Driving an electric vehicle may seem straightforward, but charging an EV can be quite complex.
Potential electric car buyers should carefully consider the availability of charging infrastructure at or near their home to accommodate their new vehicle’s recharging requirements. Unlike traditional gas-powered vehicles, which have numerous gas stations in many areas, electric vehicles have fewer charging options, and they are often farther apart. While fully committing to an EV may require more planning and consideration, it should not deter you from exploring this option. Guide to Charging an Electric Car
One of the most important steps to take before buying an EV is to have a charging station installed at your residence. This is easier if you own your home, but there are various obstacles to overcome, such as permits, contractors, and fees. Some car manufacturers and local governments provide incentives to streamline this process. If you are a renter, it is worth inquiring with your landlord about the possibility of installing an electric car charger.
EV charging is typically categorized into three levels: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 (also known as DC fast charging). The choice of charging level usually depends on the distance you plan to drive and the amount of time available for recharging.
Charging at home allows for convenient overnight recharging at the end of each day. The same applies during the day if you have access to charging facilities at work. Longer trips require a different strategy, as you wouldn’t want to spend hours waiting for a full recharge.
Level 1 chargers generally come standard with new EVs. They are designed to be plugged into a standard 120V household outlet, providing the most convenient but slowest charging option for electric cars. Level 1 chargers typically add about two to four miles of range per hour, making it a viable option if you drive short distances each day and can recharge every night. However, it can take days to fully recharge a depleted battery pack using a Level 1 charger. It is important to consult with an electrician to ensure that the outlet used is suitable and to avoid using extension cords.
To achieve faster charging speeds, consider upgrading to Level 2 home charging, which operates at 240 volts and can deliver triple or even quadruple the amperage of Level 1 chargers. Most Level 2 setups are six to eight times faster than Level 1, adding between 12 and 32 miles of range per hour of charging, making it possible to recharge most EVs in just a couple of hours. It is relatively easy to install a Level 2 charger at home, but professional consultation with an electrician is necessary.
Level 2 is quite achievable, especially for homeowners. Some electric vehicle (EV) charging cables come with interchangeable ends featuring 240V plugs. If the cable that comes with the EV you’re considering does not have this feature, you can buy a separate Level 2 home charging unit.
Regardless, you will need a 220–240V outlet connected to a dedicated circuit breaker. It is essential to consult with an electrician to install such a circuit and ensure that your panel can support it. There are several plug options, but the most common and best one is called a NEMA 14-50. This is the same outlet RV parks provide for Class A motorhomes, so if your garage is already wired to support such an RV, you might be in a plug-and-play situation.
Level 2 charging is not only available at home but is also the primary type found in public spaces, workplaces, and certain shopping malls. Additionally, the cord-end that you plug into the car looks the same as home Level 1 and Level 2 equipment . If you plug in while you’re out for dinner and a movie, you can add a significant amount of range, but these chargers are not intended for a full charge from near-empty as they are generally not located where people spend many hours in one place.
Fast Charging:
Level 3 chargers are also known as DC fast chargers, and as the name suggests, this equipment can rapidly charge your electric car’s battery. Fast charging is especially useful for long trips that require intermediate charges to reach a destination because most compatible EVs can add 100 –250 miles or more of range in significantly less than an hour. Level 3 chargers differ from Level 2 chargers in that they use a different socket on the vehicle side, with extra pins designed to handle higher voltage.
There are three types of Level 3 chargers. Tesla Superchargers have long used their proprietary socket known as the North American Charging Standard (NACS). This made the extensive Supercharger network a Tesla-only recharging option for a long time. This has recently changed, and a number of other automakers currently do, or plan to, offer access to these chargers.
Until this major change in recharging hardware, the majority of EVs outside of Tesla used the SAE Combo (also known as CCS or Combo) chargers. These are based on the same socket used by the Level 2 plug but with an extra pair of large pins added below. CCS-enabled cars typically have a secondary flap that the user folds down to expose the socket for these extra pins.
