How to pass time properly when charging your EV
Electric vehicle adoption is rampant. But with it comes a change in culture, and a whole new reality of charging time.
While charging technology is getting faster, most EV owners still find themselves with 20-45 minutes spare, and use that time to scroll social media. Rather than viewing this as dead time, savvy drivers can either make it fly by with active fun, or use it to be productive.
Online entertainment and gaming
Because UK service stations, and even inner cities, can lack strong connectivity, you need low-bandwidth activities. One option here is online entertainment platforms, particularly within gaming. Casino sites in the UK are less about low ping or high download speeds, and instead offer turn-based timers of 5-15 seconds – or longer when simply playing against the House. Slots, table games, and poker can make half an hour fly by. And if you’re not a fan of the casino, you can get on some mobile game classics, like Sudoku and Wordl.
Work sessions
Many just assume you can’t work, but there’s no reason why not. Many charging stations are strategically placed near business districts or shopping centers, and these have both the connectivity and comfort to match. You can use this uninterrupted time to respond to emails or attend virtual meetings. But you can also use the EV itself – just buy a fold down desk. If you have a 3-pin mains outlet, then now is a good time to charge the laptop, just as the EV is getting charged.
Exercise and wellness
Sitting in traffic for long periods can leave you feeling stiff and sluggish. Charging breaks provide a good time to stretch and do some light exercises to recharge yourself. Some charging stations are located near parks and walking trails, but there’s also no shame in doing some basic standing stretches besides the car. If you’re walking around the service station, step it up a gear to get your heart up. If you’re wanting to stay put, search for sitting desk stretches, and these can be performed inside the car.
Learning
If you’re learning a language, now’s the perfect time to get out Duolingo or Dreaming Spanish. Audiobooks and podcasts can also help make the time go fast. If this is a routine charging stop, perhaps you drive long distances for work, then these 30 minutes each day really add up for acquiring a new skill or getting through a book series.
Social catch-ups
In a time where we are all being more insular and busy, it’s a good habit to develop a culture around charge break calls. Meaning, if you use this time to ring a friend or family member, it will become routine that this is a normal way to get through the time of charging an EV. Not that we should need an excuse, but sometimes it makes it easier. It’s a good time to reconnect and make new plans, flick through the calendar, and sort through photos.
The key to making use of your EV charging experience is to be intentional with how you spend your time, rather than let it drift by scrolling social media. Either make a decision to play a fun game you’ve been meaning to try, or an audiobook you’ve put off, or simply recharge yourself with some stretches and social connections.
