EVCS Beginners Guide: What are the 3 types of EVCS?

The world continues to face climate change challenges, so it's becoming increasingly critical that we switch to more sustainable energy sources.Adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions while also improving air quality.

If you're a new EV owner, finding the right charging station can be difficult. To take full advantage of these benefits, it is essential to choose the right charging station that suits your needs. This article going to help narrow the field by explaining the three levels of EV charging stations.

There are three types of EVCS

Level 1-Standard standalone plug

Level 2 -Upgraded outlet for EVs and large appliances

Level 3+ -DC fast charging

These are classified according to the power they can provide, They are designated as “levels”

Let us understand each type thoroughly

Standard standalone plug- 

Level 1 AC charging uses a standard 120 volt AC electric circuit.A dedicated standard 120V 20-amp circuit on this outlet is needed, which you already have in your home.You should not plug anything else into the outlet while your car is charging. Note that standalone plug charging stations will charge your vehicle slowly, one need to continue charging all night.So that next day you can have enough charge to last for the whole day.They do not have network access – they are essentially electrical outlets with circuitry to enable communication and safe charging with the vehicle. Without network access, stand-alone chargers cannot process payment, and are generally reserved for residential or fleet applications.

Stand-alone chargers have lower installation costs, simpler designs, and no recurring fees for features such as payment processing and cloud connectivity. They may also be the only viable option in locations with poor cell reception, or at low-use sites where network fees would likely exceed the cost of allowing free access.

Note -If this is your first time charging an electric vehicle at this outlet, consult with an electrician first to be sure it is safe.

Upgraded outlet for EVs and large appliances -

Level 2 AC charging uses a 208/240 volt AC electric circuit.This voltage type lets you pull more power and charge your EV faster while still using standard wiring.Level 2 charging stations work approximately five times as fast as Level 1. You will often find this kind of charging station at venues like restaurants or shopping malls where drivers can leave their vehicles to charge while they spend time inside. If you would like to add Level 2 charging, any licensed electrician can come in and add the outlet.

DC fast charging-

Direct-current fast charger (DCFC), sometimes referred to as a Level 3 DC charging, uses a 3-phase 480 volt AC electric circuit but delivers direct current (DC) to the vehicle. Both AC and DC describe types of current flow in a circuit. In direct current (DC), the electric charge (current) only flows in one direction. Electric charge in alternating current (AC), on the other hand, changes direction periodically. The voltage in AC circuits also periodically reverses because the current changes direction.

AC used in most homes and businesses, refers to a modulated form of electricity which makes the energy more manageable, less dangerous, and more efficient over long distances. DC refers to the original form that electricity comes in, a form which is usually changed in nearby transformers before it reaches your home.This charger type is the fastest of the three and can charge up to 80% in less than 30 minutes.Installing Level 3 charging stations requires direct access to the power grid, which can only be performed by highly-skilled technicians.Because of this reason your municipality will probably not allow you to install one in your home.

Battery capacity

Lithium-ion battery capacity is measured in kWh.For example if any car has battery capacity of 40kWh then it's believed that car can go 40 km in single full charge.

Rechargeable electric car batteries like all batteries have built-in safeties to prevent overcharging. After 80% of charge at any level, the battery will start to trickle charge. This means that once the battery reaches 80% of capacity, all three levels will charge at roughly the same slow speed by design.

Electric Vehicle Charging (Charging) Dock -

EVCD is a DIY plug-n-play device with unmatched features - capable of charging electric two-wheelers, four-wheelers, e-rickshaws, e-golf-cart, and/or any e-mobility vehicle. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) introduced the Model Building Bye-Laws for EV charging infrastructure in February, 2019 which makes it mandatory for residential and commercial buildings to have at least 20% of the parking space for EV charging infrastructure. EVCD is ideal for all residential and commercial spaces with its real-time spot billing via QR code scanning.

Summing Up

The charge times will vary depending on the charger, the on-board vehicle charging equipment, and the vehicle’s battery capacity. The different charging levels serve different consumer needs: DCFCs best suit long-distance trips where time is a premium, while slower chargers work best at locations where people will be parked for long periods.