Is it safe to charge an EV in the rain?

Charging your EV in any weather condition is 100% safe, but we completely understand why people might think charging something electric in the presence of water might be dangerous - we assure you it isn’t.

Here we cover the safety of charging an EV in the rain and dispel some of the myths that are floating around about it. Let’s get started.

One of the benefits of electric cars is that they can be charged at home, meaning you don't have to rely on petrol stations. But what do you do when it's raining? Can you charge an EV in the rain?

The simple answer is yes, you can charge an electric car in the rain. In fact, charging an electric car in the rain is no different to charging it in any other weather condition, as the charging systems on EVs are designed to withstand the elements and remove any potential risks associated with charging in the rain. This means that, no matter what the weather is like, EV charging is always possible.

Don’t worry, it’s perfectly safe. The  EV charging components is entirely sealed and built to withstand water intrusion, so there’s no danger of electrocution. So, if you're worried about charging your electric car in the rain or any other type of weather, don't be - it's 100% safe.

Despite the unpleasantness of getting yourself wet, there are no specific precautions you need to take when charging an EV in the rain.

EV charging points that you use at home are perfectly safe to use in the rain. Your EV can go through a carwash without any problem, so a little rain is not going to hurt it either. It may be a little less fun for you to stand outside in the rain and plug in your car to charge, but other than that, there are no downsides to home charging at home in the rain.

This means overnight charging is convenient, as you don't have to worry about the weather turning. Just make sure your home charger is properly installed and that your car is plugged in correctly, and you'll be good to go - rain or shine.

Public EV charging points are also safe to use in the rain. These chargers are built to withstand a lot and they’re 100% designed for outdoor use. As with home charging, it may be less exciting for you to charge your car at a public charging point in the rain.

You could simply plug in your car at a charging point and go grab a coffee indoors while it charges. You'll be back on the road in no time, and most importantly stay dry and warm in the process.

So whether you're caught in a downpour or dealing with a little drizzle, don't let the weather stop you from charging your car. Simply charge up as you need and keep your focus on getting to your destination safely, especially in adverse weather.

Yes, all electric vehicle chargers are waterproof. The charging ports on electric cars are designed to be weatherproof and water resistant. So, if you're caught in a rainstorm and need to charge your car, you can rest assured that the chargers are specifically designed for use in wet weather.

In fact, these chargers are made with waterproof materials and are sealed against moisture, so you can be sure your car will charge up safely even in the heaviest rainstorm. This protects you, your car, and the charger itself from any potential damage.

3-pin plug chargers are often the go-to solution if you can't get a charger installed, or if you don't have a driveway. If you're using a 3-pin plug to charge your car, we'd recommend keeping the charging block (the bit that lights up to tell you it's charging) inside, along with the plug. Because extension leads aren't specified for car charging and can heat up, we would strongly recommend against them. If you do charge your car on a three-pin plug, please remember to turn your charge rate down on the car, this can usually be done in the charging section of your infotainment menu.

The bottom line is that you can charge your electric car in the rain without any worries - whether it's at home or at a public charging point. The electric car charging process is safe and easy, as the charging ports and chargers are specifically designed to withstand the elements. So remember, if you're caught in a storm, public chargers are always an option. It will also give you a break from driving in adverse weather conditions, which is always a good idea. Stop for a second, get a hot drink and relax while your EV does the job!

At Octopus Electric Vehicles, we want to make charging your car as easy and convenient as possible. That's why we offer free home charger installation when you lease one of our electric cars, so you can charge your car in the comfort of your own driveway or garage. To get started, simply browse fully-electric vehicles on our website and find the perfect one for you. Unsure which car is right for you? Our friendly EV experts are always happy to chat and answer any of your questions. You can also refer to our frequently asked questions page for more information - you'll find a lot more details about electric cars in general, as well as the services we offer.