a computer implemented method includes determining whether a time of day corresponds to a charging window , responsive to a determination that a vehicle is in a non - charging state . the method also includes retrieving a start time and charge requirement for an upcoming journey . the method further includes determining if sufficient time remains to charge a vehicle to the charge requirement , responsive to a determination that the time of day corresponds to the charging window . also , the method includes alerting a user to the non - charging state , responsive to a determination that insufficient time remains to charge the vehicle to the charge requirement .