A central part of the municipality’s Electric Vehicle Strategy is installing chargers throughout the region. As the installation of Level 3 charging stations ramps up this year, here are some helpful tips on using the chargers.
Level 3 chargers are the best way to replenish the charge on an electric vehicle. DC fast chargers (DCFC) will accelerate the transition to EVs in the region by easing "range anxiety," or the sense that you will not be able to have enough charge in your EV to cover the range of your trip.
Several factors can affect the charging speed of an EV. Source: EVolved guidebook.
Using the SWTCH mobile app
The municipality’s charging stations use the SWTCH mobile app to simplify the charging process. The app is free for iOS and Android and very easy to use.
Once the app is installed on your mobile device, launch the app and follow the on-screen instructions to sign up with SWTCH. After logging in, enter the unique station ID for the charger you would like to use. The station ID should be on the front face of the charger. Enter the ID into the search bar on the SWTCH app and tap SEARCH.
Charging through the SWTCH website
You also have the option of charging through the SWTCH website. Visit charge.swtchenergy.com on a mobile or desktop browser, log into your SWTCH account and type the charger’s station ID into the search bar.
The SWTCH charge card
Some users will want to use the convenient SWTCH charge card to activate the chargers. Simply tap your SWTCH charge card on the RFID icon on the front of the EV charger to start the charging process.
How to stop the charging process
To stop charging, just unplug the charger from your vehicle. Pressing the button on top of the plug and handle will allow the charging cable to unlatch from the port of your vehicle.
You can also remotely stop the charging process by using the SWTCH mobile app or SWTCH web app.
For more information on using SWTCH chargers, review SWTCH’s helpful FAQ document.
Charge using a credit card
To use a credit card to charge on a Level 3 charger, plug in the connector and follow the step-by-step instructions listed below.
Accepted methods of payment include Visa, MasterCard, ApplePay, GooglePay & Interac Debit.
- Plug the charging connector into the vehicle.
- Press “OK” on the card reader to pre-authorize a payment of $75.
- Tap your card or mobile device on the terminal and hold the tap until you see all terminal LEDs turn green.
- Press “OK” to select a receipt within one minute.
- The screen on the card reader will display a QR code for one minute. Scan the code with your phone’s camera.
- The QR code will automatically open a page on the SWTCH website.
- Refresh the page after charging to view and save your receipt.