We’ve all been accustomed to ICE vehicles all our lives. This is why most of us are well aware of how to get our gasoline and diesel vehicles refilled. However, when it comes to charging an EV, the same can’t be said. This article explains the basics of EV charging for beginners and aims to act as a guide for them.
Why Is EV Charging Important?
Owning an electric vehicle is like owning an electric gadget like a smartphone that needs a battery to run properly. In case the battery is drained, the vehicle won’t even start.
So charging an EV correctly is paramount not just for running it but also for its longevity.
How Many Types Of EV Chargers Are There?
The first thing you need to know about EVs is that there are three different types of EV charges which are:
- Rapid;
- Fast;
- Slow.
As the name indicates the difference between these three different types of chargers lies in the speed at which they fill your electric vehicle’s battery.
This variance in charging speed is due to the output power of the chargers. So, an EV charger that gives out more power will charge your vehicle quickly as compared to the one that delivers less power.
Rapid Chargers
The fastest of the bunch is the rapid charger which can juice up an electric vehicle within output power of 100 kilowatts to 350 kilowatts. Such chargers are usually DC only.
Where Are They Located?
These chargers are usually located on highways as EV users take a stopover at these spots. So, meanwhile, they can replenish their electric vehicles’ batteries to as much as 80% within 30 to 40 minutes.
Use Rapid Chargers Only When Necessary
However, it is also worth noting that rapid chargers are the most expensive ones to power up your vehicle. On average you can expect to pay around €7 to €8 for 30 minutes of charging with a rapid DC charger.
Therefore, you should use them only when vital. Another factor that you need to take into account is that rapidly charging your vehicle too often can also damage your EV battery.
Fast Chargers
The second charger on this list is a fast charger which takes around 2 to 3 hours to fully charge your electric vehicle. The output of such charges is 7 to 22kW.
Where Are They Located?
Fast chargers are spread throughout urban areas in conjunction with the slow chargers. The cost of charging with these chargers is relatively higher than that of charging an EV with a slow charger that’s why some people avoid them at times.
When To Use Them?
These chargers are usually used when drivers have to stop somewhere for a short period but they feel their vehicle needs to be topped up quickly.
This can be a 30 minute stop over at a grocery store. So while the owners do their shopping, their EV can be quickly charged.
Slow Chargers
The slow charger on the other hand takes around 6 to 12 hours and has a peak output of 3kW.
Where Are They Located?
Slow chargers are usually located at the homes of EV owners. Because they need considerable time to charge the electric vehicles, placing them at commercial spots is not beneficial.
When To Use Them?
They can be used when the EV owners are in no hurry to juice up their vehicles. They usually require overnight charging to fully charge the EV batteries.
Another purpose of using these chargers is that they might be the slowest out of all three options but are the cheapest.
Which One Should You Use, AC or DC Source?
Another aspect to consider is going for an AC or a DC source. AC stands for Alternating Current whereas DC refers to the Direct Current.
What Is Alternating Current (AC)?
The Alternating Current comprises of sinusoidal waves of current. It continuously varies in intensity with time and reverses its direction once per time period.
What Is Direct Current (DC)?
Direct Current on the other hand maintains a constant intensity throughout the time period.
EVs need Direct Current (DC) to charge. If you use a DC charger, the process of charging will be much quicker.
However, if you use an AC charger, the vehicle has to first convert it to DC which takes more time.
EV Charging Plug Types
Depending upon the charging speed, the plug type also varies. Here are a few common types of plugs used for this purpose:
- 3 Pin Plug;
- Type 1 & Type 2;
- CHAdeMO & CCS.
Where Can You Charge Your EVs?
There are two different locations where you can charge your EV which are:
- Charging at home;
- Public charging.
Public charging is faster but also costs you more money per charge. This is why you must, whenever possible, opt for charging your EV at home overnight or during off peak hours. This reduces the per-kilometer cost.
Final Verdict
The world is quickly moving towards wireless EV charging systems and when they become available, it will be easier than ever to own and run an electric vehicle.
In the meantime, you can use the above information to make the most of your experience with your EV.
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