Charging guide for electric vehicles
We want to help you drive easily and conveniently. At the very first time, charging an electric vehicle can make you feel a bit nervous but actually, it is very simple. Keep on reading our charging ABC.
Where to charge
You can find your nearest charging station at chargefinder.com/en/ . At the site, you can search for charging stations or filter them based on speed, for example.
Sometimes navigators in electric cars can also suggest charging stations alongside your route. When you are on the road, you can find charging stations in e.g. shopping malls, parking halls and gas stations.
Charging stations have many different service providers in Finland which may sometimes feel confusing. Yet, you can usually pay also with debit or credit card and without an app at most stations. Note though that the price may be higher, then.
On the other hand, may service providers have deals that allow other registered users than their own to charge cheaper.
Charging service operators in Finland include e.g..
How to pay
The fare and paying method depend on the charging station. The fare depends on e.g. the speed of charging, sometimes also based on time or how much you charge.
Most charging stations in Finland currently require that you pay the charging with an app. The requested app may vary, but we recommend you to prepare to download one.
Note though that if you install the service provider's app, the fare is usually cheaper than paying with a card or without registration.
When charging, always remeber to check whether you pay by time or by kWh.
Charging capacities
Rapid charging is getting more and more common but not all public charging stations are rapid. As new technologies emerge, rapid charging has many levels, too. Sometimes even 50 kWh can be called as rapid charing but nowadays, new charging stations offer at least 100 kWh, the most efficient ones up to 300 kWh. Rapid charging takes usually 20-40 minutes - a nice coffee break, that is.
However, the capacity of charging station is not the only thing influencing speed. It depends on the car and its age, how fast it can it can receive energy. Additionally, a warm battery is faster to charge than a cold one. With rapid charging, you can reach up to 80% of battery's capacity. For the last 20%, rapid charging is significantly slower and may not be worthwhile.
Non-rapid chargers usually have the power of 11-22 kWh. With them, filling up the batteries may take 2-5 hours.
At charging station, check that the connector matches with your car. Avis EVs type 2 charging connector. We provide the car with mode 3 cabel. Please remember to keep the cable in the car. We will charge EUR300 for a missing cable.
Temporarily it is possible to charge an EV with an outdoor power socket that is meant for pre-warming the car is wintertime. With this socket, charging your car usually takes 10-14 hours and should be done nighttime. For this purpose, you need to book a separate cable with us.
Charging your car ABC
- Before you park at the charging stationg, check whether the inlet port is in front or side of the car. Open the hatch either by pressing it or at touchscreen. This varies by car.
- Plug in the charging cable. Note that the type of the cable may vary by charging station. Check that the station uses the same cable type and mode as your car. Usually a light its to signify that it is charging. Make sure that the charging is on.
- If you are using a rapid charger, you should charge only up to 80%. The rest takes way longer. Many rapid stations have also limited the charging time.
- When charging is done, stop the charging and detatch the cable. Often you must press a button to stop charging. Follow the instructions at the station. Depending on car type, you might have to detatch the cable by pressing the touchscreen inside the car.