EV Charging Essentials: Everything You Need to Know

Did you know the first EV came out in the 1830s? But, after World War II, gasoline cars became the top choice for many years. However, nowadays, due to climate change, electric vehicles are making a solid comeback as people look for greener ways of transporting options.

It’s crucial to understand how to charge modern cars in order to take full advantage of this evolution. In this article, we have shared how EV charging works, the types of EV chargers, and the factors that influence the cost of EV charging.

What is EV Charging and How Do EV Cars Work?

Electric cars have to be recharged like refueling a traditional car, as it is recharging the battery of an electric car. Unlike other cars, electric cars are charged through an outlet like a mobile phone.

Moreover, there are three types of chargers: the first is sometimes referred to as the fast-charging mode, which only takes a little time to charge the battery of the car, and the other fully is the normal charging mode, which takes a relatively longer time.

This powering-up is crucial since electric cars employ motors that are drawn through battery power instead of gas engines. These batteries require frequent powering-up to allow the car to keep on running.

Besides, the capacity of the battery and the number of charging stations available determines the range and performance of the car. Thus, energizing an EV battery is very important for proper driving of the car to efficiency.

Types of EV Chargers

Level 1 Chargers

Level 1 chargers are slow, with a charging time of around 5 to 10 hours, but are considerably cheap. They are readily available in that they use a standard 120-volt household outlet and charge slowly. Though great for plugging in overnight at home, they might not be suitable for use by people who use their cars to commute daily.

Level 2 Chargers

These are faster chargers than Level 1 and are typically identified in homes, offices, and public charging stations. They also present a good working efficiency measured in charges per cost.

Level 3 Chargers

DC fast chargers or Level 3 chargers are the quickest modes of recharging an EV. They apply Direct Current (DC), not Alternating Current (AC), and they can charge an EV Battery up to 80% in approximately 30 minutes. These chargers are typically at commercial electric vehicle energizing stations and are good for long-distance traveling or powering-up on the way, as well as short trips.

How to Choose the Right EV Charger

Determine the right type of charger by your driving style and charging requirements. If you have a short commute and can charge your car overnight, then a Level 1 charger could be enough.

However, if you use your car mostly for longer trips or need faster charging ability, then install a Level 3 charger or at least have access to a Level 2. Always consider the compatibility of the charger with your vehicle and the installation cost.

Modes of EV Charging

Mode 1

Mode 1 is the simplest and slowest method, using a standard household socket without any communication between the EV and the charge point. Due to safety concerns and its slow speed, people rarely use this.

Mode 2

Mode 2 also uses a household socket but includes an In-Cable Control and Protection Device (IC-CPD) for added safety. What makes mode 2 charging suitable is that it offers 3.7 kW of power that lets you charge overnight.

Mode 3

Mode 3 involves a dedicated EV charging station connected to an AC power source. It can deliver up to 22 kW and includes safety features and communication capabilities to monitor and manage the replenishing process. This mode is more common among people.

Mode 4

Mode 4 or DC fast energizing, eliminates the need for the charger that’s normally integrated into the vehicle. This mode helps to deliver a high level of power supply which means the powering-up capacity is quite high and that can be attributed to the use of fast replenishing stations that are near the highways.

Common Connector Types for Electric Vehicles

CCS (Combined Charging System)

The CCS connector is available in two versions: One type is “CCS1,” which is used in North America, and the second type is used in Europe, known as Type 2 (CCS2). This system uses the J1772 or Type 2 connector with more pins for DC fast charging; hence, it is more flexible. Further, you can utilize the same port for alternate current and direct current.

CHAdeMO

CHAdeMO is a type of charging being advanced in Japan and is mainly associated with fast energizing through the use of direct current. It has bi-directional chargability that enables the vehicle to feed power back into the grid or even a home. Many Asian automobile manufacturers, like Nissan of Japan, use the CHAdeMO charging connector, especially in the Nissan Leafs.

Tesla Supercharger

Tesla has its connector for the Supercharger network, intended for high-speed DC charging of Tesla vehicles. The connector is sleek in look designed for simple use, and specially built for 200+ kW power delivery. Tesla models such as the Model S, Model 3, Model X, and Model Y use this connector.

Advantages

  1. Easy for Long Trips: Public powering-up stations make it easy to charge your car during extended expeditions, with stations situated along the roads.
  2. Good for Those Without Home Chargers: It is a good option if you do not own a charger and enables you to charge your car whenever needed.
  3. Convenient Locations: These stations are quite common in places such as malls, offices, and even beside major highways you can charge and shop.
  4. Different Charger Types: Public stations usually have various chargers, including fast ones, so that you can find the right type for your car.

What Factors Influence Charging Costs?

Several factors can influence the overall cost of powering-up your EV:

  1. Electricity Rates: The rates that apply to electricity change across the provinces and power suppliers. It is advisable to visit your local utility company to learn about them. Some zones are cheaper during certain times of the day, so if you can wait until such a period, it won’t cost you much.
  2. Time-of-Use Pricing: Most utility companies use time-varying tariffs that charge consumers different rates during peak times, usually during the day and at night.
  3. Charging Speed: Of course, faster replenishing, especially using DC fast chargers, normally attracts a cost. It is convenient for quick charges, but compared to Level 2 chargers, this method is costly since it is faster.
  4. Membership and Subscription Fees: Many public networks are at a lower price if the user buys a membership or a subscription with their particular service provider.
  5. Location: The prices for public charging might be different depending on the state or even city. Prices may also depend on the density of the area, i.e, cities may have high prices than the rural or areas that are not so congested.

Tips for Efficient EV Charging

  1. Plan Your Charging: Understand where charging stations are along your route, especially for long trips.
  2. Monitor Battery Health: Avoid frequent deep discharges to prolong battery life.
  3. Use Smartphone Apps: Many apps can help you locate energizing stations and monitor your charging sessions.

Conclusion

Mastering EV charging not only enhances your driving experience but also drives the shift towards zero-emission transportation. Stay informed and empowered to support a cleaner future with every charge.