How to Charge Your New Toyota EV

With many automakers like Toyota making the transition from gasoline powered vehicles to fully electric cars (EVs), more and more plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and EVs are making their way onto North Salt Lake roads. And perhaps you’re one of those people who just made their first EV or PHEV purchase–specifically a new Toyota EV like the all-new 2023 Toyota bZ4X. Like any first-time EV owner, you may be wondering, “What are the ways I can charge my new Toyota EV or PHEV?” In the following guide, Performance Toyota Bountiful breaks down the different types of charging stations, where to find public charging stations, and tips about caring for your EV’s battery.

Charging Your Toyota: The Types of Charging

When it comes to charging your new Toyota EV at home, you have two types of charging options to choose from:

• Level 1 Charging. This type of charger uses a normal outlet in your home, and you’ll receive it when you purchase an EV. This type of option requires 120-Volt outlets, and takes a long time to charge your vehicle to 80% with Level 1. Plus, if you have multiple EV’s, you can only charge one at a time.
• Level 2 Charging. Out of the two options, Level 2 charging is the quickest way to charge your new Toyota EV in your Woods Cross garage. You’ll need a professional electrician to install this, as it needs to be hardwired directly into your electrical circuit. Level 2 charging utilizes a 240-Volt plug, and it takes about five hours to get your EV up to 80%. While Level 2 charging installation is obviously more expensive than Level 1, you’ll save more money on electricity in the long run.
• Level 3 Charging. Public charging in Bountiful and everywhere else uses Level 3 charging and can provide 80% charging in 30 minutes. You can usually find Level 3 stations in a lot of places, including shopping centers, courthouses, certain chainstores like Kohl’s, parking garages, etc. There are a lot of apps that can help with locating Level 3 charging stations.

Tips for Conserving Your EV’s Power

• Don’t max out your EV on charging. Ever been told not to charge your phone overnight, as it could damage your phone battery? It’s similar to charging an EV. Avoid charging your EV over 80%, and it is recommended to charge it during the evening and overnight. Charging an EV battery to 100% and leaving it plugged in after it’s fully charging can degrade the total usable capacity of your EV’s car battery.
• Fix any poor driving habits, specifically speeding. There’s no need to speed and drive aggressively on Salt Lake City roads. Why? Because speeding and not taking your time can decrease the life of your battery. Also, you really don’t want to be that person. Slow down, and take your time driving.
• Don’t use rapid charging level 3 stations. Because they charge so fast, using these can reduce your batteries life expectancy.
• Avoid parking in the sun. Your Toyota EV shouldn’t bake in the sun. Park in a space where there is shade to avoid overheating your EV’s battery.

Find a New Toyota EV at Performance Toyota Bountiful!

At Performance Toyota Bountiful, you can find a new Toyota EV or PHEV. To get the process started, use our vehicle finder tool to find a new Toyota EV or PHEV, then contact our finance team to learn about your financing options by giving us a call at (801) 396-0540.