This is a common question asked by first-time electric vehicle (EV) owners. It’s no secret that electricity and water don’t mix. Charging an EV means you’ll have to connect it to a plug. Electricity will travel from the source – such as your home or a charging station – to your EV. If it’s raining outside, your EV and the charging cable may get wet.
The Basics of EV Charging
EV charging is the process of recharging the battery or batteries that power an EV’s motor. Both hybrid and all-electric EVs use lithium-ion batteries. Lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable. After driving your EV for a while, you’ll have to recharge it.
There are different levels of EV charging. Level 1 charging is the slowest, whereas level 3 is the fastest. Regardless, EV charging involves connecting your EV to a charging cable. You can charge your EV in a garage, or you can charge it in an open and unsheltered space. Even if it’s raining outside, you can still charge your EV.
Why It’s Safe to Charge an EV in the Rain
You can charge your EV in the rain without fear of shocking or otherwise injuring yourself. Whether it’s level 1, level 2 or level 3, it’s safe to charge your EV in the rain.
The charging cables for EVs are designed to be waterproof. They aren’t ordinary extension cables. Rather, EVs use heavy-duty charging cables that can withstand rain, sleet, snow and humidity.
The charging ports on EVs are also designed to wick away water. All EVs have a charging port. It’s the port in which you insert the charging cable. Charging ports are typically found on the side of the EVs. As it rains down on your EV, water will flow down the sides. It won’t accumulate on or around the charging port. Assuming the charging port is on the side, it will remain relatively dry.
You may notice that many charging stations aren’t covered. Instead, they feature an open design that leaves owners’ EVs exposed to the elements. If it wasn’t safe to charge EVs in the rain, these charging stations would be covered. While some charging stations are, in fact, covered, many of them are open.
In Conclusion
Water may conduct electricity, but that doesn’t mean you should only charge your EV on clear and sunny days. It’s safe to charge EVs in the rain. EVs feature waterproof charging cables, and they are designed with ports on the side.
