How to Use a Public Charging Station for Electric Vehicles? Reading Answers

Sep 9, 2025

How to Use a Public Charging Station for Electric Vehicles? Reading Answers contains 7 questions and belongs to the assessment system of the IELTS General Reading test. How to Use a Public Charging Station for Electric Vehicles? Reading Answers must be answered within 10 minutes. In this IELTS reading section, question types include: Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS.

How to Use a Public Charging Station for Electric Vehicles? Reading Answers offers a comprehensive overview of using public EV charging stations, which involves locating them via apps, connecting and paying as instructed, charging considerately, and ensuring proper disconnection and tidiness afterward. To practice similar reading tests, candidates can refer to the IELTS Reading Practice Test section.

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Topic:

With the rise of electric vehicles (EVs), public charging stations are becoming increasingly common. Understanding how to use them is essential for any EV owner.

First, locate a charging station using your car’s navigation system or a mobile app such as PlugShare or ChargePoint. These apps display available stations, charging speeds, and user reviews. Some stations are fast chargers that can top up an EV battery to 80% in about 30 minutes, while others may take several hours.

Once you arrive at a station, park in the designated spot. Most charging stations require either a contactless card or a smartphone app to start the process. Insert the connector into your vehicle and follow the on-screen instructions. The charging process will begin, and you can monitor it through the station’s screen or your app.

It’s polite to remain nearby or return before charging is complete, as other drivers may be waiting. Avoid leaving your car parked at a charging point after the battery is full—this is known as “charging bay hogging” and is frowned upon in the EV community.

Some public charging stations are free to use, especially those offered by shopping centres or local governments, but many require payment. Costs vary depending on charging speed and location. Payment is usually per kilowatt-hour (kWh) or per minute of charging time.

Before leaving, always return the cable to its holder and make sure your vehicle is safely unplugged. Leaving the area tidy and accessible for the next user promotes courteous usage.

Questions 8-14

Write NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS.

8. You can find charging locations using apps like ……………………….

Answer: PlugShare or ChargePoint

Supporting statement: "First, locate a charging station using your car’s navigation system or a mobile app such as PlugShare or ChargePoint."

Keywords: PlugShare, ChargePoint, locate, charging station

Keyword Location: Paragraph 1, line 1

Explanation: The passage explains that EV owners can use apps like PlugShare or ChargePoint to find charging stations. These apps show station availability, speed, and reviews, making them a primary resource for locating where to charge an electric vehicle.

9. A ……………………. can charge a battery up to 80% in half an hour.

Answer: fast charger

Supporting statement: "Some stations are fast chargers that can top up an EV battery to 80% in about 30 minutes."

Keywords: fast chargers, 80%, 30 minutes

Keyword Location: Paragraph 1, line 3

Explanation: The text specifically mentions that fast chargers can quickly recharge an EV battery to 80% in roughly half an hour, distinguishing them from slower chargers that take several hours.

10. A ……………………. or app is needed to begin charging.

Answer: contactless card

Supporting statement: "Most charging stations require either a contactless card or a smartphone app to start the process."

Keywords: contactless card, app, start

Keyword Location: Paragraph 2, line 2

Explanation: The passage highlights that to begin charging, the user must use either a contactless card or a smartphone app, indicating that these are essential tools for accessing public EV chargers.

11. It is considered rude to practise ………………….. after charging is complete.

Answer: charging bay hogging

Supporting statement: "Avoid leaving your car parked at a charging point after the battery is full—this is known as 'charging bay hogging'..."

Keywords: charging bay hogging, parked, battery full

Keyword Location: Paragraph 3, line 3

Explanation: The text defines "charging bay hogging" as leaving a vehicle parked in a charging spot after it’s fully charged, which is considered poor etiquette among EV drivers.

12. Many stations charge based on ……………….. or time used.

Answer: kilowatt-hour (kWh)

Supporting statement: "Payment is usually per kilowatt-hour (kWh) or per minute of charging time."

Keywords: kilowatt-hour, payment, charging time

Keyword Location: Paragraph 4, line 3

Explanation: The author explains that many stations charge based on energy consumption measured in kilowatt-hours or by the time the vehicle is connected to the charger.

13. Some public chargers are offered at ……………….. without a fee.

Answer: shopping centres or local governments

Supporting statement: "Some public charging stations are free to use, especially those offered by shopping centres or local governments..."

Keywords: free to use, shopping centres, local governments

Keyword Location: Paragraph 4, line 1

Explanation: The passage notes that certain public charging points—often located in shopping centres or provided by local governments—offer free charging as a service to drivers.

14. Always return the ……………… before leaving.

Answer: cable

Supporting statement: "Before leaving, always return the cable to its holder..."

Keywords: return, cable, holder

Keyword Location: Paragraph 5, line 1

Explanation: The final instruction in the passage is to return the charging cable to its holder after use, ensuring the station is tidy and ready for the next user.

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