Man shares the EV charging mistakes everyone makes that are easily avoidable and will save you hundreds of dollars a year
Published on Feb 26, 2026 at 9:14 AM (UTC+4)
by Jason Fan
Last updated on Feb 26, 2026 at 9:14 AM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Jason Fan
EV charging mistakes are easier to make than you think, especially if you’re new to the world of electric cars.
YouTuber Efficient Alex learned that the hard way after racking up thousands of electric miles and a few painful charging bills.
Now, he’s breaking down the five most common EV charging mistakes new owners make.
The good news is they’re all easy to fix, and the savings can add up to hundreds of dollars a year.
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1) Overcharging on road trips
If you only need enough range to get home, don’t sit there pushing your battery to 100 percent.
Most EVs charge fastest up to around 60 to 80 percent, then slow dramatically.
Topping up just enough to reach your destination with a small buffer saves both time and money.
For example, paying premium public rates for an extra 10 kWh each week could cost hundreds over a year, when you could instead charge cheaply at home.
2) Being on the wrong home energy tariff
Many drivers plug in at home assuming they’re getting the best deal.
However, standard electricity rates can be three or four times higher than off-peak EV tariffs.
Switching to a dedicated overnight plan and scheduling charging between midnight and early morning can slash costs dramatically.
Over a year, that difference alone could save a couple hundred dollars or more, depending on how much you drive.
In fact, if you’re really savvy, you might even be able to charge your EV for free at home.
3) Relying too heavily on rapid chargers
While rapid chargers are fantastic for convenience, they’re usually the most expensive way to power up.
Frequent rapid charging can also generate more heat, which may contribute to faster battery wear over time.
The key is balance: use rapid chargers when you need them, but lean on slower, cheaper options whenever possible.
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4) Waiting around for that final 20 percent
Many people don’t know this, but charging from 80 to 100 percent can take almost as long as going from 10 to 60 percent.
You’re spending more time for fewer miles, and some networks even add idle fees once charging slows or stops.
It’s often quicker overall to unplug at 80 percent, and continue your journey.
5) Not using the right apps
As it turns out, getting the best deal at public chargers require a bit of effort.
Different networks offer memberships, off peak pricing, and discounts through their own apps.
A little research before you plug in can shave significant amounts off each session.
Add it all together, and avoiding these common EV charging mistakes could easily keep hundreds of dollars in your pocket every year.
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Jason joined the editorial team at Supercar Blondie in April 2025 as a Content Writer. As part of the growing editorial team working in Australia, and in synergy with team members in Dubai, the UK, and elsewhere in the world, he helps keep the site running 24/7, injecting his renowned accuracy and energy into every shift.
