charging actually works. That is perfectly natural. Charging is simpler than you think, and after reading this guide you will feel confident charging both at home and on the go.

The three types of charging

There are essentially three ways to charge your EV. Each has its advantages, and you will likely use all three during your time as an EV owner.

1. Home charging — your most important charging source

Home charging is the simplest and cheapest option. You install a charging box (also called a wallbox) in your garage or on the wall by your parking spot. Most charging boxes deliver between 3.6 kW and 22 kW and charge your car overnight.

Benefits of home charging:

• Cheapest per kilowatt-hour (kWh)
• You charge while you sleep
• Your car is always ready in the morning
• You can take advantage of low electricity prices at night

2. Destination charging — charging where you are

Many shopping centres, hotels, parking garages, and workplaces have charging stations. These are typically semi-fast chargers with a power output of 7-22 kW. You charge while you shop, work, or eat — without even thinking about it.

3. Fast charging — for road trips and emergencies

Fast chargers are found along major highways and in cities. They deliver from 50 kW up to 400 kW and can charge your car from 10 to 80 percent in 15-45 minutes, depending on your car and the charger's power output.

Fast charging is more expensive than home charging, but it is indispensable on longer trips. Think of fast charging like a petrol station — you use it when you need it.

Getting started: install a charging box at home

The first thing you should do as a new EV owner is to get a charging box at home. Here is how to go about it:

1. Contact a certified electrician — They will assess your electrical system and recommend the right solution.
2. Choose a charging box — There are many models available. Most cost between 8,000 and 15,000 kr plus installation.
3. Check for subsidies — Some municipalities and housing cooperatives in Norway offer grants for charging box installation.
4. Install and register — The electrician installs the box, and you can connect it to an app for smart control.

Download apps and create accounts

To use public charging stations, you need apps from the charging operators. Here is what you should do:

1. Download the most common apps — The largest operators in Norway include Circle K, Mer, Recharge, Ionity, and Tesla (which are now open to all brands). You do not need all of them from day one, but have two or three ready.
2. Create an account and add a payment card — It only takes a few minutes per app.
3. Check whether a charging subscription is worthwhile — Some operators offer a lower price if you sign up for a subscription.

Compare charging subscriptions→ to find out if it is worthwhile for you.

Your first fast charge — step by step

The first time you fast charge can feel a little unfamiliar. Here is a simple recipe:

1. Find a charging station — Use your car's navigation or a charging app. You can also use the map on ladr.no→ to find the nearest station.
2. Drive to the station and park at an available charger — Make sure the charging cable can reach your car.
3. Open the app — Select the correct charging point and start charging via the app. Some chargers also let you start with a bank card directly.
4. Connect the charging cable — Plug the connector into your car. You will hear a click when it is properly seated.
5. Charging starts — You can see on the car's screen or in the app how fast it is going and how much has been charged.
6. Charge to 80 percent — Charging speed drops significantly after 80 percent. It is rarely worth waiting for 100 percent on a fast charger.
7. Finish and disconnect — Stop the charging in the app, pull out the cable, and drive on.

Understanding the battery and range

An EV's battery is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). The larger the battery, the longer the range. But there are a few things that affect how far you actually get:

• Temperature — Cold winter weather can reduce range by 20-40 percent. This is normal and not harmful to the battery.
• Driving style — High speed on the motorway uses more energy than city driving.
• Heating and air conditioning — Heat and AC draw power from the battery.
• Terrain — Lots of uphill driving requires more energy, but you get some back on downhill stretches thanks to regenerative braking.

A rule of thumb: Expect about 70-80 percent of the stated range in everyday driving, and a bit less on cold winter days. Modern EVs have between 300 and 600 km of stated range, so it is more than enough for most people.

What does it cost to charge?

Charging costs vary a lot depending on where you charge:

• Home charging: You pay the electricity price plus grid tariff — typically between 1 and 3 kr per kWh. Charging at night is often cheapest.
• Public normal charging: Often free at shopping centres, otherwise 3-5 kr per kWh.
• Fast charging: Typically between 4 and 9 kr per kWh, depending on the operator and whether you have a subscription.

Summary: the most important things to remember

• Install a charging box at home — it is the most important investment.
• Download two or three charging apps and create accounts.
• Charge to 80 percent on fast chargers to save time.
• Do not stress about range — it becomes second nature after a few weeks.
• Compare prices to avoid overpaying.