Electric vehicle (EV) charging is becoming an increasingly attractive option for drivers of electric vehicles. It provides several advantages, such as faster recharge times and reduced emissions.
Numerous organizations are striving to establish public EV charging stations throughout the U.S., such as General Motors (GM), Pilot (Flying J), and National Electric Highway Coalition.
Home Chargers
Home chargers provide a convenient way to charge your electric vehicle, and can be installed at home in several ways. You have two choices: hardwired models that plug directly into your electricity source or plug-in models that use standard outlets like many other household items.
When selecting a charger for your home, look for one that supports your electrical capacity and is UL listed for safety. Additionally, consider getting one with smart features like schedule charging or rebates (check with local government) available.
Your electric vehicle’s electrical needs vary depending on its battery size and model. Most EVs can be charged using either Level 1 (120 volts) or Level 2 (240 volts), though you will need to purchase a charger compatible with whatever voltage your EV can take.
The faster a charger can charge your electric vehicle’s battery, the more energy it supplies. Level 3 home chargers, for instance, offer up to 80 percent of a car’s total charge in just half an hour!
Some EV owners choose to hardwire their home chargers into their 240-volt outlets, while others like to keep things as straightforward as possible and install them using either a NEMA 14-50 or NEMA 6-50 outlet. This makes it possible to take the charger with you if you move or need to replace it.
Home chargers for electric vehicles (EVs), such as the Nissan LEAF and Toyota Prius, are available. Some models can charge multiple cars simultaneously while being weatherproof enough for outdoor use.
Another option is to get a charger that offers variable amperage, so you can choose an outlet with either high or low current depending on how often you use your electric vehicle and energy provider’s rates. ChargePoint’s Home Flex is one such example – this 50-amp charger supports up to 37 miles of range per hour, uses your home’s electricity capacity and can be installed indoors or outside; plus it’s UL listed for safety.
Workplace Chargers
Electric vehicle charging stations (EV charging stations) are an excellent way for businesses to promote sustainable transportation options and help meet environmental goals by reducing greenhouse gas emissions when installed properly.
Based on your business needs and budget, you may opt to install workplace chargers at your premises or include them as part of an employee benefits package. No matter which option you select, make sure you select the correct chargers for your requirements.
There are various workplace chargers, such as Level 1, Level 2 and DC Fast Charging. Size and functionality may differ between each type, but all work to provide clean and safe charging for electric vehicles.
When installing a workplace charger, it’s essential that it is user-friendly for employees and visitors alike. To accomplish this, consider networked charging solutions that connect to your building’s smart systems and enable employees and visitors to reserve time on the chargers.
The right software system will automatically monitor usage and billing, so employees don’t need to worry about it. Plus, you have the option of setting different fees for visitors, employees, and clients.
In addition to making sure your chargers are user-friendly, you should appoint someone responsible for administering the program. This individual could either be an employee or third-party vendor.
A reliable charging management system will provide the data and analytics you need to efficiently administer the program, keeping your EV charging stations operational. It may even offer employees the option of paying for EV charging, providing extra revenue for the company.
Another advantage of workplace charging is its potential to attract new employees. As more people transition to electric vehicles, they’ll seek employers who will accommodate their needs and promote your company’s values. This not only helps retain top talent but also attracts eco-conscious customers.
Public Chargers
Many electric vehicle (EV) owners rely on public charging stations when they need to recharge their cars away from home or work. These stations may be free, pay-as-you-go or subscription based, with prices set by either the network or property owner.
In the US, there are various public EV charging networks such as Blink, ChargePoint, Electrify America and Francis Energy. These stations can be found throughout cities and towns, workplaces, grocery stores and airports alike.
Most of these stations require you to register an account, typically with a credit card number. With this card, you can wave in front of the charger to begin charging – it’s best to keep this card in your glove box or center console as without it, you won’t be able to charge.
You can save money on your charging bill by joining certain EV charging networks. For instance, Electrify America offers a monthly membership that reduces both session fee and per-minute rate.
These memberships can be beneficial for people who charge their electric vehicle frequently or plan on taking an extended road trip with lots of stops at public charging stations along the way. Be sure to select the right network based on your specific needs and travel habits.
Charging speed is a major concern for many electric vehicle drivers. The rate at which your battery charges can differ depending on the type of connector used and your car’s power demand.
For instance, CHAdeMO-connected electric vehicles require more charge power than CCS models, so some charging stations offer both types of connectors to accommodate various EVs.
Electrify America offers over 420 stations that utilize both CHAdeMO and CCS connectors, making it the ideal option for users who frequently travel between multiple states or countries with their electric vehicles.
Electrify America offers an easy-to-use app that can be downloaded on your phone or tablet and provides a map of all their chargers. It also lets you know when your vehicle will be charged so you can plan accordingly. Plus, with alerts set up for certain points in the day, such as when the battery reaches a certain percentage, Electrify America makes tracking easy!
Charger Types
When charging an electric vehicle (EV), there are various charger types you can choose from. Their speed and power output vary, so it’s essential to understand their differences before selecting one for your needs.
When selecting a charger type, there are three main categories: Level 1, Level 2 and direct current fast charging (DCFC). Each level of equipment differs in speed and power output so it’s essential to select the one best suited to your requirements.
Level 1 equipment provides charging through a standard 120V AC outlet, taking 40-50 hours for batteries electric vehicles (BEV) and 5-7 hours to fully charge plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV).
Many electric vehicle drivers opt for Level 2 equipment, which provides charging through 240V or 208V electrical service and is commonly found at home, work, and public charging stations. This may be the most economical choice if you only need to charge your EV occasionally since it costs less than Level 3.
Type 1 and Type 2 chargers are the two most common models, though both come in varying speeds. The Type 2 charger is faster, typically used for Level 3 DC fast charging; however, some Level 1 units may also be suitable.
Another option is using a Type C charger, which has become more and more popular due to its capacity to charge devices faster than its Type 1 counterpart. Connecting one is simple since no special cable or adaptor is needed – making this an ideal option for electric vehicle (EV) owners who wish to take advantage of fast charging capabilities at public charging stations nearby.
Selecting a charger is an essential decision, and consulting with an electrician is recommended to get the right model for your requirements. They can assist in selecting suitable charging equipment for home, business or public space and ensuring it’s securely installed.