Finally, there’s CHAdeMO, which is mainly found on a few Mitsubishis and the Nissan Leaf, though Nissan’s future products will use the CCS interface going forward.
The charging rate is measured in kilowatts (kW), which currently ranges from a minimum of 50 kW to a maximum of 350 kW, depending on the specific charger. The fast charge capability of the car itself matters. A car with a maximum DC fast charge rate of 50 kW will not benefit from plugging into a 350 kW station and will instead occupy a spot that a car with faster charging capability could use.
EV owners will notice a decrease in the charge rate once their car’s battery reaches about 80 percent capacity. In practical terms, an 80 or 90 percent charge is sufficient to get you to the next stop. This is also done to prevent damaging the battery pack by overcharging or overheating it. It’s similar to pouring water into a glass; you can pour a lot in at first, but you generally slow the flow as the glass gets full and dribble it in near the end to avoid overflow.
Fast Charging Networks:
Tesla’s Supercharger network consists of Level 3 chargers strategically placed around the country. The extensive Supercharger network and the reliability of its chargers make Tesla’s electric car charging infrastructure one of the best currently available.
For everyone else (including Tesla drivers), there are several public charging networks available, such as ChargePoint, Electrify America, EVGo, and others. These networks are generally newer and less extensive, so we recommend joining as many as possible to increase the likelihood of finding an available and functioning station while traveling. It’s also a good idea to download each network’s app on your phone, have an active account, and carry a physical charge card with you.
Several car manufacturers are starting to integrate plug and charge, a method for accessing multiple networks for charging your electric vehicle. For example, the Mercedes EQS battery-electric sedan can bring together multiple networks under a single user account. It also features a plug- and-charge function when using participating chargers. This allows you to simply connect your EQS without needing to interact with the charger’s app or physical charge card.
Charging on the move is further simplified by the in-dash navigation systems of many electric cars, which typically suggest charging locations to stop at along your route if your EV requires a charge to reach the final destination. It’s advisable to select multiple alternate charging stations in case your range depletes quicker than expected or if a chosen charging station’s charger is already in use or out of order.
The Cost of Charging an Electric Car
Although the cost of electricity varies by location, charging an electric car at home should generally be considerably cheaper than filling your gas-powered car’s tank with an equivalent amount of gas. In some areas, your electricity provider might encourage charging by reducing rates during off -peak hours. Typically, these lower rates are applicable late in the evening and early morning. Many electric cars enable you to schedule your daily at-home charging times to ensure your EV charges during these off-peak hours. Expect to spend significantly more on charging if you regularly rely on charging networks to recharge your electric car.
Those charging at home might consider investing in solar panels that feed into an energy storage system, such as Tesla’s Powerwall. These systems capture energy from the sun during the day and store it for later use, such as charging an electric car. In some areas , any excess power collected can be sold back to the local utility company. Be aware that energy storage systems can currently be very expensive.
EV Charging Etiquette
If you have recently switched to an electric car, you should be aware of some basic etiquette guidelines that come with EV ownership. For example, when using a charger in a public parking area, it’s best to monitor your electric car’s state of charge. Once its battery reaches full capacity, it’s common courtesy to move your car—even if it means returning to the charging station well before you’re ready to leave the area—so other drivers can charge their EVs. In fact, some charging networks may penalize you for keeping your car plugged into the charger after its battery reaches full capacity.
Additionally, it’s wise to ensure your electric car is properly plugged in and actively charging before walking away. Faults may occur within a minute or two of plugging in. Once your EV has finished charging, return the charger handle to the receptacle and neatly coil the cable. These components endure wear and tear in everyday use, so keeping them in good working order will benefit you and other EV drivers. These cables also pose a tripping hazard, so keeping them off the ground is always a good idea. If you come across a faulty charger, your best course of action is to notify the network of the issue so it can be fixed.
