We are now entering the decade of electric vehicles. Welcome!
In 2019, the number of electric vehicles (EVs) sold surpassed 2.1 million, which indicated the rapid shift from petroleum-powered models to electric types. Now, almost every manufacturer out there, from GM to Toyota, is working extra hard to introduce their own versions of EVs. What is more promising is that a lot of people are willing to go with this new technology as a way of enjoying the associated benefits. So, are you ready to buy your first electric car?
One of the most important components of EVs is that they run on batteries, which require charging. Indeed, a significant part of EVs research and development goes into designing charging systems. So, how well do you understand the EVs charging systems? This guide takes a closer look at charging stations to help you understand how they work.
Important Statistics about EV Charging Stations
For the electric vehicles niche to grow, it is paramount that a network of charging stations is developed in the road networks. Although significant progress has been made, a lot still needs to be done to ensure that vehicle owners can easily recharge their cars. By February 2020, there were 100,000 charging outlets for EVs. Most of these are in California, which leads in the adoption of electric cars in the US. By 2030, electric vehicles are expected to grow and reach 4 million.
In the EU, concerns have been raised about the limited number of EV charging stations. If the infrastructure is not developed rapidly, it might hamper the current fast pace of EV development. By 2020, there were about 285,000 public charging stations for EVs. For example, the expected growth of EV trucks requires a complete network of charging stations on different routes.
How Do Electric Vehicles Work?
Before looking at the charging system, it is important to learn how electric vehicles work. These are vehicles powered by electric batteries that drive motors as opposed to internal combustion engines. However, the batteries discharge progressively and require regular recharging. Today, most electric cars can do approximately 30-70 miles before requiring a recharge. However, new models being developed by brands such as GM and Ford are expected to have batteries with a bigger range.
Types of Electric Cars
There are three main types of electric cars, battery electric vehicles (BEV), hybrid electric vehicles (HEV), and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV). BEVs, also referred to as all-electric vehicles (AEV), run entirely on charged batteries. Electricity is stored in batteries that power motors to provide torque to the car wheels. Good examples of BEVs include Chevy Spark and Ford Focus Electric.
PHEVs are types of hybrid vehicles that feature both internal combustion engines and electric motors. Internal combustion engines are powered by gasoline, while the motor is run by electricity from charged batteries. One of the notable differences between HEVs and BEVs is that the battery in an HEV is charged by the internal combustion engine. This implies that the batteries cannot be charged from external ports.
The last category of electric cars is plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, which also use a motor and internal combustion engine. The most notable thing about HPEVs, unlike HEVs, is that they come with a port that allows you to use an external charging station.
The Most Important Things in an Electric Vehicle
If you are selecting an electric vehicle, make sure to put a lot of focus on the charging system. Your goal should be selecting a model that can easily be charged on the public charging stations and with at-home chargers. Other important considerations that you require include:
- Strong battery system that can hold more power to cover a longer distance.
- The battery should be durable so that you do not keep going back to the market to buy new ones.
- Check for the car model designed by a brand that is committed to quality. Particularly, you need to look for guarantees from the manufacturer on the battery, charging system, and other parts.
- If the vehicle is a truck, it should be able to develop towing power that is enough for your tasks.
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Charging your electric car is similar to charging other electronic devices back home. On one end of the electrical cord, it is connected to the power source while the other is plugged into the car’s charging port. The speed of battery charging, whether you are using a public charging station or a wireless charger, depends on things such as the type of battery, temperature, how much the battery is depleted, and the maximum energy it can store.
Level 1 or Level 2 Chargers: A Closer Look
What is the Difference Between Level 1 and Level 2 Chargers?
When you buy an electric car, it must have a standard 120-volt portable charger, commonly referred to as level 1. This means that you can simply plug the car into the mains of your house to charge the battery. With such a charging system, you do not need to make other additional installations. But if you have a more advanced model, such as Tesla electric cars that are fitted with a 120/240 Level charger, you might need to install an outlet of 240 volts.
Instead of providing 120/240-volt chargers the way Tesla works, most manufacturers opt to work with two separate systems, a standard level 1 charging system and a higher-powered Level-2 unit. When you use a level 2 charging system, the batteries charge faster compared to using level 1.
All-electric vehicles have the same connectors for both level 1 and level 2 charging. In North America, the common system used by electric cars is referred to as SAE J1772. However, Tesla electric cars rely on a different port. But you do not have to worry about charging your Tesla car because each of them comes with an adapter that makes it possible to use level 2 and level 2 charging stations.
