Where to Unplug First When New Energy Electric Vehicle Charging is Complete?

[Ramona]

When charging, first connect the battery, then plug in the power plug. After charging is complete, first unplug the power plug, then disconnect the battery. Principle of Car Charging: The car charging process essentially involves the engine driving the alternator (generator) to generate electricity, which is then rectified and stabilized to provide a certain voltage to the battery. Typically, this voltage is slightly higher than the battery voltage (e.g., 14V, while normal batteries are usually 12V), enabling constant voltage charging. Reason for Charging: At idle speed, although the engine speed is low, it still drives the alternator to work, thus outputting a stable DC voltage. Since the battery power is relatively not that high, charging can still occur at idle speed, albeit at a slower rate. Modern cars use AC generation, and the battery's power is mainly used to start the car, which consumes a significant amount. However, once the car is running, the battery's power is no longer consumed.

[StJade]

I've been driving electric vehicles for seven or eight years, and I always make it a habit to unplug the charging gun from the car first after charging. The reason is simple: the charging gun is connected to both the charging pile and the car. Once you unplug it from the car side, the charging pile will automatically cut off the power. Then, when you unplug it from the pile side, there won't be any sparking. If you do it the other way around, the charging pile is still live, and forcefully unplugging it from the pile side can easily cause sparks. Doing this repeatedly might burn out the charging port or damage the control board of the charging pile. This sequence is especially important for public fast-charging piles, which operate at high current and voltage. I've also noticed that many people, in a hurry, unlock the car and randomly pull out both ends, which can lead to issues. The correct sequence should be: unlock the charging gun with your phone or key → unplug the car side first → wait for two or three seconds → finally unplug the pile side. Developing this habit is good for both your equipment and your wallet.

[LaArya]

As an electric vehicle maintenance technician, I have seen many cases where improper charging operations by owners have caused the charging port to burn out. The safest operating procedure is to first disconnect the vehicle-side charging plug. The principle behind this is that after cutting off the load side, the power supply's automatic protection system will immediately stop the current output. At this point, unplugging the charging pile end will not generate surge current. If the order is reversed and the connection is disconnected before the charging pile stops supplying power, the tiny gap at the moment of electrode disconnection will generate high-temperature arcs, leading to oxidation or welding of metal contacts. Newer charging piles now have anti-arc designs, but older equipment poses greater safety risks. For practical operation, it is recommended to: after hearing the charging completion prompt, first press the charging gun latch to unlock it, then firmly pull it out toward the vehicle body. Only after observing the charging pile indicator light change from blue to orange should you proceed to handle the charging pile-side connector.

[JamesonMarie]

When I first bought an electric vehicle, the customer service specifically instructed that after charging, the charging plug on the vehicle must be unplugged first. The core reason is that when the vehicle side is unplugged, the charging station detects the disconnection and automatically cuts off the power. If you unplug the charging station side first, the sudden interruption of the live power can easily cause electric sparks at the plug. It might seem fine in the short term, but over time, it can burn and blacken the metal contacts. In my residential underground garage, several neighbors have had their charging ports burned and deformed due to reversing this operation sequence. The correct practice is simple: after charging, don’t rush. Press to unlock the charging gun, unplug the vehicle interface and place it properly, then organize the charging station’s cables. Also, remember to dry the charging port after washing the car, as metal terminals getting wet while live can cause more issues. This habit has now become a conditioned reflex.

[OArianna]

Last month at a charging station, I witnessed someone yanking the charging cable right after finishing charging, causing a blue spark to burst out with a loud pop, which scared them into letting go immediately. Actually, the correct sequence is to first handle the charging port on the vehicle. That's because the vehicle's onboard controller is smarter—once you unplug the charging connector from the car, the vehicle instantly signals the charging station to shut down and cut power. This way, removing the charging station's connector afterward poses no danger. Many residential properties post operation guidelines near charging stations: after charging, first remove the vehicle-side connector, then retract the charging station's cable. Especially during rainy days or in humid conditions, disconnecting the vehicle's connector first helps avoid electric shock risks. Though it's just a matter of swapping the order of two actions, it's a crucial step for safety. It's recommended to make it a muscle memory.