Charging an electric car may seem complicated, but aside from the additional time it takes to reach your car’s full energy capacity, it’s generally no more difficult than fueling up a gas- or diesel-powered vehicle. Furthermore, those with an at-home charger will find that charging their electric car is just as simple as charging any mobile device. Simply plug it in overnight, and wake up with it ready to go.
Each electric vehicle will charge at different speeds depending on its onboard charger, while the charging time will depend on the battery size and charging speed.
For instance, an electric car with a larger 64kWh battery will typically take longer to charge from zero to full compared to a 32kWh battery simply because it is bigger.
Fortunately, every EV available for purchase or lease in the UK is featured in our vehicle directory.
Look through the directory by brand and check individual models and information about their charging durations. For example, a Nissan Leaf e+ – Mk2 takes approximately 9 hours and 24 minutes to charge from zero to full using a typical 7kW home charging point.
A single-phase home charger – 7.4kW
This is the standard power output for smart home chargers and will usually take around six to eight hours to add approximately 80% capacity back into your electric car’s battery.
Consult our directory for the specific make and model of the electric vehicle you’re interested in to obtain more precise charging times.
One of the options for home charging is a three-phase charger that can deliver up to 22kW of power. Compared to a standard 7.4kW charger, a 22kW electric vehicle (EV) charger can charge up to three times faster.
Typically, a 7kW home charging station can provide around 30 miles of range per hour, whereas a 22kW charger can offer up to 90 miles of range per hour.
To install a 22kW charger, the residential power supply needs to be upgraded from single phase to three phase, which could require costly modifications by the homeowner’s Distribution Network Operator (DNO).
It’s important for customers to consider their actual charging needs and whether a standard 7kW home charge point would suffice.
Using a three-pin domestic plug is a last resort option for charging at a rate of 3kW. However, this method is not recommended due to its slow charging speed, taking over 24 hours to reach 80% compared to six or seven hours with a 7kW home charger.
Charging with a domestic plug may require trailing cables to the EV through open windows, posing potential hazards. Additionally, this method lacks smart connectivity features and the ability to utilize electric car specific home energy tariffs. Domestic sockets also lack the same safety and security measures that comes with a smart home charger.
The cost of charging an electric car at home can be as low as 7p/kWh with an EV-specific off-peak tariff like Intelligent Octopus Go. However, actual costs will vary depending on the size of the electric car battery and the specific home energy tariff being used.
For instance, charging a Tesla Model Y Performance Dual Motor could cost around £5.86 for six hours of off-peak energy through Octopus, compared to higher costs at rapid charger networks or off-peak destination EV chargers. Charging at standard pricing times on the road will likely result in even higher costs.
Charging at home presents significant cost savings compared to utilizing public charging points, as demonstrated by our “cost to charge” tool, which provides a detailed analysis of the cost differences between home energy prices and public charging points.
All electric car charging points we offer are equipped with smart technology. These smart chargers can connect to your home internet through WiFi or 4G to provide additional features and functionalities.
One main benefit of smart chargers is the ability to remotely control your car’s charging schedule and take advantage of off-peak energy rates.
Smart chargers also provide data on previous charging sessions, such as energy usage and estimated costs, which can help in making informed decisions when choosing an electricity tariff.
Some smart chargers also include additional features such as a remote locking feature, which can be useful in preventing unauthorized use of the charger.
For electric car drivers, it’s advisable to charge little and often, rather than letting the battery run low and then doing a big overnight charge. This approach helps to avoid situations where the car may not be charged as intended or if there is an issue with the charging session.
Additionally, some smart energy tariffs may require the car to be plugged in, enabling the charger and energy provider to schedule charging sessions efficiently. Getting into the habit of plugging in daily to replenish the miles used is recommended.
Remember to prepare your electric car before starting your journey. Electric vehicles can be set to warm up the battery in colder weather before you set off. This pre-conditioning can also warm up the vehicle’s cabin, eliminating the need to stand outside with the engine running. It’s best to do this while your electric car is plugged in, which also aligns with the advice of making a habit of plugging in and charging frequently.
