EV charging stations are places where electric cars get charged. These stations help people drive their electric vehicles without worrying. You can find them in big cities and on highways. As more people use electric cars, more charging stations are being built. So, how to find EV charging stations in your area?
Use apps like Ekhon Charge and ChargeEasy to find nearby EV charging stations, book a slot, and even pay through your phone. You can also check websites like BYD Bangladesh and Crack Platoon for updates. Look for stations in cities like Dhaka, Comilla, Narayanganj, and Sylhet, or along highways—signs can guide you.
Don’t forget to follow local news for new station openings. Keep reading to learn more easy tips!
How to Find EV Charging Stations in Your Area?
Electric vehicles are becoming more popular in Bangladesh. As more people switch to EVs, they need easy access to charging stations. Finding these stations is simple if you know where and how to look.
Step 1: Download a Trusted Charging App
Start by getting a reliable app on your phone. Ekhon Charge and ChargeEasy are two great apps for this. They help you see nearby stations, check availability, and book a charging slot. You can also pay through the app, making the whole process quick and simple.
Step 2: Check Stations in Major Cities
Many big cities already have working charging stations. In Dhaka, you’ll find stations in Tejgaon and Cantonment. Comilla, Narayanganj, and Sylhet also have locations set up or under development. Look in city centers and near popular places like restaurants or car showrooms.
Step 3: Explore Highway Charging Options
If you’re traveling between cities, look for stations along highways. New stations are coming up on national roads to support long-distance EV trips. Highway signs often point to the nearest charging point. This makes it easier for drivers to plan their stops.
Step 4: Use Websites of Charging Providers
Apps aren’t the only source of information. Company websites like BYD Bangladesh and Crack Platoon Charging Solution Limited share useful updates. These sites often list new station openings and services. It’s a good habit to check them before a long drive.
Step 5: Follow the News for Updates
Companies like Genex Infrastructure Limited and Rancon Motors are building new charging spots often. News sites and company social media pages post when a new one opens. This helps you stay ahead and know where you can charge next. Some stations open in tourist areas or busy business zones.
Step 6: Know the Key Providers
It helps to know who runs the charging stations. In many places, Trust Electric, Bryant Engineering, and Imtiaz Auto LP Gas operate stations. These names may appear on signs or websites. Keeping track of them gives you more charging options.
Step 7: Learn About Future Charging Plans
EV support is growing fast in Bangladesh. By March and April 2024, companies plan to set up over 30 new stations. Many of these will be around Dhaka and tourist areas. That’s why checking EV charging stations in Bangladesh today can help you plan better for tomorrow.
Finding an EV charging station is easy if you follow the right steps. Apps, websites, and news updates all help you stay ready. Whether you’re in a city or on the highway, options are growing fast. Keep this guide with you, and you’ll never run out of charge!
What Should You Know Before Using a Charging Station?
Using an EV charging station is not just about plugging in your car and waiting. There are a few important things to learn before you charge. Knowing these can help you save time, stay safe, and charge better. This makes sure your EV runs smoothly every time.
Know Your EV
Before you head to a charging station, learn about your electric vehicle’s charging limit. Every EV has a different charging speed depending on the battery and type of charger it can handle. You should also know the kind of charging plug your car uses, like CCS or CHAdeMO. This helps you find the right charger without any confusion. Being sure about your EV’s needs makes charging easy.
Charger Types
Not all charging stations work the same way. Some are slower (Level 2 AC chargers), and others are very fast (DC fast chargers). The speed depends on how much power (kW) the station provides. You should choose the one that suits your battery and your time. Fast charging is good when you’re in a hurry, but slow charging is better for battery health.
Check Power Output
Always look at the station’s power output before you connect. The number of kilowatts (kW) tells you how fast the charger can fill up your battery. If your car accepts only 50 kW, using a 150 kW charger won’t make it faster. The charging speed also depends on your battery’s charge level. So, higher charger power doesn’t always mean faster charging.
Payment Options
Most public stations are not free, so you need to know how to pay. Some stations use mobile apps, others accept cards or subscriptions. Before charging, check what the station supports. Also, make sure your app or card has enough balance. This saves you from any payment trouble on the spot.
