Common EV Charging Mistakes: Official Safety Tips for Drivers

By Tahani Elghazaly
Published January 26, 2026

Latest news on WhatsApp أجدد الأخبار على واتساب

As electric vehicles become more common in Canada and worldwide, safety and energy authorities continue to warn that everyday charging habits, especially at home, can lead to slower charging, overheated outlets or cables, and avoidable electrical risks.

One of the most frequently flagged issues is using an extension cord to charge an EV. The U.S. Department of Energy explicitly advises drivers not to use extension cords due to fire, overheating, and electric shock risks. In Ontario, the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) says EV charger installations require an electrical permit filed before work starts, with inspection as part of the process, reinforcing the importance of proper, code-compliant installation.

Authorities also stress using certified charging equipment and avoiding older receptacles or circuits shared with high-load appliances, since weak connections and overloaded circuits can contribute to excessive heat. Federal Canadian guidance explains that Level 1 and Level 2 AC charging are the standard day-to-day options, while DC fast charging is designed for quicker top-ups at public stations, particularly during travel.

At public fast chargers, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency notes that charging speed is highest when the battery is low and slows as it approaches full, adding that fast charging beyond about 80 percent can become significantly slower and may sharply increase the time needed to reach 100 percent unless that full range is necessary.

For long-term battery care, manufacturers commonly recommend setting a daily charge limit rather than charging to full and leaving the vehicle at 100 percent for extended periods. Tesla’s owner documentation, for example, describes a daily recommended limit and a one-time option to temporarily charge above it for longer trips.

Cold weather can also change expectations at chargers. Electrify America says charging may take longer in winter because the vehicle controls the charging rate, not the charger alone, pushing many drivers to plan longer stops or use battery preconditioning features when available.

As third-party accessories spread, a tech report noted that EVgo updated its terms to prohibit high-speed DC extension cables and certain adapters at its stations over safety and compatibility concerns, underscoring the value of sticking to equipment allowed by automakers and charging networks.

To reduce daily friction, drivers increasingly rely on charging and trip-planning apps, including PlugShare for station discovery and community feedback, ChargeHub for Canada-US charging access, ABRP for route planning and optimized stops, and Ivy’s app for managing sessions on its Ontario network