Only charge your electric car to 100% when embarking on long journeys. Electric car batteries have built-in management systems to protect the battery from extreme states of charge, such as running down to 0% or charging to 100%. To extend the life of your battery, it is recommended to keep your EV charged between 20% and 80%. While charging to 100% won’t significantly damage your electric vehicle’s battery life, consistent full charging will have an impact.
Ensure that your cable trails along the ground when charging, rather than dangling. A dangling cable poses a tripping hazard, so it’s preferable to allow enough slack between the home charge point and the place where you park your electric car to plug it in. Smart Home Charge offers various cable types, with standard cables being around 5 meters. Additionally, a 10-meter cable is available for added flexibility. Consider where your electric car is parked for charging, potential future changes, or if you need more flexibility to relocate where you park while still ensuring the cable reaches where you need it.
It is important to know how to charge your electric car at home. While the public charging infrastructure is often discussed, the reality is that the majority of electric car charging occurs at home, which is the most convenient and cost-effective option. There are different ways to recharge at home, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Here’s how to charge your electric car at home.
There are several methods to charge your electric car at home, but it is essential to familiarize yourself with your cables first. While wireless charging is supported by many devices, this technology has not extended to electric cars. Therefore, if you want to recharge your battery, you will need to use a charging cable. Dedicated EV chargers come with their own tethered cables, making the process straightforward, whether recharging at home or in public.
Your car also includes a mobile charging cable, allowing you to connect to a standard power outlet. One end of the cable has the plug for the car, while the other end has a typical wall plug. A transformer with charging status lights is located somewhere along the cable.
Every electric car is equipped with a mobile charger compatible with standard 120V outlets commonly found in homes. Some automakers, such as Tesla, offer cables or adapters supporting 240 volts and currents up to 50 amps, although these are less common.
The simplest way to begin charging your electric car at home is to plug it into a standard 120-volt power socket, similar to any other appliance. However, this process is very slow.
To charge your electric car at home, simply locate your mobile charger and plug it into both the car and a nearby power outlet. Despite its simplicity, this method has significant limitations, particularly in terms of speed.
The standard US power socket provides 120 volts with 15 amps of current, resulting in charging speeds of approximately 1.8 kW. For comparison, most home chargers offer at least 7 kW, while ultra-fast DC rapid chargers offer anywhere from 50 kW to 350 kW .
Needless to say, recharging at 120V is very slow, with the time best measured in days rather than hours. For example, Tesla claims that its mobile charger provides 2-3 miles of range per hour using a 120V socket, while a Supercharger can add over 160 miles in 15 minutes. There is a significant difference in charging speed.
In summary, the 120V charging option is not ideal, even if you do not drive your car frequently. Therefore, its use should be temporary at best, and limited to emergencies.
While not considered “fast” by any means, charging your electric car from a 240V socket is a much more practical option. Although most sockets in the United States provide 120 volts of electricity, 240-volt sockets are not uncommon.
Some large appliances, such as dryers and water heaters, require a 240V socket to operate. You might already have one in your garage, but if not, hiring an electrician to install it should be a simple solution. Before doing so, ensure you have a 240V-compatible mobile charger. Certain automakers, like Tesla, offer them directly, while others may be available only from third parties.
The charging speed from a 240V socket depends on the current it can handle. Most homes in the United States have electrical circuits with 15 or 20 amps of current, which would provide charging speeds of 3.6 kW and 4.8 kW, respectively. These speeds are notable slower than those of a dedicated electric car charger but still much faster than a standard 120V outlet.
Recharging at this rate will take several hours and may be possible overnight, depending on the car model and the amount of charging required. However, there are times when it might take longer.
Specialized sockets can accommodate 30 to 50 amps of power, increasing the possible charging speed to 7.2 kW and 12 kW, which is comparable to speeds from various dedicated EV charging stations. This might be an easier option, as you can use a regular electric car charging cable instead of having to search for (and purchase) a compatible mobile charger.
