EV Charging 101: How EV Chargers Work
With so many people in Australia and worldwide becoming more environmentally conscious, the popularity of electric and hybrid vehicles has skyrocketed. This is a huge step up for humanity, and a great way for us to contribute to the wellbeing of our planet. Having a positive impact on the planet is important to many people, which is what makes the electrical vehicle so popular.
However, with these electric vehicles comes an important question: how exactly do we charge them from home? Thankfully the availability and variability of EV charging stations has increased, which makes it easier to keep our electric vehicles charged and ready to use. But how do they work? If you’re wondering how to choose your EV charging station, this post will explain just that:
What are EV Chargers?
EV (or Electrical Vehicle) Chargers are electrical devices that provide the charge your vehicle needs through their connection to the local grid via a dedicated circuit. The power is only sent through the charger after it’s plugged into the vehicle’s charging port, making it a safety conscious charging station. They operate on 3 main levels, which are:
Level 1: Portable EVSE
These charging stations plug into domestic 10-amp or 15-amp sockets, providing what’s known as a “trickle” charge, or a charge that emits electricity occasionally.
Level 2: Wall Chargers
Wall chargers use AC charging and are capable of delivering higher charging speeds — up to 5-10 times faster than a Level 1 Charging Station. They also have more safety features, making them quite a popular choice for EV charging.
Level 3: DC Fast Chargers
DC fast chargers deliver a high-speed charge, providing about 100 miles of range in a short amount of time. They’re most often found in commercial and industrial settings.
What Type of EV Charger is Right for You?
Your preferred EV Charging Station will depend on several factors, including:
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* Whether you’ll need it in a pinch or can wait until you’re at home for the night to charge your vehicle
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* What type of EV you drive — depending on the compatibility of your battery and technology you may need a specific charging station
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* Whether you plan to keep the same EV for a while or upgrade as EV technology advances
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* Your home’s power capabilities — not all homes are equipped to handle the specificities of EV charging, so this is important to consider
Conclusion
Driving an Electrical Vehicle is a great way to step up and contribute to our environment, without a doubt. While it’s easy to buy an EV and drive it off the showroom floor, there are other factors to consider before you drive your new Electrical Vehicle home and show it off to your neighbors, how you’re going to charge it being an important one of those.
If you’re unsure of what type of charger is best for your needs, you can call a qualified electrician to help install your EV charging station. They’ll help you figure out what type of charger works best for your situation and ensure that you have the right charger for your EV driving needs.
