Can I Charge My EV in the Rain?

Introduction

Talk of a major concern for EV owners, this question of charging EVs while it’s raining is among many on the minds of every EV owner. Owing to the transition from gas-powered cars to clean-energy automobiles, electric vehicles keep gaining ground in major markets all over the globe, especially because more charging outlets and other accessories are made accessible to EV users. But a factor to be considered is the safety of charging an EV in differing weather conditions. In this piece, we’ll proffer answers to your lingering questions, especially about whether charging your EV in the rain is safe. Let’s dive in.

I. Outdoor or Indoor EV Charging?

EV owners are presented with options for both indoor and outdoor charging. Irrespective of the type of parking option you have in your home. A garage or a parking lot outdoors. It is comforting to know that charging your EV is safe even in wet weather. Your EV charging cable is fortified against the absorption of water that is likely to occur in wet weather conditions. Therefore, you can rely on its resistance to water, moisture, dust, or snow. In any case, the electric vehicle charger is water resistant, thereby avoiding any chance of electrocution. So, whether hail, rain, snow, or any weather, you can trust your EVs to be charged. Most EV owner’s charging habit is to charge using their wall-mounted charging stations or a portable electric car charger in their place of abode. But should you prefer charging outdoors, you are safe to charge. The watertight connection to your EV while charging averts all risks of electrocution. Although floods and hurricanes are, the exceptions to these safety protocols do not cover them.

II. IP for EVs and Charging Stations

The Ingress Protection (IP) is a rating scale formulated by engineers to ascertain how much resistance a component has to the elements. Elements such as dust, water, or rain. And this is so that users can understand how much protection they are offered and how hazards have been extensively mitigated. This IP rating is a double-digit scale, with the first figure representing the device’s protection level against dust and other solid elements. This rating is typically within the range of 1-6.

Meanwhile, the second digit in the IP number represents the level of protection majorly against water and other liquid elements. This likewise ranges from a scale of 1-8. Therefore, the next time you see an IP67 rating, for instance, on your EV charging equipment, you get the idea of how well-protected you are from any charging perils that are likely to occur due to exposure to these elements. To reiterate, water elements such as floods are not classified under this rating scale. Top EV charger companies often warn that in weather conditions such as flooding or hurricanes, this IP scale may not be applicable as these weather conditions are deemed extreme.

III. Is there any difference with public EV charging points? 

Public EV charging points are also made to cope with harsh weather conditions, as they encounter frequent use, as the name implies. However, before any public charging points are deployed, it is best to observe the IP rating of such charging points as it helps understand how much risk you’re vulnerable to and how well protected you are. Furthermore, an EV owner’s driving habits may require you to change often to keep moving. Nonetheless, because public charging offers a fast charge, then charging might be faster. This means compatibility between your battery and the charging station is crucial. And with that said, an EV driver looking to charge at a public location could dash into a mart to grab a beverage while your car charges and safety is guaranteed. Above all, come rain or sunshine, your EV charging experience is optimized yet enjoyed.

IV. Which EV chargers are waterproof?

Most, if not all, of the EV chargers are waterproof. This is because EV charger manufacturers design them to cope with inclement weather conditions. However, an EV charger that isn’t waterproof though rare means it has a low IP rating. Therefore, it is paramount that you check the IP rating for the EV charging plug you’re about to use to eliminate any danger posed by the EV charger. This is commonly advised for EV drivers who enjoy public charging. Asides from this factor, all EV chargers are waterproof with high IP ratings that ensure they can withstand the elements.

Consequently, in a rainstorm or a heavy downpour, EV chargers are programmed to kill power and stop charging if any short-circuiting is noticed. This feature also helps alleviate charging hazards. And both the EV and its driver are protected from any peril waiting to occur.

CONCLUSION 

In a nutshell, it is completely safe to charge your EVs either outdoors or indoors, save for an EV charger with a low IP rate. And yes, all EV chargers are waterproof, which makes charging in the rain safer. Although, it is necessary to know the IP rating of any charger before deploying them, as it provides you with the essential knowledge required for a seamless charging experience. And finally, if you find yourself caught out in a rainstorm while charging outdoors, a cup of hot drink will do as you wait out the storm while your EV charges, and in no time, your journey can continue. So, there you have it. Fret no more because of a little downpour while you charge outdoors.