Mastering Your Charge: Essential Tips for Using SWTCH DC Fast Chargers

SWTCH's DC Fast Chargers are designed to get you back on the road quickly and efficiently. While starting a session is straightforward, understanding a few key details will help you optimize your experience.

Before You Plug In: What to Know

1. Seamless Session Start: To begin a charging session, you have three convenient options:

   • The SWTCH mobile app.
   • The SWTCH web app (available at charge.swtchenergy.com).
   • Your SWTCH RFID/charge card (if the charging unit is equipped with a reader).

   Important: Always ensure you've created and logged into your SWTCH account before attempting to start a charging session for the smoothest experience.

2. Power & Speed Options: We offer two types of DC Fast Chargers to suit your needs:
   • 50kW DC Fast Chargers: These can add approximately ~250 km of driving range per hour of charging.
   • 25kW DC Fast Chargers: These add roughly ~150 km of driving range per hour of charging. (Please note: Actual range added may vary based on vehicle efficiency and driving conditions.)

3. Connector Compatibility: Our DC Fast Chargers are equipped with two common connectors:

   • CCS (Combined Charging System)
   • CHAdeMO

   For optimal performance and safety, only one connector can be used at a time on a single charger. If one connector (e.g., CCS) is actively plugged into a vehicle, the other connector (e.g., CHAdeMO) will show as 'unavailable'.

4. Understanding Charging Dynamics (Why Speed Varies): While DC Fast Charging is incredibly powerful, several factors unique to your EV and the charging process can influence the exact charging speed you experience:
   • Vehicle's Battery Management System (BMS): Every EV model has a unique nominal battery voltage and fast charging capacity. Your vehicle's intelligent Battery Management System (BMS) communicates directly with the DC fast charger, telling it exactly how much power your battery can safely accept at any given moment. This is crucial for battery health and longevity.
   • Battery State of Charge (SoC): EV batteries are designed to charge fastest when they are at a lower State of Charge (e.g., below 80%). The rate of charging typically slows down significantly after 80% on DC fast chargers to protect the battery and prolong its lifespan.
   • Temperature: Both the ambient temperature and your EV battery's internal temperature can impact charging speed. Extreme hot or cold conditions can cause the vehicle's BMS to reduce charging rates to protect the battery.

By keeping these points in mind, you'll have a clear understanding of what to expect and how to maximize your DC Fast Charging sessions with SWTCH. Happy driving!