Category: Quick Guide / Transportation

⚡ Buying Gas & Charging an Electric Vehicle

Before fueling or charging, confirm what your vehicle requires. Using the wrong fuel or an incompatible charging connector can damage the vehicle or leave you unable to continue your trip.

Check the fuel door, dashboard, owner’s manual, or vehicle app before starting.

Before You Begin

Confirm:

• Which side of the vehicle has the fuel or charging port
• Correct fuel type or charging connector
• How to open the fuel or charging door
• Current fuel or battery level
• How you will pay
• Whether the station is open and operating

On many dashboards, a small arrow beside the fuel-pump symbol points toward the side containing the fuel door.

Park close enough for the hose or cable to reach without stretching it across the vehicle.

Buying Gas

1. Park at the Correct Pump

Look at the pump labels before parking.

Confirm whether the pump provides:

• Regular gasoline
• Midgrade gasoline
• Premium gasoline
• Diesel
• E85 or another alternative fuel

Do not assume every pump provides the same fuel.

Position the vehicle so the fuel door faces the pump. Shift into park, set the parking brake, and turn off the engine.

2. Confirm the Correct Fuel

Check:

• Owner’s manual
• Label inside the fuel door
• Fuel cap
• Vehicle manufacturer’s information

The octane numbers commonly shown at gasoline pumps include:

• Regular
• Midgrade
• Premium

Use the minimum octane required by the manufacturer. Premium fuel does not automatically improve a vehicle designed for regular gasoline.

Never put gasoline into a diesel vehicle or diesel into a gasoline vehicle.

Do not use E85 unless the vehicle is specifically designed as a flexible-fuel vehicle.

3. Follow Basic Fueling Safety

At the pump:

• Turn off the engine.
• Do not smoke.
• Keep flames and sparks away.
• Keep children and pets inside the vehicle.
• Do not leave the pump unattended.
• Avoid getting back into the vehicle while fueling.
• Follow all posted instructions.

If you must reenter the vehicle, touch a metal part of the vehicle away from the fuel opening before touching the nozzle again. This helps discharge static electricity.

4. Pay at the Pump

Most pumps accept:

• Credit card
• Debit card
• Mobile payment
• Fuel-company payment app

The screen may ask for:

• PIN
• Billing ZIP code
• Loyalty number
• Receipt choice
• Car-wash selection

Read every prompt before responding.

If you use a debit card, the station may temporarily place a larger authorization hold on your account. The final charge should reflect the fuel purchased, but the remaining hold may take time to disappear.

Never share your PIN or accept help from someone who asks to handle your card.

5. Check for Card-Skimming Warning Signs

Before inserting a card:

• Check whether the card reader appears loose.
• Look for damaged seals.
• Compare it with nearby readers.
• Avoid equipment that appears altered.
• Cover the keypad while entering a PIN.

Use contactless payment when available. If something looks wrong, pay inside or use another station.

6. Select the Fuel Grade

After payment is approved:

1. Remove the fuel cap if the vehicle has one.
2. Lift the nozzle.
3. Select the correct fuel grade.
4. Confirm the selection on the pump.
5. Insert the nozzle completely.
6. Squeeze the handle.

Some pumps require you to lift a lever before selecting the grade.

Check the button carefully before beginning. Do not select a grade based only on the color of the nozzle, because colors can vary.

7. Let the Pump Stop Automatically

The nozzle should click off when the tank reaches the appropriate level.

After it stops:

• Release the handle.
• Do not continue adding fuel.
• Wait a moment for dripping to stop.
• Remove the nozzle carefully.
• Return it to the pump.
• Replace and tighten the fuel cap.
• Close the fuel door.
• Take the receipt if needed.

Do not “top off” the tank. Adding more after the automatic shutoff may cause spilling or damage the vehicle’s emissions system.

8. If Fuel Spills

If fuel spills:

• Stop pumping.
• Do not start the vehicle.
• Keep flames and sparks away.
• Notify a station employee immediately.
• Follow the employee’s instructions.
• Avoid touching or walking through the spill.

Call 911 if there is a large spill, fire, serious exposure, or immediate danger.

9. If You Choose the Wrong Fuel

If you realize you selected the wrong fuel:

• Stop pumping immediately.
• Do not start the engine.
• Do not drive the vehicle.
• Tell the station employee.
• Contact roadside assistance or a repair professional.
• Explain exactly what fuel was added.

Starting the engine can circulate the wrong fuel and increase the damage.

10. Before Driving Away

Check that:

• Nozzle is returned
• Fuel cap is secure
• Fuel door is closed
• Payment is complete
• Card is back in your possession
• Receipt has been collected
• No warning appears on the dashboard

Never drive away with the nozzle still connected.

Charging an Electric Vehicle

1. Confirm the Charger Is Compatible

Before parking, check:

• Connector type
• Charging speed
• Whether an adapter is required
• Whether the station works with your vehicle
• Cost
• Parking or idle fees
• Required app or membership
• Whether the charger is available

Connector standards are changing, and different vehicles may use different connectors or approved adapters. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends confirming the connector and charging equipment appropriate for the vehicle. Alternative Fuels Data Center

Do not force a connector into the charging port.

