Electric cars offer a cleaner, more enjoyable driving experience than traditional vehicles. However, they need to be charged regularly. For those with a driveway or garage, this is relatively straightforward. Domestic home chargers use a Type 2 connection, while most public charging stations will have a CCS socket. Some EVs, such as Teslas, have unique connectors.
Level 1
Level 1 charging uses the same cord that comes with every new EV. It plugs into a standard household 120-volt outlet and can add about 5 miles of range per hour. It works well for PHEVs and some BEVs, but it can’t meet the charging needs of most drivers on a daily basis, especially if they drive a full-electric vehicle with a larger battery.
Level 2 chargers require a 240-volt outlet, which is the same as those used to power clothes dryers and oven ranges. They can charge an EV up to three times faster than a standard home outlet. They’re most often found in locations where people spend longer periods of time, like workplaces and multifamily communities. They can also be plugged into a garage or other parking area, but it’s important to use an outdoor-rated extension cord that can handle the high-amp current and doesn’t overheat. It should also be grounded for safety.
Level 2
Every new electric car comes with a Level 1 portable charger that plugs into a standard 120-volt outlet. It can add two to five miles of range per hour but charges so slowly that it would take days for an empty battery to get to full, to know more CLICK HERE https://cyberswitching.com/electric-car-charger-guide/ . Home charging is much easier with a Level 2 charger. A home charger that uses 240-volt power (the same as the type used for high-amperage appliances like clothes dryers and electric water heaters) can be hard-wired or set up with an untethered cable with a NEMA 14-50 socket that you plug your EV into. Depending on your home’s electrical capacity, installation can require the services of a certified electrician.
Many public charging stations are Level 2, as are some at workplaces, restaurants and airports. A mobile app such as PlugShare or Chargeway can help you find and plan stops along your route. You can also purchase a home charger with smart features that communicate with your phone and let you monitor or schedule charging windows.
Fast Chargers
If you need a top-up on your electric car’s range quickly, look for DC fast charging at fuel retailers and service stations. These high-powered chargers can charge an EV to 80 percent of its capacity in 30 minutes or less, depending on battery size and charger configuration. Installing a level 2 home charger can cost between $2,000 and $3,500 depending on the system you choose, installation costs, permits fees in your area, and incentives available from your electric utility. It’s a good idea to mount your charger on a garage wall, which can protect it from the elements.
Electric car battery packs use Direct Current (DC), while the electricity grid delivers Alternating Current (AC). There are two open fast charging standards: Combined Charging System, or CCS, and CHAdeMO. Most EV drivers will choose to purchase a vehicle with a CCS plug, which supports speeds up to 350 kW, and a compatible charging cable. However, some cars like the Audi Q6 e-tron quattro and Porsche Mission-E that are due to go on sale in 2018 or later support CHAdeMO as well.
Portable Chargers
Portable chargers can recharge a phone, tablet or laptop. They use micro-USB or USB-C connections and typically come with a handy holster to protect the connector from rain or dust. Some chargers are also solar-powered. Some models of electric car chargers allow you to control how much it costs to charge your vehicle via an app on your phone. Others communicate with your electricity provider, avoiding peak-power pricing times and using cheaper rates.
Last Word
Choosing these features adds to the cost of your charger, but can help you save money in the long run. They are not available for every EV model, and some users find the additional cost not worth it. Nevertheless, this technology is on its way to becoming standard in many new electric cars.
