The Philippines’ weather pattern has become more unpredictable than ever. One week can bring scorching heat, only to be followed by the next week’s days of heavy rain. For electric vehicle (EV) owners, this constant shift in weather patterns often raises one concern – safe EV charging in extreme weather conditions.
Thankfully, the advent of information technology today means this concern is now becoming less of a thing to worry about. With numerous informative materials available on the internet that provide guidance on how to safely charge an EV, the real concern now is whether the information being presented is accurate or not.
With this in mind, ACMobility, the Ayala-backed automotive group known for distributing EVs from such brands as BYD and Kia, as well as providing state-of-the-art EV charging stations nationwide, has shared some credible tips on how you can safely charge your EVs, even during the country’s ever-changing weather conditions.
Plan ahead with the right tools
For some, this is an extra step, but taking the time to plan ahead before a trip pays off in a peaceful mind on the road. Checking the availability and status of EV charging stations en route is a wise move, as this gives you the edge of knowing where to find the nearest EV charging stations in case the battery range falls low along the way.
While ACMobility now has a growing number of charging stations nationwide, using an EV charging station locator such as Evro helps, as it finds places beyond the coverage of ACMobility. Evro has more than 240 Department of Energy (DOE) registered EV charging stations nationwide in its database. It also updates you on the condition and availability of your chosen station.
Know your EV and its limits
It’s understandable these days why many would not choose to read the owner’s manual of their cars. However, taking the time to read the manual lets you in on some of your EV’s best features that you may not be aware of. Most importantly, the manual details your EV’s care and maintenance dos and don’ts. These include not charging in flooded areas to prevent electrical problems or damage due to water exposure.
Should the vehicle experience flooding, it’s best to look for signs of water entry in the charging port and cabin, and pay attention to battery warning lights. When exposed to extreme heat, it’s advisable to let the vehicle cool down first before charging. Regardless of flooding or heat exposure, if anything feels off with the car, contact an authorized service center for professional assistance.
Choose the right charger
Choosing the correct charger is critical. Avoid using adaptors or extension cords to prevent electrical problems or fires. Use only genuine AC and DC chargers, preferably supplied with the EV upon unit release.
Alternatively, ACMobility’s charging stations feature both AC and DC chargers. AC chargers deliver up to 22 kW, with charging times ranging from three to eight hours depending on the vehicle. DC chargers, on the other hand, deliver between 60 kW and 480 kW of power. Fast Chargers (60 kW and 120 kW) can power an EV from 20% to 80% in about 20 to 60 minutes, while SuperFast (240 kW) and UltraFast (480 kW) chargers are available at select locations such as Corinthian Carpark in Makati.
Park and plug in safety
It’s always a good choice to park your EV on a charging station with safety in mind. Before charging, inspect the station for any visible damage, wear, and tear. Should there be any, it’s a best bet to look for another station nearby or use Evro to locate the next one. When charging, avoid stretching out the cable across walkways, especially on wet surfaces.
Stay alert while charging
In ideal conditions, such as good weather or a station with service personnel on duty, leaving your charging EV to have lunch or stroll around is fine. However, in extreme weather conditions or when the station is self-service, it’s advisable to keep an eye on your car.
Always be alert when unexpected events, such as sudden sparks, unusual noises, or system errors, occur. And DO NOT forcibly pull out the charger. Ask for help from the service personnel, end the session via the control panel on the charging unit, or stop the process via the Evro app. Safety with presence of mind is key.
ACMobility says that it’s working closely with its subsidiary company, Greenstrum, which installs both AC and DC charging stations nationwide. The Ayala company made it clear that it maintains all its charging stations at least twice a year, in accordance with international standards, as well as the guidelines put forth by DOE and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
ACMobility concludes by highlighting its partnership with Evro, ensuring its networks are safe, reliable, and ready for use in all weather conditions.
