Many people who are new to electric vehicles will soon buy their first, a Mustang Mach-E. Here are 10 tips and considerations regarding charging to share with people who are buying their first EV.

1. When possible, minimize fast charging: Manufacturers caution that DC fast charging speeds lead to accelerated battery degradation. Slower charging speeds will extend the life of the battery, so if you do not need a fast charge, choose a slower charging speed.

2. Minimize time spent at 100% charge: Battery life will be extended if the battery is consistently charged to a point below 100%. If your plans for the day do not require the entire range offered by your vehicle, ending charging at some point around or below 90% is advisable.

3. Minimize time spent at 0% charge: Unlike some battery technologies in the past, full depletion of modern lithium-ion batteries is not recommended to extend battery life. Full depletion may negatively impact range in the long-term.

4. Never leave an electric vehicle at zero percent charge status for an extended period: If a battery falls below a certain charge level, the battery may be difficult to revive. To avoid this issue, do not leave the car with a fully depleted battery for an extended period. If the car will be stored for a long period, ensure the battery status is not at zero.

5. Minimize exposure to extreme temperatures: Both extreme heat and extreme cold accelerate battery wear. Manufacturers design a battery management system to control the temperature of the car’s battery and maintain a temperature range that is conducive to long battery life. When possible, park the car in a location where exposure to extreme temperatures is reduced.

6. Plan your route: Before beginning a long journey, take a moment to consult a route planning app or charger location app to research convenient charging locations along the way. Perhaps a slightly longer route following a major highway offers more charging points near services such as restaurants along the way.

7. Sign up for charging apps and services ahead of time: Standing alongside a charging location and trying to complete the sign up process could be frustrating if you are short on time. Popular platforms include ChargePoint, Electrify America, and Blink.

8. Keep a charging cord neatly stored in your vehicle: In case you drive to a destination only to find that the charger at that location is inoperable, you might be glad to have a charging cable with you if a power outlet is nearby. Many businesses, residential locations, and hotels will have a power outlet that is accessible. While the charging rate may be slow, the energy added will still be considerable if the car will be parked in that location for more than a few hours or overnight, such as at a hotel.

9. Time your charging: If you are able to shift your charging times to overnight or early in the morning, you could take advantage of lower rates for electricity. Check with your local utility for details.

10. Avoid damage to charging hardware: Always quickly look at the interior of the charging nozzle end before plugging into the charging port on the car. Sometimes, charging stations are poorly maintained—especially if the station is used infrequently—and accumulated debris could damage the receptacle on your car. If extending a charging cable a significant distance, avoid accelerated wear on the cable from dragging on the ground. Once charging is complete, hang the cable on the appropriate hook for the next driver.

What other tips would you add for someone new to electric vehicles?