Electric vehicles (EVs) are gaining popularity as newer and more practical models are now available in the market. Unlike gas-powered cars, EVs are more efficient and generate zero emissions.
Most drivers enjoy the eager acceleration and instant torque, but perhaps the best part about an EV is the zero gas costs. You only need to plug in your EV before bed and allow the battery to recharge overnight.
Let’s discuss EV charging and how it works to help you understand what it takes to have your charging station at home.
What are EV Chargers?
An EV charger is the tool an EV uses to recharge the battery, similar to any other charging device. The charger conditions and converts electric power to direct current (DC) with the necessary voltage to charge the EV.
With a gas-powered vehicle, you can only fuel at a gas station. The best part about EVs is that you can recharge your car anywhere there’s electricity; at home, a restaurant, your office, a shopping mall or a gas station.
Charging Levels
There are three primary levels of EV charging: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 or DC fast charging. The higher the charging level, the more power the EV battery receives.
Every EV can accept different power levels from the charger or EVSE (electric vehicle supply equipment). Therefore, other EVs charge at varying speeds.
Level 1 – Portable EVSE
Level 1 chargers use the standard 120-volt outlet in most homes. It’s possible to charge any EV by plugging it into a regular wall outlet.
However, the process is painfully slow as the battery recharges at about 3 and 5 miles (5 to 8 km) of range per hour. Level 1 chargers are more appropriate for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) since the battery is smaller.
Level 2 – Wall Chargers
Level 2 chargers are the most popular and suitable for daily EV charging needs. You’ll find these charging stations at workplaces, homes, train stations, shopping plazas and other public areas.
A level 2 charger is 5 to 7 times faster than a level 1 charger. Depending on the charger’s output, you can recharge your EV to total capacity within four hours at a rate of 12 and 80 miles of range per hour.
Faster charging allows you to optimize your EV’s use by reducing the number of stops you need to make when driving.
Most EV owners prefer installing a level 2 charging station at home to allow overnight charging. However, these chargers require a 208-240V 100-amp dedicated circuit. You’ll also need a robust supply line from the primary grid or breaker box.
Level 3 – DC Fast Chargers
Level 3 chargers are the fastest, with the ability to replenish your EV battery at 3 to 20 miles (5 to 32 km) of range per minute.
An EV battery can only function using DC. Level 1 and 2 chargers use alternating current (AC) that the battery converts to direct current (DC).
Level 3 chargers use direct current (DC) that goes directly into the EV battery without needing conversion. These chargers use an extremely high-voltage supply and are, therefore, unsuitable for home installation.
DC fast chargers are common at highway public charging stations or industrial fleet charging.
Conclusion
Switching to an EV means no more expensive trips to the gas pump while taking pride in environmental protection. The most convenient place to charge your EV is where you park, which is likely in your garage. You’ll need a level 2 charger that uses a 240-volt power outlet. You can call a qualified electrician to help install your EV charging station.