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Charging Your EV Rental

As the world shifts towards ever-increasing EV adoption, with this growth comes the need for efficient charging options. In this article, we will explore the various EV fast charging options available today, how they work, and what you need to know to make the most of your EV rental experience.


EV Fast Charging Options


EV fast charging has revolutionized the way we think about electric vehicle refueling. Traditional chargers can take many hours to recharge a battery, but fast chargers can significantly cut that time down to just a few minutes. The primary types of fast charging are DC Fast Chargers and Level 2 Chargers.


DC Fast Chargers


DC Fast Chargers are designed for rapid charging and can provide anywhere from 50 kW to 350 kW of power. This allows you to recharge your EV significantly faster, offering up to 300 miles of range in as little as 20 to 30 minutes. Depending on which Tesla model you are driving, current battery level and trip requirements, your supercharging stops will range from a few minutes up to less than an hour.   You will not need to pay anything directly at the Supercharger station - you will receive a reimbursement request from your host after the trip, with a detailed receipt of each supercharger session you incurred.


  • Where to Find Them: Tesla Superchargers are typically found along highways and at dedicated charging stations, making them ideal for long trips. Tesla makes it super easy to find them: the car's screen navigation system includes a feature that will automatically locate all Superchargers and Destination Chargers nearby and along your route.  Use the touchscreen navigation tool to navigate to the Supercharger:  the battery will precondition for faster charging.


Wide angle view of a highway EV charging station featuring multiple DC fast chargers
A Tesla Supercharger station located at a highway rest area with multiple charging bays.

Level 2 Chargers


Level 2 chargers, such as Tesla Destination Chargers and others, are the most common type of fast charger. They typically provide charging speeds ranging from ~11 kW to 22 kW. This means that you can gain about 30-40+ miles of range per hour of charging, depending on your vehicle and the charger's output.


Aside from Tesla Destination Chargers, Non-Tesla EV Charging stations are a growing network of public stations or other EV Charging companies chargers (such as Francis Energy, ChargePoint, EVConnect and others). Most will require a charging adapter, such as a J1772, a CHAdeMO, or a CSS1 adapter.  All our vehicles include a J1772 adapter.  If your travel plans may involve charging at an EV charging station that requires a CHAdeMO or CCS1 adapter, please contact us and we will be able to provide you with the required adaptor for an additional small fee of $25 per trip.  We highly recommend use of the PlugShare app (www.plugshare.com) for reference in finding EV Charging stations along your route.

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  • Where to Find Them: Level 2 chargers can often be found in public places such as shopping centers, office buildings, and parking lots. Many residential homes also install these chargers for overnight charging.


Eye-level view of an EV charging station with a Level 2 charger
An electric vehicle charging at a Level 2 charger in a public parking lot.


How Electric Vehicle Fast Charging Works


So, how do these fast chargers manage to refill your EV’s battery so quickly? Fast charging generally uses a combination of higher voltage and current levels compared to standard charging methods.


  1. Battery Management System: When you plug in your vehicle, the Battery Management System (BMS) communicates with the charger. This ensures that the charging occurs at an optimal rate to avoid overheating. The BMS is a critical component in Tesla's electric vehicles, responsible for monitoring and controlling the battery pack to ensure safety, efficiency, and longevity.

    The BMS handles tasks such as:

    • Monitoring cell voltage, temperature, and state of charge.

    • Balancing cells to maintain uniform charge levels.

    • Protecting the battery from overcharging, deep discharging, or overheating.

    • Communicating with other vehicle systems to optimize performance and range.


  2. Voltage and Amperage: Fast chargers often deliver power at higher voltage levels, which pushes more energy into the battery. The BMS adjusts the amperage to control how much current flows into the battery to maintain safety.


  3. Cooling Systems: Most fast chargers also incorporate cooling mechanisms to keep both the charger and the vehicle's battery within a safe temperature range during charging.


This technique of rapid charging provides a whole new level of convenience, especially for those who are always on the go.


Tips for Using Fast Chargers


To make the most of your electric vehicle fast charging experience, consider the following tips:


  • Plan Your Route: Use your Tesla's touchscreen navigation system to locate nearby charging stations on your journey. Tesla recently added third-party charging stations to its navigation system, so it's even easier to find a place to charge up! Note: not all charging stations are equal, and some will offer better speeds and availability than others.


  • Charge to 80%: To minimize battery wear, it's often advised to charge your battery to around 80%-90% using a fast charger. Avoid charging to 100% if your trip allows to avoid degradation of the battery health.



The Future of Fast Charging


As electric vehicles become more mainstream, the future of fast charging looks promising. Innovations are on the horizon. From ultra-fast charging stations capable of filling a battery in under 15 minutes to the development of wireless charging technology, the landscape is constantly changing.


The quest for sustainability will also drive improvements in grid technology. Enhanced battery technology, like solid-state batteries, promises even quicker charging times and longer battery life in the coming years.


High angle view of a modern charging station with advanced technology
A modern EV charging station showcasing future technology advancements in electric vehicle charging.

In conclusion, understanding how electric vehicle fast charging works and being familiar with your options empowers you to make the most of your electric vehicle experience. With ongoing advancements in technology, fast charging will only continue to improve, making driving electric not just a trend, but a sustainable lifestyle choice.


For more information on electric vehicle fast charging, you can check out this useful resource.


About Us


Tesla Rental OKC is an independent premier boutique car rental service that offers customers in Oklahoma City the opportunity to experience luxury and sustainability in one affordable package. Our fleet of Tesla electric vehicles provides an unparalleled driving experience with convenience, comfort and high performance. Our team is committed to providing exceptional customer service, ensuring that every rental experience is hassle-free and enjoyable. Whether you need a car for business or pleasure, Tesla Rental OKC is your go-to source for energy-efficient and luxurious transportation. Book your rental today and experience the future of driving.


For media inquiries, please contact:

Elena Cormio

Founder, COO

405-283-6310

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