The most convenient way to charge an electric car at home is to have a dedicated electric car charger. Not only can they recharge most electric cars in a few hours or overnight, but you also don’t need any special cables.
Car chargers in the United States come with their own built-in cables, so there’s no need to purchase anything else.
Home EV chargers typically range from 7 kW charging speeds up to 22 kW. Your choice of charger will depend entirely on your car and your budget. While a faster charger may offer quicker recharge speeds, it will also be more expensive. Therefore, if your car’s maximum recharge potential is 7 kW, it’s not necessary to pay extra for a 22 kW-capable charger.
Even if your car can handle higher speeds, a 7 kW charger can recharge the majority of electric cars overnight, so it’s worth considering recharge times before deciding if the extra cost is justified.
The cost of chargers varies and can amount to several hundred dollars, plus any additional installation costs. Typically, the faster and more feature-packed the charger, the higher the price.
For instance, Tesla’s 11.5 kW home charger costs $400 but is essentially a sophisticated plug socket that can be safely installed outdoors. ChargePoint’s 12kW HomeFlex, on the other hand, costs $749 and comes with additional features such as the option to set charging schedules, Alexa voice control, usage statistics, and more.
As for how long it will take each method to recharge your car, it’s not a simple answer and depends on various factors such as car model, battery size, available power, etc. However, lower voltage and current result in longer charging times.
For instance, consider the 40 kWh Nissan Leaf, one of the cheapest electric cars in the United States with a small battery. According to a calculator from EVAdept, charging from zero to 80% from a standard power outlet (120 volt and 15 amp, or 1.8 kW) will take 18 hours and 43 minutes. Upgrading to a NEMA 6-20 outlet (240 volt and 20 amp, or 4.8 KW) reduces this time to 7 hours.
Using the same calculator, a Long Range Tesla Model 3 takes 35 hours and 5 minutes to recharge from 20% to 80% using a standard wall outlet. A NEMA 6-20 socket accomplishes this in 13 hours and nine minutes, while a 30 amp NEMA 14-30 socket (7.2 kW) can do it in 8 hours and 46 minutes. A dedicated Tesla wall charger, which recharges at the car’s 11 kW maximum, will do it even faster.
In summary, it’s advisable to use something better than a standard power outlet for charging, but the choice is yours.
The cost of charging your electric car at home depends on the rate your power company charges. Using a public charger will result in a higher cost, as it includes both the power and a markup for the charging network.
For example, if you pay 30 cents per kWh of electricity, recharging a 40 kWh battery, such as the one in a Nissan Leaf, will cost you $12. Larger batteries will cost more to recharge, but they should also provide more range.
It’s important to note that some energy companies might provide reduced energy rates during specific times of the day—usually during off-peak hours in the late night. This allows you to schedule your charging sessions, either from the charger or the car itself, to save additional money. Additionally, individuals with solar panels can take advantage of essentially free energy by charging their electric vehicles while the sun is shining.
For more tips on electric vehicles, be sure to check out our guides on locating EV charging stations and renting an electric car. Need help with infotainment? Read up on setting up wireless Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay.
Given its convenience and cost-effectiveness, it’s no surprise that 80% of all electric car charging in the UK takes place at home. But how convenient is it to charge your electric car from your own home, how long does it take, and what preparations are required? Find out more about the lifespan of your battery here.
When it comes to charging an electric car at home, you have two options: using a standard 3-pin plug socket or installing an EV home charger.
In the UK, a standard plug provides a maximum current that is about half of what home charging units and public electric charging stations offer, resulting in longer charging times. Additionally, it’s important to consider the potential hazards of charging from sockets—using standard extension cords to reach outside your home to charge your vehicle is unsafe. If you opt to charge through a 3-pin UK socket, you will need an EVSE supply cable. Using standard plugs for frequent charging can lead to overheating. Hence, it’s always recommended to seek advice from an electrician before charging your electric car at home.
