What Kind Of Chargers Do Electric Vehicles Need?
With the influx of electric vehicles entering the country, an effective charging network is a need. Unlike gasoline and diesel pumps, which use standardised nozzles for all sorts of vehicles, electric vehicles need a variety of different types of chargers. Let’s dive in and find out about the different kinds of EV chargers available.
The Difference Makes A Difference
Charging Fundamentals - You may charge your electric car by regular 120 volts (V) household outlets (Level 1), 208-240 volt(V) outlets similar to those used by your dryer (Level 2), or dedicated 480 volt(V)+ public fast chargers (DC Fast Charging). The time required to charge using each of these three methods varies according on your driving style and the battery size. Charging speed is also affected by the size of the vehicle's on-board charger and the charging equipment's power lever. Let’s look into each one in detail
1. Level 1 - Charging at this level requires a regular 120-volt socket. Today's electric vehicles include portable charging equipment that can be plugged into any 120-volt outlet. Typically, a 40-mile daily trip may be recharged simply overnight using a Level 1 charger.
2. Level 2 - In most circumstances, Level 2 charging necessitates the purchase and installation of charging equipment. A typical Level 2 charger can recharge a daily commute of 40 miles in less than two hours.
3. DC Fast Charging - DC fast chargers can add 10 to 20 miles of range to a vehicle in less than a minute. DC Fast Charging is intended for use at public charging stations only and is not intended for use at home. Today, the majority of fully electric vehicles are equipped for DC Fast Charging, but always be aware of your vehicle's charging connector before plugging in.
Charging an electric car is simple, cost-effective, and convenient, especially when plugged in at home—you can charge your car while you sleep. The time required to charge a vehicle is dependent on the charging equipment used, the size of the vehicle's battery, and the available charging capacity.
Three convenient methods exist for charging your electric automobile.
1. Charging at Home
2. Charging in the Workplace
3. Charging in Public
Charging at Home
Level 1: Standard on all-electric vehicles is a 120-volt Level 1 portable charger. Yes, these chargers may be plugged into any standard household outlet and require no further installation. Pretty nice, isn't it?
Level 2: Drivers can also purchase and install a higher-powered Level 2 device. Utilize our Home Charging Advisor to browse Level 2 chargers and learn about available incentives.
The majority of electric car customers desire the assurance and convenience of a faster charge and will eventually install 240-volt, Level 2 charging capability in their homes.
Charging in the Workplace
If charging at home is not possible or if you need to "top off" your car during the day for an additional errand, workplace charging is another practical option. Many firms are implementing pricing for their employees; therefore, you should check with your employer to determine whether this is a possibility for you.
If your employer has not yet instituted workplace pricing, you can lobby for it. Additionally, you can give them tools to assist them in weighing the benefits
Charging in Public
There are numerous excellent charging station locators and mobile applications available to assist you in locating public charging stations when and where you need them. Public charging stations are available in public parking lots at malls, grocery stores, movie theatres, community centres, arenas, hotels, and airports. Numerous services are provided for free or at a cost that is far less than the cost of gasoline. You can filter results by charging speed and even by station location if it is accessible or currently in use.
Ensure that you consult your car's maker and electric car driving manual to see which charging alternatives are appropriate for your electric car. Some of these networks may require a subscription to charge, so plan ahead and do your research before embarking on that long road trip.
From zero to hero
Choosing the right charging station simplifies things; when you work with the right service providers, you never have to worry about your EV's battery draining; prestigious companies such as kazam have been hard at work developing charging infrastructure and paving the way for electric mobility; make the switch now!