2. Park in the Charging Space

Position the vehicle so the cable reaches without being stretched.

Then:

• Shift into park.
• Set the parking brake.
• Turn off the vehicle if instructed.
• Open the charging port.
• Keep the cable out of traffic and walkways.
• Follow the station’s posted directions.

Use a charging space only while actively charging unless signs allow otherwise.

3. Check the Equipment

Before connecting, look for:

• Damaged connector
• Exposed wires
• Cracked cable
• Water inside the connector
• Burn marks
• Loose equipment
• Error messages
• Damage to the charging station

Do not use damaged equipment.

Move away and contact the charging provider if you see sparks, smoke, exposed wiring, or another electrical hazard. Call 911 for fire or immediate danger.

4. Start the Charging Session

The order varies by station, but you may need to:

1. Open the station’s app.
2. Select the charger number.
3. Tap a payment card or charging-network card.
4. Follow instructions on the screen.
5. Connect the plug.
6. Confirm that charging started.

Some stations require you to connect first and pay afterward.

Look for confirmation from:

• Charging-station screen
• Vehicle dashboard
• Indicator near the charging port
• Vehicle app
• Charging-network app

Do not walk away until you know the vehicle is charging.

5. Understand Charging Speeds

Public chargers may provide different charging speeds.

In general:

• Level 1 is the slowest.
• Level 2 is commonly used for several hours or overnight.
• DC fast charging can add energy more quickly when the vehicle supports it.

Not every vehicle can use every charging speed. The actual speed may also change because of:

• Battery temperature
• Current battery level
• Vehicle limitations
• Charger power
• Other vehicles sharing the station
• Weather

A charger’s maximum advertised speed does not guarantee that your vehicle will receive that speed.

6. Monitor the Session

Check:

• Battery percentage
• Estimated completion time
• Charging cost
• Time limits
• Parking restrictions
• Idle fees
• Notifications from the app

Return before charging ends if the station charges an idle fee or requires the space to be made available promptly.

Do not unplug someone else’s vehicle unless the station’s rules and equipment clearly allow it.

7. End the Charging Session

Follow the charger or vehicle instructions.

You may need to:

1. Stop the session in the app or on the screen.
2. Unlock the charging connector through the vehicle.
3. Remove the connector.
4. Return it securely to the station.
5. Close the vehicle’s charging port.
6. Confirm that payment ended.
7. Save the receipt.
8. Move the vehicle from the charging space.

Do not pull the connector out by the cable.

8. If Charging Does Not Start

Check:

• Connector is fully inserted
• Correct charger was selected
• Payment was accepted
• Vehicle is in park
• Charging schedule is not delaying the session
• Vehicle and charger show no error
• Adapter is attached correctly
• Charging port is unlocked when necessary

Then try:

• Ending and restarting the session
• Reconnecting the plug
• Using another available charger
• Contacting the station’s support number
• Checking the vehicle app or owner’s manual

Do not repeatedly force or strike the connector.

9. If the Connector Will Not Release

• End the charging session.
• Unlock the vehicle.
• Use the release control in the vehicle or app.
• Wait for the station to confirm the session ended.
• Check the owner’s manual.
• Call the charging provider.

Some vehicles have an emergency manual release. Use it only according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Do not pull hard on the cable or attempt to dismantle the connector.

10. Charging at Home

Use only charging equipment approved for your vehicle and electrical system.

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Keep cords away from traffic and standing water.
• Do not use a damaged outlet, cable, or connector.
• Avoid ordinary extension cords unless specifically approved.
• Have higher-powered charging equipment installed by a qualified electrician.
• Do not modify electrical equipment yourself.

Home Level 2 charging equipment generally requires an appropriate 240-volt circuit and professional installation. U.S. Department of Energy

Quick Fueling Checklist

• Park with the fuel door near the pump.
• Turn off the engine.
• Confirm gasoline, diesel, or another required fuel.
• Select the correct octane.
• Check the card reader.
• Insert the nozzle completely.
• Stop when the nozzle clicks off.
• Replace the fuel cap.
• Collect your card and receipt.
• Confirm the nozzle is returned before leaving.

Quick EV-Charging Checklist

• Confirm the connector is compatible.
• Check the price and possible idle fees.
• Inspect the cable and connector.
• Follow the station’s payment instructions.
• Connect without forcing the plug.
• Confirm charging started.
• Monitor the session.
• End charging correctly.
• Return the connector securely.
• Close the charging port and move the vehicle.

Related Guides

• Buying Gas & Charging an Electric Vehicle
• Understanding Transportation Costs
• Understanding Dashboard Warning Lights
• Basic Vehicle Maintenance & Service Appointments
• What to Do When Your Vehicle Breaks Down
• Building a Vehicle Emergency Kit
• Planning a Trip Before You Leave
• Safe Driving Habits for Everyday Travel
• Using Debit Cards, Credit Cards & Cash
• Protecting Your Personal Information
• Talking With Customer Service