Due to the reduced power output from standard sockets, most electric vehicle owners prefer to install a faster home car charging point, also known as an EV home charger. These home charge points typically provide around 7kW of power, which is double that of a standard 3-pin plug and equivalent to some public charging points. However, higher power home charging units are available, providing 22kW of power for even faster charging. For more information on charging times for electric cars, refer to our article.
You can charge your electric car at your home charge points as often as needed, although most owners tend to charge their car akin to their phone, fully overnight and topping up during the day if necessary. While it may not be necessary to charge your vehicle at home daily, many drivers plug their car into their EV home charger each time they leave it for an extended period, offering greater flexibility.
By charging your electric car at home, you can benefit from lower electricity rates during the night, resulting in costs as low as 2p per mile compared to the best diesel cost of 6.37p per mile. Overnight charging also ensures your vehicle is fully charged and ready to go in the morning, without having to worry about finding a public charging point during your commute.
Installation of an electric car home charging station entails mounting the charging unit on an external wall or in a garage, close to where you usually park your vehicle, and connecting it safely to the mains supply. This typically takes about three hours to complete, depending on the chosen location of the charge point and the complexity of the installation.
For this reason, home car charging points must be installed by qualified professionals. This can be arranged through various companies online, over the phone, or even through car dealerships upon purchasing an electric vehicle.
Electric vehicle owners are eligible for a Government grant called the EV chargepoint grant (formerly the Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS) grant), which provides up to 75% (with a grant cap of £350 including VAT per installation) towards the cost of installing an EV home charger. To qualify for the EV chargepoint grant, you must:
Own, lease, or have ordered an eligible vehicle and have dedicated off-street parking at your property
Live in rental accommodation or own a flat
More information on the criteria for accessing the EV chargepoint grant can be found on the Government website – www.gov.uk/guidance/electric-vehicle-chargepoint-and-infrastucture-grant-guidance-for-installers#ev-chargepoint-grant
Charging an electric vehicle at home can be more complex if you lack off-street parking. You will not qualify for the OZEV grant, and it may not be practical to charge your vehicle using sockets from within your home.
An option would be to charge your electric car at your workplace or at public charging stations if possible. Companies can also request funding for charging stations through the Workplace Charging Scheme, which provides similar discounts to the OZEV grant.
Electric mobility is certainly here to stay in Australia and globally. 2022 is expected to bring a significant influx of electric vehicles (EVs) due to the rise in global oil prices. Those considering switching to an EV may have questions about charging methods: what’s the best way to charge their car’s battery each day? For many consumers who haven’t owned or driven an electric car, EVs can be a mystery, particularly when it comes to charging.
Although it takes longer to charge an EV than to fill a gas tank, in most cases, you don’t need to leave your home to charge the battery. There are 2 different home EV charging levels available to recharge your car’s battery. Level 1 charging is the slowest but also the most accessible, allowing you to fully charge your car in about 26 hours depending on your battery’s capacity.
This charging option is usually included with your EV purchase. Simply plug the cable that comes with your EV into a regular wall outlet to use it. However, charging issues related to safety may arise if the old power outlet is shared with other appliances such as kettles, as this can trip the circuit breaker and leave your car uncharged overnight. Moreover, overheating can also damage the residential socket.
So, can you use an extension cord to charge your electric car? Charging an EV using a residential outlet is risky, and using an extension cord would only heighten the risk. Most residential extension cords are not designed to handle the high power demands of an EV.
Level 2 chargers are the most popular type of chargers and are 3 to 10 times faster than level 1 chargers. They are commonly found at commercial or residential charging locations.
What’s the best way to charge your EV at home?
A Wallbox would be the ideal solution for charging your EV at home, as it is specifically designed to help you make the most of your EV. It is also sturdier, safer, and faster than any other non-certified charging method. Technology has been developed to incorporate safety features into a dedicated home charger, significantly reducing the risk of fires and electric shock. Therefore, if any electrical faults occur during charging, the charger will immediately stop the power transfer and automatically release the charging cable. This means it will protect your EV, your home, and your grid connection from unnecessary stress.
