Charging Levels

The three levels of charging are:

Level 1 charging:

• Uses a standard 120-volt household outlet.
• This method is convenient but slow, typically providing about 3 to 8 kilometers (2 to 5 miles) of range per hour of charging.
• Typically used for overnight charging at home.

Level 2 charging:

• Uses a 240-volt outlet (similar to what electric dryers use).
• This method adds about 16 to 120 kilometers (10 to 60 miles) of range per hour, depending on the vehicle and charger.
• This type of charging can be accessed publicly or can be installed in your home.
• This will require certain housing conditions and preparations.

Level 3 charging:

• This is also known as DC fast charging.
• This adds 100 to 320 kilometers (60 to 200 miles) of range in 20-40 minutes.
• This type of charging can be found at high-power charging stations along highways or in major urban areas.

How charging works

• Plugging in: Connect the EV to a charging station using a charging cable. * The type of plug and socket depends on the charger type and vehicle model.
• Communication: The EV and charger communicate to ensure compatibility and safety. They negotiate the charging power level, taking into account the battery’s current state of charge and health.
• Charging: Electricity flows from the charging station to the vehicle’s onboard charger, which converts the incoming AC (alternating current) power to DC (direct current) to charge the battery. * For DC fast charging, the station directly supplies DC power to the battery.
• Monitoring: The vehicle’s battery management system monitors the charging process, ensuring the battery is charged safely and efficiently. The charging speed may slow down as the battery nears full capacity to prevent damage to the battery.

Battery efficiency

To maximize the lifespan and efficiency of your EV battery, follow these best practices:

• Avoid letting the battery drain completely (i.e. go to 0%).
• Optimal charge level is between 20% and 80%.
• Minimize exposure to extremely high temperatures, including avoiding parking the vehicle in direct sunlight for prolonged periods.
• Regularly update your vehicle’s software to ensure optimal battery management by the car’s system.
• Consider using scheduled charging to avoid keeping the battery at 100% for extended periods.
• Look into and follow manufacturer’s recommendations.

Uber offers battery-aware matching in some markets around the globe. With battery-aware matching, you can connect your EV to the Driver app, then you’ll only receive ride requests that are within your battery’s range.

If this feature isn’t available in your market, you can follow these simple steps to ensure you don’t run out of power during a ride and minimize charging stops:

• Know Your Range: Get familiar with your EV’s total range on a full charge. For example, if your EV can go 200 miles (320 kilometers) on a full charge, calculate how far you can go with your current battery level.
• Estimate Round-Trip Distance: When you get a trip request, estimate how far the trip will be, including the return to your base or a charging station.
• Set a Safe Buffer: Always leave a buffer of about 15-20% battery, so you don’t run out of charge on the way to a charging station.

Improve EV’s range#

To improve your EV’s range:

• Minimize the use of heating and air conditioning.
• Drive at steady speeds and avoid frequent and rapid acceleration.
• Regularly check tire pressure, as under-inflated tires can reduce range.
• Use eco-driving modes if available.
• Check for any recommendations from your EV’s manufacturer.

EV charging while working

• Charging time can significantly impact your schedule, especially if you rely on slower charging.
• Strategically planning your charging times and locations to coincide with lower-demand periods or breaks in your driving schedule can help.
• Using fast chargers strategically located across your city can also mitigate downtime during peak hours as they can charge an EV battery to 80% in about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the station and your vehicle’s capabilities.
• If you’re at risk of running out of battery, inform your rider of the situation and pull over safely.
• Contact Uber support and roadside assistance for help.

High-mileage drivers

Driving an EV as a rideshare driver offers benefits such as lower service maintenance costs, eligibility for incentives and rebates, and access to carpool lanes in certain urban areas. EVs also excel in stop-and-go traffic due to regenerative braking, are generally quieter than internal combustion engine vehicles, and typically provide superior acceleration and satisfactory handling compared to internal combustion vehicles. While it may take some time to adjust to regenerative braking, the overall driving experience is often more pleasant.

Some of the largest challenges that rideshare drivers with EVs may face include:

• Dealing with inadequate charging infrastructure.
• Battery health.
• Long charging times
• Managing higher upfront costs of EVs
• Coping with range anxiety

This information has been prepared by Uber’s EV experts and is based on sources from government agencies, intergovernmental organizations, and NGOs and is provided for informational purposes only.