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In this chapter, we will look at how to charge your vehicle safely and efficiently. Following the correct steps will keep both the equipment and your vehicle in good condition, while also protecting the battery for long-term use.
This guidance is tailored for depot charging at your site. Some of these tips may also apply to public charging, but if you are using a public charging station, always follow the instructions and procedures provided by the charging operator.
Before plugging in, check both the charger and the area around it.
Do not use equipment that looks damaged, such as a cracked cabinet, frayed cord, or broken connector. Keep flammable materials away.
Secure the vehicle: power off, in Park, doors closed.
Wait for the truck’s electronics to power down.
You can also verify the vehicle’s charging program/timer to understand if a setting may delay the charging start.
Pro tip: Condition your battery for fast charging.
Some manufacturers allow you to prepare your vehicle in advance for a DC fast charge by warming or cooling the battery to the right temperature. You can usually start this process up to an hour before reaching the charging station. Check your owner’s manual to see if your truck supports this feature and how to activate it.
If your site uses RFID cards or another form of authentication, start by enabling the charging session with that method.
If no authentication is required, you can plug in directly:
Hold the connector by the grip.
If there is a button on top, press it while inserting the connector fully into the port until it clicks and locks.
The vehicle and charger will then begin communicating automatically.
Important considerations:
Never force a connector.
Do not insert tools, materials, or fingers into the connector or port.
DC fast charging will ramp up gradually until it reaches the maximum level allowed by your vehicle.
Always confirm the session has started (vehicle or charger indicators) before leaving the vehicle.
When charging is finished, or if you stop early, always follow the right steps' order. Ending the session properly protects the equipment and keeps it safe for the next driver.
End the charging session using the charger or vehicle controls.
Wait for the connector to unlock. Remove it by pulling straight out.
Return the connector to its holster.
Do not leave the truck plugged in at 100% longer than needed. This may reduce long-term battery health in some vehicles and keep cooling systems running unnecessarily.
After charging, always leave the area clean and safe. This prevents damage to the equipment and avoids tripping hazards for others.
Place the connector back in the holster.
Coil and store the cable neatly; never leave it in pedestrian areas.
If cleaning is needed, wipe the unit with a soft, damp cloth. Never spray water directly on the charger.
Did you know?
Fast charging slows down on purpose
Once the battery reaches about 80%, the charging speed automatically tapers off to protect the battery and prevent overheating. Fast charging is like filling a glass of water. It starts quickly when the “glass” is empty, but slows down as it gets full to avoid spilling
Make sure the charger, cable and vehicle plug are not damaged (cracks, frayed cord, broken connector). Using damaged equipment or unsafe areas increases the risk of accidents and equipment failure.
End the session using the charger or truck controls, then wait for the connector to unlock before removing it. Never pull it out by force, as this can damage both the truck and the charger.
Always place the connector back in its holster and coil/store the cable neatly off the ground. This prevents damage to the equipment and avoids creating a tripping hazard.