Apart from offering a safe charging experience, it’s also quick to charge your electric car using a home charging station than a regular power outlet. For instance, you can achieve 40km of range per hour using a 7kW home charger to fully charge your MG ZS in 7 hours.
Another benefit of having a certified home charging station is that they are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions such as heat or rain. You can be assured that your car and home are protected from potential electrical shocks or surges. EV Wallboxes are designed for both indoor and outdoor use, meeting certified Australian regulations and standards to ensure a safe and reliable charge.
Many businesses today are taking measures to reduce their environmental impact. Whether it involves using biodegradable plastic bags in the office or transitioning to LED lights, every action, regardless of size, can contribute to a green and sustainable future.
If you’re a business owner looking to enhance your sustainability and reduce emissions in your workplace, consider installing electric vehicle charging stations.
EV charging stations have the potential to make a significant impact in the business world.
These stations not only provide a cost-effective way to promote environmental awareness and position your company as a leader in sustainability, but they also help your workplace accommodate the diverse needs of its staff and customers.
EVSE offers cost-effective and convenient charging stations for workplaces, allowing businesses to enhance their eco-friendly infrastructure and contribute to environmental preservation.
How EV charging stations can benefit your business:
Charging stations for electric vehicles provide numerous advantages for businesses. Here are some reasons why every workplace should incorporate an EV charging station.
Decrease your business’s emissions:
Electric vehicles are a simple and efficient way to make your workplace more eco-friendly. They produce no pollutants, are more economical to operate, and have a smaller environmental impact compared to gasoline vehicles.
By installing EV charging stations, businesses make it easier for employees to transition to electric vehicles and encourage those who already own them to bring them to work, which can help offset or even reduce the workplace’s emissions.
Demonstrate your commitment to sustainability to your customers:
As more consumers express interest in sustainable living and reducing their carbon footprint, they are increasingly likely to seek out and support brands that share this dedication.
By incorporating EV charging stations, you can demonstrate to your customers that you are taking significant steps to minimize your company’s environmental impact, making your business more appealing to environmentally-conscious consumers.
Many electric vehicle owners frequently struggle to find public charging facilities. Therefore, by providing EV charging stations in your publicly accessible parking lot, you are also likely to attract new customers to your business.
What this ultimately means is that, in addition to contributing to a cleaner future, installing EV charging stations in your workplace can ultimately enhance your business’s financial performance.
Save your employees time and money:
Incorporating EV charging stations at your business can also save your employees time and money, as they no longer need to search for a public charging station. This not only enhances your employees’ morale, but also helps you attract and retain more employees.
On a broader scale, if you currently own or are considering purchasing a fleet of electric vehicles for your business operations and services, an EV charging station can also save company time and money for the same reasons.
Whether you aim to support eco-friendly practices or simply want to offer a convenient benefit for your employees or customers, EV charging stations are an excellent investment for any workplace.
To be a content electric vehicle owner, it is essential to charge at home. For pure electric vehicles or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, 240 volts are necessary to charge a larger battery pack within a reasonable time frame. However, it’s also recommended to use 240 volts for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.
Charging at 240 volts, commonly known as Level 2 in the EV community, involves several potential points that influence how quickly your electric car gains range.
The electric car itself can be a significant bottleneck, regardless of the power supply. Each plug-in vehicle has a maximum charging rate for alternating current (AC), which includes both 120 volts and 240 volts (Level 1 and Level 2). If the car supports public DC fast charging, it operates at a much higher rate, but this doesn’t apply to at-home charging.
The vehicle’s charging rate is measured in watts, specifically in kilowatts. For instance, the Nissan Leaf’s starting charging rate in 2011 was 3.3 kW, while newer models have rates exceeding 10 kW. The car’s charging rate determines charging speed.
The vehicle’s onboard charger module is responsible for converting AC to DC and managing the charging rate. Not all onboard charger modules hit the maximum 19.2 kW for Level 2, mainly due to cost, size, and weight constraints.
