Electric cars are cheaper to run than gas cars. But charging at public stations can still feel expensive if you do not have a good plan. Many new EV owners make the mistake of charging to 100% every time or using fast chargers too often. This wastes money and can damage the battery over time.
This article shares six practical tips to save money when charging at public stations. These tips cover battery levels, choosing the right location, and daily habits. Let us get started.
1. Start Charging When Your Battery Is Between 20% and 30%
Waiting until your battery is almost empty, below 10%, is not a good habit. The best time to start charging is when your battery shows 20% to 30% remaining.
Why does this matter? At this range, the battery management system works efficiently. It does not need to force too much current into the battery. If you let the battery get too low, the chemical cells inside face extra stress. This can speed up battery wear over time.
A simple tip: Look for the nearest charging station when you have about one quarter of your battery left. Do not wait until 5% just because you want to delay charging.
2. Avoid Charging Your Battery to 100%
Many new EV owners think they must charge 100% every time. But the last 20% of charging, from 80% to 100%, takes almost as long as going from 20% to 80%. The system slows down the current on purpose to protect the battery from overheating.
A smarter approach: Charge only to 80% or 90% for daily driving or city trips. Save the full 100% charge for long road trips when you really need the extra range. This way, you spend less time waiting at the station and pay less for electricity.
3. Monitor Your Power Usage Through the Mobile App
Almost every charging network and electric car brand has an official mobile app. These apps let you see your power usage in real time. Do not ignore them.
With the app, you can check:
- Higher prices during peak hours
- Charging efficiency: how many kilowatt-hours you get versus how many kilometers you can drive
This data helps you spot wasteful habits. For example, if you often use a fast charger when your battery is still at 70%, you are wasting money. Charging at a high battery level is slow no matter what type of charger you use.
4. Choose a Station With Normal Rates, Not Premium Rates
Not all charging stations have the same price. Stations inside expensive shopping malls, airports, or certain rest areas often charge premium rates. This is because the location owner charges high rent.
A smart strategy: Before you leave home, open a station map app. Compare the price per kilowatt-hour between different locations. Look for stations that work with the national electricity company or are labeled as normal rate. The price difference can be 30% to 40%.
If you are not in a hurry, it is better to drive a little farther to a cheaper station than to pay premium prices.
5. Make Home Charging Your First Priority
Public stations should be your backup plan, not your main power source. Charging at home with a wall charger is much cheaper than using a DC fast charger at a public station. This is especially true if you charge at night when home electricity rates are lower.
Good daily habits to build:
- Charge every night at home for the next day's driving needs
- Use public stations only for long trips or when you are away from home
By doing this, you can reduce your public charging trips by up to 80%. That directly lowers your monthly spending on electric fuel.
6. Use Fast Charging Only in Moderation
Fast charging, also called DC charging, is very convenient. It can take a battery from 20% to 80% in just 30 to 40 minutes. But using it too often is bad for long term battery health. The heat produced during fast charging speeds up unwanted chemical reactions inside the battery cells.
A safe limit to follow: Use fast charging no more than once or twice per week. For all other charges, use slow AC charging at home or at work. Remember, the battery is the most expensive part of an electric car after the body itself. Taking care of it saves you millions of rupiah in the future.
Charging your electric car at public stations is not complicated once you understand your battery's rhythm and how station pricing works. Start charging at 20% to 30%, stop at 80% to 90%, monitor your usage through the app, choose normal rate stations, prioritize home charging, and limit fast charging. These six habits will keep your wallet safer and your battery healthier for years to come.
To support these saving habits, having your own EV charger at home is the smartest move you can make. You no longer need to depend on public stations for daily needs. Visit Listrik Kita today to explore a wide selection of AC wall chargers. At Listrik Kita, you will find original products with fair prices and official warranties.
