How to Charge an Electric Vehicle: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
Are you curious to know how to charge an electric vehicle? This is a common question among people who are interested in this type of vehicle that emits fewer pollutants than conventional combustion-powered models.
How to charge an electric vehicle?
To charge an electric vehicle, just connect a cable to the vehicle and plug it into an outlet.
In general, this type of vehicle runs for around 300 to 400 km before needing a new recharge, which gives it a reasonable range.
We have listed below some of the most common options for charging electric vehicles. Look!
Public places
These are charging points that are usually built in public places such as shopping malls, supermarkets, and gas stations. But, before taking your electric car to one of these places, it's important to check the compatibility with your vehicle's plug. Soon, you must identify which model your vehicle is and research which places have the proper plug.
Charging at home
Yes, it is possible to charge an electric car at home. It can be charged at 110V, 220V sockets and also with a device known electric vehicle home charger. However, this device only works with a three-phase socket, and domestic networks, in general, are single-phase or two-phase. In this case, the owner of the electric vehicle would have to carry out work at his residence to adapt the electrical system to this need.
Emergency charger
They are small and easy equipment to be transported inside the vehicle itself. However, they require a longer charging time since they have a maximum power of 2kW, and it can take between 20h and 40h to fully charge a 40kW battery.
A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
Locate the compatible charging station for your EV
Users can use google maps, navigation software, or smartphone apps like Kazam EV to find public charging stations. In addition to public parking spaces, retail establishments, offices, and main thoroughfares all have charging stations. Different EV manufacturers utilize various types of charging connectors. Ensure you have the appropriate charging cord or adapter, as necessary, for your car.
Charging Tariff
Charging stations have varying power outputs and based on that charging tariff would be decided. For example, the Fast charging tariff is higher as compared to standard charging stations. Faster charging times are possible with higher kW charging stations, however, not all vehicles can handle the maximum charging rates. Check your EV's maximum charging capacity before charging.
Plug your EV into the charging port and charging session
Place your electric car next to the charging station, making sure it can easily and comfortably reach the charging connection. Before you can plug in the charging cable, certain EVs require you to unlock the charging port. Start by plugging one end of the charging cord into the charging station, and then place the other end into the charging socket on your vehicle. Make sure the connections on both ends are secure. Use the needed way to start the charging session or adhere to the directions on the charging station.
Monitor and unplug your charger when done
The majority of EVs include a dashboard display or a smartphone app that lets you keep tabs on the charging status. The battery level, charging speed, and anticipated finish time are all visible. Make sure the space surrounding the vehicle is free of obstacles and secure while it is charging. Unless you're in a secure area, never leave your electric vehicle unattended. Always abide by any safety instructions given by the person operating the charging station. Before unplugging the charging cord from the charging station, unplug it from your car. Never handle a cable by the cord; always handle it by the plug. Terminate the charging session using the charging station app or charger button whenever your EV achieves the appropriate charge level or when you're prepared to go.
How long does it take to recharge an electric car?
Some variables influence the charging time of an electric car, such as the power of the vehicle's charger and converter, in addition to the size of the battery. But the average time at the main charging points for an electric car with a 40 kWh battery is:
- Home networks: about 5 to 8 hours for a full charge;
- Fast charging stations: about an hour.
Safety Measure
Mode 2 charging is what we nowadays call charging with a 'home charger'. The power comes from a standard 230-volt outlet. The cable contains a built-in control/control box that functions as a mobile safety device. The ICCB regulates, among other things, the charging capacity, stops charging in the event of overheating or a short circuit, and thus ensures that this method is safe. Please note that the ICCB does not (always) give guarantees on the heat development of the 230V plug. In many situations, you will have to check this by hand and feel the plug with your palm after about 5-10 minutes of charging. Hand warm is allowed, if it really gets too hot to handle, it is better to stop charging via this method. In practice, the maximum charging power is often 2.3 kW (1-phase, 10A).
Mode 3 charging is charging via a charging station. Extensive communication takes place between the charging point and the vehicle about the correct power (alternating current), the cable used, and the number of phases. They can safely carry powers from 3.7 to 22kW. In mode 1 to mode 3, charging always takes place via an inverter present in the car, also known as OBC or an onboard charger. This converts alternating current from the electricity grid into direct current for the battery. The charging process is determined by the car itself, the car remains in control. The power of the inverter(s) determines how much of the available charging power from the charging station can be used.
Mode 4 charging is controlled charging with direct current and is used for fast charging. Here too, the car communicates with the charger and vice versa in order to comply with all safety requirements. In the event of doubt or deviation from a safety aspect, the charging session will be terminated by the car or the charging station.
