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How to use a fast charging station
There's no doubt that fast charging is a convenient and useful tool that helps you maximize the potential of your electric vehicle (EV). However, if you've never used a fast charging station before, dealing with a few-hundred-kilowatt current might seem intimidating. Especially since fast charging stations come in various designs and operate differently.
This article will walk you through how to use a fast charging station step by step, covering the following five simple steps:
1. **Locate a fast charging station**
2. **Get the cable**
3. **Connect the car to the charging station**
4. **Authenticate and start the session**
5. **End the charging session**
Click on any of the steps to jump directly to it, or keep reading as we go into more detail about each part of the process below.
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**What is fast charging?**
If you're planning a long trip with your electric vehicle, you'll likely want to use a fast charging station at some point to quickly recharge your battery.
Fast charging, also known as **Level 3 or DC charging**, delivers high-powered current, allowing for much faster charging times—often just minutes instead of hours. You may have come across terms like "rapid charging," "fast charging," "ultra-fast charging," or "Level 3/DC charging." In reality, these all refer to the same concept: **direct current (DC) fast charging**.
The main reason DC fast charging is so much faster is due to its high power output and the type of current used. While home chargers typically provide around 7.4 kW or 11 kW, fast charging stations can deliver between 50 kW and 400 kW, depending on the model and your vehicle’s capabilities.
Another key difference is the **type of current**. Unlike alternating current (AC), which changes direction periodically, direct current (DC) flows in one direction. Since EV batteries require DC to charge, fast chargers convert AC from the grid to DC internally, bypassing the slower onboard charger and delivering power directly to the battery.
Now that you understand what makes fast charging unique, let's take a closer look at how to actually use a fast charging station.
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**How to Charge at a Fast Charging Station**
**1. Find a Fast Charging Station**
Before you can use a fast charger, you first need to locate one. Unlike gas stations, EV charging stations are often hidden in parking lots or behind buildings. The easiest way to find one is by using a dedicated charging app or a map service like Google Maps or Apple Maps.
Many apps provide real-time information about the availability, speed, and number of charging points, helping you plan ahead. It's important to note that even though a station may be rated for high power, your vehicle's maximum charging capacity will determine how fast it can actually charge. For example, while some stations can deliver up to 400 kW, most EVs only support up to 125–150 kW. Check your vehicle’s specifications to confirm.
All fast charging stations are designed with safety in mind and undergo strict testing before being put into use.
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**2. Get the Cable**
Once you arrive at a fast charging station, the next step is to retrieve the charging cable. Unlike home or AC public chargers, fast chargers usually have a built-in, non-removable cable. This is because they must handle much higher power levels, requiring thicker and heavier cables for safe operation.
Before connecting, make sure the plug matches your EV's charging port. Most connectors are standardized, but you can check your vehicle's specific connector type to avoid any issues.
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**3. Connect the Car to the Charging Station**
If the cable fits your car’s charging port, you can now connect the two. Some vehicles have a flap that needs to be opened to access the full connector, which is usually larger than an AC charging port. Make sure your car is parked correctly and that the cable can reach the charging port without strain.
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**4. Authenticate and Start the Session**
After connecting your car, you’ll need to authenticate yourself to start the session. This can be done via a mobile app, a fob, or sometimes directly on the station itself. Once authenticated, the charging will begin automatically.
Keep in mind that fast charging tends to cost more than home or AC charging due to the added convenience and speed. The price includes both the electricity and a premium for the faster service.
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**5. End the Charging Session**
When your battery reaches the desired level, it’s time to end the session. If you started using an app, you can usually stop the session through the same app. If you used a fob, you may need to tap it again to end the session.
Most stations have interactive displays that allow you to manage your session directly. Remember, the cable is locked onto your car until the session ends, so you cannot remove it unless you’ve properly ended the session. After that, you may also need to unlock the charging port from your car.
Finally, make sure to return the cable to its designated spot on the charging station before leaving.
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As electric vehicles become more common, the demand for fast charging will continue to grow. Though it may feel new or unfamiliar at first, this guide should help you feel more confident when using a fast charging station. If you're new to electric mobility, you might also want to explore our guides on **how to charge at home** and **how to charge at a regular public charger**.