Choosing the Right EV Charging Station for Your Needs: Home, Public, or Workplace Charging? 

In recent years, electric vehicles have been gaining popularity thanks to their many ecological and economic advantages. To take full advantage of these benefits, it is essential to choose the right charging station that suits your needs. This article will give you all the keys to making the right choice between Public charging stations, Home charging stations, or Workplace charging stations.

Criteria for choosing your charging station

The charging time

The charging time is an essential element to take into account when choosing a charging station. The higher the power of the charging station, the shorter the charging time.

• Domestic socket: With a power of 3.7 kW, it offers a charging time of approximately 8 to 12 hours for a standard electric car.
  
  
• Public terminals: Their power generally varies between 3.7 and 50 kW, offering a highly variable charging time depending on the infrastructure available on site.

Compatibility with your vehicle

It is crucial to check that the chosen charging station is compatible with your model electric car. The terminals offer different connectors, so make sure that your vehicle has the right type of socket (Type 1, Type 2, CHAdeMO, etc.) to connect to the desired terminal.

Installation and usage costs

The purchase and installation of a charging station represent an investment that must be taken into account. The rates vary according to the characteristics of the terminal and the installation costs (installation, electrical connection, upgrading, etc.). With regard to public terminals, it is important to inquire about the rates charged for the use and rental of terminals, which may vary according to the operators and the packages offered.

Which voltage or which level to choose?

There are three levels of charging stations, each associated with a different voltage. In principle, the higher the voltage, the faster the vehicle charges.

• Level 1: EVs are sold with a Level 1 portable charger, which plugs into a standard 120-volt (V) outlet, just like you would any other device.
  
  
• Level 2: most owners of electric vehicles decide to equip themselves with a 240 V terminal to recharge their car more quickly. These terminals use the same outlet as your stove or plug into a welder outlet or the electrical panel. There are also public 240 V terminals that you can use while traveling.
  
  
• Level 3: Often referred to as "fast charging stations", "DCFC" (for "direct current charging stations"), or "level 3 stations", these stations are not designed for use in the home; rather, they are made available to owners of electric vehicles through various public networks.

Which current to choose?

On the market, you will find terminals from 15 to 80 amperes (A). This measurement refers to the intensity of the current (in amperes). In theory, the higher the latter, the faster the loading will be. However, each vehicle has a limit. So, depending on the model of the car you choose, it could recharge at the same speed with a 30 A model as with a 48 A one. We chose to test 30 to 50 A terminals since they maximize the charging speed for the majority of electric cars sold on the market. It is better to invest immediately in a model of 30 A or more and avoid having an obsolete charging station in a few years. Either way, charging station prices are pretty similar regardless of the number of amps.

Home Charging Station

This is the simplest and least expensive solution. You can plug your vehicle directly into a conventional power outlet (16 A) at your home. To charge your electric vehicle at home, it is essential to first install a secure socket or reinforced socket. It looks like a classic socket, but it's a specialized socket that allows you to charge your car in an average of 6 to 9 hours instead of 10 hours for a standard model, as part of a full charge. In addition, the secure sockets meet the security standards expected for this type of device, i.e. the IP66 standard.

The advantages and disadvantages of Home Charging Station

Benefits :

• Economical solution: no purchase or installation of terminal necessary
• Ease of use: just plug your car into a standard outlet

Disadvantages:

• Long charging time: up to 12 hours for a standard electric car
• Power limited to 3.7 kW: may not be sufficient for some vehicles

Public Charging Station

These are made available by local authorities, companies, or car dealerships and are generally located in public car parks, shopping centers, or service stations. Their power varies according to the models.

The advantages and disadvantages of Public Charging Station

Benefits :

• Convenient solution for commuting and long-distance journeys
• Variable power to adapt to different types of vehicles

Disadvantages:

• Availability and accessibility vary by region and infrastructure
• Use and rental costs to consider

Workplace Charging Station

These terminals are specially designed to charge electric cars and offer a reduced charging time compared to household sockets. They can be installed at your workplace and are often referred to as workplace charging stations.

The advantages and disadvantages of Workplace Charging Station

Benefits :

• Reduced charging time compared to the domestic socket
• Adjustable power according to needs
• Installation at work: practicality and comfort of use

Disadvantages:

• Purchase and installation costs to consider
• Need to check compatibility with your car model

In conclusion, the choice of charging station for your electric vehicle will mainly depend on your needs in terms of charging time, compatibility with your car, and costs. Do not hesitate to compare the different solutions and ask professionals in the sector to make the choice that best suits your situation.