Charging Etiquette
Be polite when using public chargers. Don’t leave your car plugged in for too long, especially after it’s full. Other drivers might be waiting. Follow any rules or signs at the station. It’s all about sharing and being fair to others.
Battery Charging Limit
It’s usually best to charge your EV up to 80% only. Charging slows down a lot after that point, and it can also heat up the battery. Stopping at 80% saves time and helps your battery last longer. You can go up to 100% if needed for a long trip. But daily use is fine with 80%.
Cable and Plug Match
Make sure your car and the charging station have matching plugs. Some public stations don’t provide cables, and you’ll need to use your own. Always carry your charging cable just in case. Also, check that the plug fits well and is not loose. Wrong cables can damage the charger or your car.
Remote Features
Some charging apps let you control your charging session from your phone. You can start, stop, and check charging status even if you’re not near the car. This is helpful if you want to avoid waiting near the charger. It also keeps you updated on your car’s battery level. Look for stations that support this feature.
Understand Charging Speed
Charging doesn’t always happen at the same speed. When your battery is low, it charges fast. But as it fills up, the speed drops. This is normal and is called the charging curve. Knowing this helps you plan your charging time better.
Stay Safe
Safety is very important when charging your EV. Only use stations that are in good condition and not damaged. Some stations have heat sensors or safety checks to prevent fires. Don’t touch the charger if it feels hot or looks broken. Always read and follow the safety signs near the charger.
What Are the Different Types of EV Charging Stations?
Electric vehicles need different kinds of chargers to stay powered. These chargers are not the same in speed or setup. It’s important to know the types so you can choose the right one for your EV.
Level 1 Charging
This charger uses a normal plug at home with a basic 120-volt outlet for slow energy transfer. Charging takes more than 40 hours for most electric cars to reach eighty percent. It works best for people who only drive short distances daily. Many EV owners use this as their backup charging choice.
Level 2 Charging
These chargers are faster and use a 240-volt connection at home or work locations. Charging a car takes around four to ten hours, depending on the battery size. It’s a common setup found at workplaces, parking spots, and apartment buildings. This level is helpful for daily use without long wait times.
Level 3 Charging
Also called DC fast charging, this charger is the fastest one found, mostly on highways and busy roads. It uses direct current to charge most cars up to eighty percent within an hour. These are great for road trips or long drives across cities and towns. EV drivers often use these when in a hurry.
Connector Types
Different charging stations use different plugs like CCS, CHAdeMO, and Tesla’s Supercharger. CCS works with both AC and DC charging and fits many car models easily. CHAdeMO is less common now but is still seen in a few EVs. Tesla uses its own supercharger network for quick charging anywhere.
How to Use Mobile Apps to Find EV Charging Stations in Bangladesh?
Electric vehicles are becoming more common, and knowing where to charge them is very important. Mobile apps make this job simple and fast. You just need to follow a few easy steps to find a nearby charging spot.
1. Choose the Right App
Start by picking a reliable app made for EV users in Bangladesh. Apps like Ekhon Charge and ChargeEasy are trusted and easy to use. These apps are made to show accurate station details and help you book time slots. Make sure the app you download works well in your area.
2. Sign Up and Set Up
After installing the app, create your account using your phone number or email. Add your car details so the app can show chargers that fit your EV. You can also set your location for better results. This helps you get useful suggestions without extra searching.
3. Turn On Location Access
Allow the app to use your phone’s location to find nearby charging points. This feature shows chargers that are close and easy to reach. With this, you don’t need to enter your address every time. It also updates the results if you move around.
4. Search for Charging Stations
Use the search bar or map feature inside the app to look for stations. While searching for EV charging stations, make sure your filter settings match your needs, like fast charging or connector type. The map view gives a clear picture of where each charger is. You can also check if they’re busy or free.
5. Check Station Info
Tap on a station icon to see more details like charging speed, power output, and plug type. You can also see reviews and the distance from your location. This helps you pick the right one for your car and schedule. Some stations even show pricing and live availability.
6. Book and Pay Easily
Most apps let you book a time and pay before you even arrive. Choose your time slot, confirm the payment method, and complete the booking. This saves time, especially at busy locations. Always check if there’s a cancellation option in case plans change.
