Are you curious about EV charging? Click here to learn how it works, the types of chargers available, and where you can charge your electric vehicle.
Electric vehicles (EVs) are taking the world by storm, but if you’re new to the EV scene, you might be wondering about the basics. For instance, how does EV charging work? Whether you’re planning to make the switch to an EV or you’re just curious, this short guide will break down the basics.
What Is EV Charging?
Traditional cars need gas, and EVs need electricity to power their rechargeable batteries. This process happens through an EV charger, which connects to your car’s battery via a cable. Depending on the charger type and the electricity supply, the charging time and speed can vary.
Types of EV Chargers
Three different types of EV chargers are currently on the market.
1. Level 1 Charging
Level 1 chargers use a standard 120-volt plug that you can connect to a regular household outlet. This is the slowest option, adding around 2 to 5 miles of range per hour. A full charge can take about two days to complete. Most people who use this method leave their EVs plugged in overnight and don’t drive long distances very often.
2. Level 2 Charging
To use a level 2 charger, you need a 240-volt outlet, which is similar to what you would use for large appliances like dryers. Many public charging stations also offer level 2 charging.
These chargers provide 10 to 60 miles of range per hour. They’re a lot faster than level 1 types. They can fully charge an EV battery in several hours, and certainly overnight.
3. DC Fast Charging
Level 1 and 2 chargers use AC power—now, DC enters the picture to change the game. DC fast chargers use a direct current power supply to charge your car at lightning speed. These are typically found at dedicated EV charging stations.
You can get 60 to 80 miles of range in just 20 minutes. However, not all EVs are compatible with fast charging since it requires a different plug. If your EV isn’t compatible, you can buy an adapter.
What’s Inside an EV Charger?
An EV charger might look like a simple device, but it’s more sophisticated than it seems. Inside, you’ll find an intricate setup of electrical components. It will include professional cable assembly that is organized and powerful. You’ll find a control unit that communicates with the vehicle to regulate the charging process. Additionally, it should feature circuit breakers, surge protectors, and ground fault protection to prevent electrical hazards.
Where Can You Charge Your EV?
EV charging stations are more flexible than ever before. At home, you can set up your own level 1 or level 2 charger for convenient charging overnight. It’s possible to install a DC charger as well, but you must make sure your home’s power infrastructure can support it.
As for public charging stations, these are everything. You’ll find them in the parking lots of garages, grocery stores, workplaces, apartments, libraries, and beyond. As EVs continue to rise in popularity, so will the ubiquitousness of charging stations.
Now that you know how EV charging works, you can confidently handle it for your own EV. We hope this short guide taught you something new and useful!