How Much Energy Do Level 1 and Level 2 Chargers Deliver?
When you use level 1 chargers, they deliver the energy you can use for 3-5 miles every hour in a standard EV car. However, level 2 chargers are more effective and deliver a stronger punch of energy that can take you 12-60 miles every hour. It is important to note that the amount of power and distance will also be limited by the amount of electricity that the respective charger supports. This argument often makes people wonder whether some chargers can damage their cars. The answer is no!
When charging your car, its system is in charge of the quantity of energy it takes. Therefore, you do not have to worry that a specific charger will deliver more than the car can handle. This is why most people prefer chargers that can deliver as much energy as possible within a short period. Also, it implies that you will be able to pack more energy even when the time for charging the car is limited.
You are also likely to get low-power level 2 chargers that are compact and portable. Most of these models are designed to deliver 16-20 amps. If you use these chargers, they will charge at a standard rate of 12-18 miles/hour.
Choosing Electric Vehicle Chargers
When people buy electric cars, they prefer to charge them at home, mainly overnight from their charging stations. But unless you want to use the standard level 1 charging system, which we have demonstrated is pretty slow, it will be a good idea to install a stronger charging station. So, how do you go about it?
Important Factors to Consider Before Installing a Charging Station
Before you can install a charging system, make sure to ask the following three questions:
- Do you have control over the electricity?
This question does not arise for people who own their homes because they do not require asking permission. However, things are different for people who stay in apartments or rented houses. In such cases, you will need to talk to the landlord to get approval for installing the station. Depending on the apartment, the amount of power that you can use might also be limited.
2. Does the electric service panel have space for a dedicated circuit?
For your charger to work, a dedicated circuit will require to be added to the electric service panel. So, if the space is not enough, it implies that additional work might be required to create a separate compartment adjacent to it. It will be a good idea to work with a professional electrician to check the space for you and ensure the station is installed correctly.
3. What is the best location for the charger?
The recommended point for a charging station is close to the inlet connector for the electric car. Again, you need to ensure that the cable used for charging the car is long enough to avoid overstretching.
How to Select a Good Charging Station
After confirming that the charging system can be installed in your facility, it is time to look for the best model. So, here are some expert tips to help you identify the right charging station:
- Go for Certified Stations
One thing to appreciate about the whole electric car industry is that it is pretty new. Therefore, you are likely to find all types of companies designing chargers and releasing them into the market. Although it is a good thing because these additional chargers offer diversity, it will be an excellent idea to stick with the trusted models. So, look for the charging stations that are tested by top organizations, such as Underwriters Laboratory (UL).
- Plug-In or Hardwired?
A hardwired station means that the station is permanently affixed to the power supply unit and cannot be removed without undoing the wiring. On the other hand, a plug-in unit indicates that the charger is not permanently connected to the power supply but plugged using a receptacle. If you select a charger that delivers less than 40-amps, a plug-in fitted to a NEMA 6-50 or NEMA 14-50 outlet will be okay. However, a charger for 40-amps or more will require permanent wiring.
- Power Rating
The most preferred charging stations are level 2 models, which deliver 16-80 amps. This is very important because it means you can charge the electric car fast and get enough power even if you only have a short moment. To make charging even faster and more convenient, consider models with a power rating of more than 40-amps.
- Cable Length
Some charging systems only have the standard 16 feet cable, but this is not enough in most cases. The best idea is to check the model with a longer cable of about 20 feet. If it can be longer, perhaps 23-25 feet, that will be even better.
- Portability
As the electric vehicles sector continues expanding, even those who are always on the move now have a reason to smile because they can use portable chargers. The lovely thing about these chargers is they do not require any further installation. All that you require is plug and charge. When travelling for a holiday or area with no public charging stations, this portable model can come in handy.
- Guarantee
Like other car accessories, it will be good to look for a model that comes with a binding guarantee. The guarantee gives you the assurance that the charger was designed with high standards and the manufacturer commits to repairs or replacement in case of damages.
When you decide to buy an electric car, it is important to ensure you understand how the charging system works. This will help you to pick a model that is easy to charge, use and maintain. If you need to install a home charging station, the tips we have listed in this post are all that you need. Remember also to ensure it is installed professionally for optimal performance. Do not just go for any charger; pick and use the best.