7. Track and Monitor
After starting the charge, use the app to watch your battery level and time left. You don’t need to stay in your car while it charges. Apps also alert you when charging is almost done. This lets you return just in time to move your car.
How Often Do You Need to Charge Your EV in a Day?
You don’t have to charge your electric car every day if you don’t drive very far. If you drive around 30 kilometers a day, charging two or three times a week is usually enough. It’s good to keep the battery between 20% and 80% to make it last longer. Charging at home during the night is also a smart and simple way to stay ready.
If you go on a long trip or drive a lot in one day, you might need to charge fully. But charging to 100% every day can slowly damage the battery over time. Slow charging is better than using fast charging all the time unless you’re on a long trip. For most people, charging every two or three days works well and keeps the car ready to go.
How to Stay Updated on New Charging Locations in Bangladesh?
Electric cars need charging stations to keep running, and new ones are opening in many places across Bangladesh. Knowing where new stations are can help you charge your car easily and save time. There are simple ways to stay informed about these updates. Here are some.
- Follow EV pages on Facebook or YouTube, where they post news about new charging stations in different cities. They also share photos and updates about station openings.
- Visit the websites of EV charger companies like BYD Bangladesh and Crack Platoon to see the latest station updates. They often show pictures and new locations there.
- Turn on alerts in apps like Ekhon Charge or ChargeEasy to get messages when new stations open nearby. These alerts help you stay ready anytime.
- Ask questions in EV groups online where other car users share news about new stations they have seen or used. Their tips are often helpful and true.
- You may also spot new EV charging stations on maps when you search using the app’s map feature during travel. These maps get updated often with new places.
- Read news in newspapers or online about electric vehicles and charging updates in Bangladesh. News articles often tell about stations before they open.
- Go to EV events or car shows where companies talk about new stations and plans for the future. You can also ask questions and learn more there.
Frequently Asked Questions About Finding EV Charging Stations in Bangladesh
Finding EV charging stations near you is easier than ever with the right tools and knowledge. Many EV drivers still have questions about specific details. Below are 8 helpful FAQs to guide you further.
Can I Find EV Charging Stations Without Using the Internet?
Yes, you can find some charging stations through highway signs or printed station maps. But using the internet or apps is much faster and more accurate. Offline options may miss updates or show old locations that no longer work.
Are There Charging Stations in Rural or Less Popular Areas?
Some rural or small-town areas now have charging points, but they may be limited. You can check apps or websites to see if one is nearby. Development is ongoing, so the number of rural stations is increasing slowly over time.
Do All Public Parking Lots Have EV Chargers?
No, not all public parking lots have charging stations. You should check apps or ask locally before you park. Some malls, hospitals, or hotels provide chargers, but this depends on the place and local EV support.
How Can I Tell If a Charging Station Is In Use?
Most apps like Ekhon Charge and ChargeEasy show real-time status. They tell you if the station is busy, free, or offline. This helps you avoid waiting or driving far for a charger that’s already taken.
Can I Use Any Charging Station for Any EV?
No, you must check if the charging station matches your car’s plug type and power support. Some chargers only support certain models. Apps usually show compatibility details so you can pick the right one for your EV.
Do EV Apps Work All Over Bangladesh?
Many apps work well in big cities and growing areas. But in remote places, updates may be slower or limited. Always double-check with local sources or try searching nearby areas manually if the app shows fewer results.
What Should I Do If an App Shows No Stations Nearby?
You can increase your search range in the app’s settings or try checking nearby towns. Also, update your app and internet connection. Sometimes, restarting the app or phone helps show more nearby stations.
Are There Any Costs to Using EV Charging Apps?
Most EV apps are free to download and use for finding stations. However, you pay for the charging service, not the app itself. Some apps may offer premium features, but basic station search tools are usually free.
Final Thoughts
Charging your electric car in Bangladesh is now much easier with more stations in cities and on highways. You can use apps like Ekhon Charge and ChargeEasy, or check websites and news to know where to charge.
It’s also helpful to learn about your car’s charger type and how much power it needs. Knowing how to find EV charging stations in your area helps you save time and avoid running low on battery. Whether you drive short trips or go far, this guide gives you all the simple steps to stay charged and ready.