Should You Plug in the Power or the Gun First When Charging a New Energy Vehicle?
4 Answers
From a safety perspective, when charging a new energy vehicle, you should plug in the gun first, then the power. When charging is complete, the process is reversed: first unplug the power, then the vehicle plug. Battery Charging: After the electric vehicle battery is discharged, passing direct current through the battery in the opposite direction of the discharge current to restore its working capacity is called battery charging. During battery charging, the positive terminal of the battery is connected to the positive terminal of the power source, and the negative terminal of the battery is connected to the negative terminal of the power source. The charging power voltage must be higher than the total electromotive force of the battery. There are two charging methods: constant current charging and constant voltage charging. Charging Methods: Currently, there are mainly two charging methods for electric vehicles. One is called a charging pile, commonly known as "fast charging," and the other is called a portable charger, which is "slow charging." These are roughly divided into four types of chargers with power ratings of 8A, 13A, 16A, and 32A. For current electric vehicles, 8A and 13A chargers are too slow, leaving only 16A and 32A types of chargers.
I've been driving a new energy vehicle for several years, and I always strictly adhere to the sequence of plugging into the power outlet first before connecting the charging gun. This prevents the risk of sparks or short circuits caused by the charging gun making contact with the car body while energized—safety always comes first. I remember once at a public charging station, I saw someone plug in the gun before the power source, resulting in slight sparks, which startled me. Since then, I've made it a habit to first confirm that the power source is stably connected with normal indicator lights before steadily plugging the gun into the car's port. In daily use, I also recommend checking if the plugs and sockets are dry and clean, especially during the rainy season when moisture can cause leakage issues. Regularly wiping the charging gun head with a soft cloth to prevent dust buildup can improve charging efficiency. Avoiding frequent plugging and unplugging during charging extends the equipment's lifespan. These small details have kept my electric vehicle in excellent condition.
As a regular family user who frequently drives an electric vehicle, I always remember to plug into the wall socket first before connecting the car charging cable. This sequence is simple and safe. If you plug the cable into the car first, the connector might carry high voltage, posing a danger if accidentally touched. Before each charging session, I check if the socket is secure and if the power indicator light is on, then slowly insert the cable into the port to ensure a proper connection. Many people skip reading the manual and tend to do it the wrong way. I recommend downloading a charging app that includes safety tutorial videos on the correct procedure. Also, choose a flat surface to prevent tipping during charging, and turning on the car lights at night can better alert pedestrians. I've maintained this habit for two years without any battery issues, proving it's worth sticking to.
I believe there is a proper sequence for charging new energy vehicles: connect to the power source first, then plug in the charging gun. I emphasize this during operation because improper current control may damage the vehicle or cause overheating, leading to potential hazards. Specifically, plugging in the charging gun after the power is connected allows current to flow smoothly, reducing impact on the battery and circuits. Meanwhile, check the charging equipment indicator lights—for example, green indicates normal operation, while red signals an alarm and should prompt discontinuation of use. I remember one time when the gun head was oxidized; after cleaning it, charging became much faster, so I recommend cleaning it once a month. Public charging stations usually have operation guidelines posted—it’s helpful to refer to them to ensure worry-free driving.
