Which Electric Vehicle Charging Station should I Buy?

The higher the hipe - the higher the confusion in regards to electric vehicle charging stations in India. From where to install, types of EV chargers, types of plugs/adaptors, companies that EV chargers and more. Check out our blog to know all about electric vehicle chargers.

What is a charging station?

It is a proper station or system to charge an electric vehicle. The two keywords to keep in mind while defining this system of EV chargers are Speedy and Safe.

Types of Electric Vehicle Chargers

As electric vehicles vary in wheels, power intake, batteries and more, so do their chargers. There are 2-vast types of electric vehicle chargers. These are Alternative Current alias AC Chargers and Direct Current alias DC Chargers.

AC Chargers - Slow Chargers

These are the most commonly available chargers in the Indian market. Power output is 3 kW or 7 kW. The car will be charged between 8 - 12 hours. You will have to keep your car overnight to be in full charge.

Key Takeaways:

• 3 kW – 6 kW slow charging on one of four connector types 
• Charging units are either untethered or have tethered cables 
• Includes mains charging and from specialist chargers 
• Often covers home charging

DC Chargers - Fast Chargers

The fast charger is 7 kW or more, 22 kW (single- or three-phase 32A). Charging times vary on unit speed and the vehicle, but a 7 kW charger will recharge a compatible EV with a 40 kWh battery in 4-6 hours and a 22 kW charger in 1-2 hours. Fast chargers tend to be located at car parks, shops, supermarkets, or leisure centres, where you are likely to be parked for an hour or more. 

Untethered units are therefore more flexible and could be used by any EV with the correct cable. Charging rates when using a fast charger will depend on the car’s onboard charger, with not all models able to accept 7 kW or more. These models can still be plugged into the charge point, but will only draw the maximum power accepted by the onboard charger. Almost all EVs and PHEVs can charge on Type 2 units, with the correct cable at least. It is by far the most common public charge point standard around, and most plug-in car owners will have a cable, with a Type 2 connector charger-side. The vast majority of fast chargers provide AC charging, though some networks are installing 25 kW DC chargers with CCS or CHAdeMO connectors.

Key Takeaways:

• 7kW fast charging on one of three connector types 
• 22kW fast charging on one of three connector types 
• Units are either untethered or have tethered cables

Bonus, apart from the above-mentioned, other factors are what type of cables are attached, if there is any cable attached or not, combinations and more. In India, cars are coming with Type 2 AC and CCS charging. You see it in Tata Nexon EV, Hyundai Kona, and MG ZS EV. Earlier models like Mahindra e20, e-Verito and Tata Tigor EV had different kinds of chargers. Bikes and rickshaws come with a 3-pin cable like revolt and scooter which can be plugged into a socket.

Which Charging Station Should I Buy?

There are various types of EVs, so its charging station varies too. Which charging station should you buy depends on two factors: 

Public/ Semi-Public Network or Personal Use?

• For Public Use: 15 kW or above (DC Charger, NOTE: install a CCS gun)
• For Personal Use: 3kW - 7kW Charger (AC Charger)

Type of EV you will charge?

• Electric Bike or Electric 3-Wheeler: 3 kW or 7kW, with a 3-pin plug. (user with bring his cable) 
• Electric Car: 7 kW Chargers

Bonus, time will also be a factor!

Companies Providing AC/DC Chargers

• ABB
• Kazam EV 
• TATA motors

Need Further Assistance?

Need more assistance or your EV charger? We at Kazam care for our pro EV shoppers and provide them with complete EV solutions. From range, financial aspect, space concerns to the battery and charging solutions. Book your appointment now! For more information, visit Kazam EV at https://www.kazam.in/ or send us a message at our social handles Kazam EV, and we will get back to your kazamly!