It’s important to know the car’s maximum AC charging rate before setting up home charging, as it will help determine your needs. Most models have a single rate, but some manufacturers offer increased capacity as an option or with a larger battery pack.
Charging speed depends on the amount of power supplied and the vehicle’s efficiency. Just like gas-powered vehicles, the efficiency of the car plays a crucial role in determining the miles added per hour of charging.
While faster charging rates solve one issue, the efficiency factor remains important. Teslas, known for their efficiency, can charge faster than less efficient vehicles when given the same amount of power.
Charging at 6.6 kW is twice as fast as charging at 3.3 kW, resulting in a proportional boost in miles added. In-depth information about charging times for Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast charging is provided in our charge level explainer.
Though often referred to as a charger, the box on the wall with the long cable is technically an electric vehicle service equipment (EVSE) or supply equipment used for charging, not the charger itself.
This Level 2 unit is another potential bottleneck. The term “Level 2” seems consistent, but it only refers to voltage. The current supplied by a unit at 240 volts can range from 12 to 80 amperes (amps). This translates to a range of 2.8 to 19.2 kilowatts (kW). In terms of miles of range added per hour of charging, using an older Tesla Model S that accepted up to 19.2 kW as an example, the difference would be 7 miles of range per hour at the lower end and about 60 miles at the higher end, both from units referred to as Level 2. (Less powerful charging hardware is typically smaller and more affordable.)
You might have followed the explanation of kilowatts and charging capacities, but here’s a twist: Level 2 chargers are usually labeled in amperes, and there are various options: 12, 16, 20, 24, 32, 40, 48 or 64 amps. We wish we could avoid the math, but unfortunately, we have to because manufacturers haven’t realized that consumers don’t usually understand these details.
The calculation is simple: Multiply 240 volts by the amperes to get watts. For instance, if a Level 2 charger is rated at 32 amps, then 240 multiplied by 32 equals 7,680 watts, or 7.7 kW. This is suitable for a car with a maximum charging rate of 7.2 kW or lower. You don’t need to worry about providing too much power to an EV; the EVSE and onboard charger are designed to protect your car. Our emphasis on the maximum charging rate is solely about charging as fast as possible, not overcharging or damaging the car.
Why is the Level 2 rating convention so confusing? Well, there’s a reason for that. The hardware manufacturer can only guarantee that its unit can handle a specific current. The voltage is the responsibility of the electric utility, and it may not always be exactly 240 volts, depending on the electrical devices in use in your home coming and by your neighbors.
The voltage into your home might be above or below 240, which is just a nominal rating. So, you can understand why they would want to sell you a 32-amp EVSE rather than a 7.7-kW one: In practice, it could be 7.5 or 7.8 kW. Unfortunately, some manufacturers still struggle with some of the details below, but we’ll get to that in a moment.
Quiz time: Based on the above, what would be a suitable Level 2 unit for the Mustang Mach-E (maximum charge rate of 10.5 kW) or ID.4 (11 kW)? Common current ratings for Level 2 chargers are 32, 40 , and 48 amps. Multiplying 40 amps by 240 volts gives us 9.6 kW, which is below the maximum rates for both cars. That wouldn’t be ideal. However, 48 amps results in 11.52 kW, which leaves no power unused.
Regardless of the capabilities of your car and charger, if you don’t have a dedicated circuit that can provide sufficient power, it doesn’t matter. Just like with the charger, voltage is only one part of the equation. Each 240-volt circuit has a current limit determined by the gauge (diameter) of its wires and their distance from the electric service panel (also known as the fuse box) to where you intend to charge your car. We won’t delve too deeply into electric theory , but the basics clarify why this is essential: Inadequate wiring creates too much resistance to the flow of current, leading to the generation of heat and the risk of damage or fire.
An electric car is likely the most power-hungry device you’ll connect in your home. You already know the requirements in kilowatts from the previous information. For comparison, hair dryers and space heaters usually peak at 1.5 kW; among 240-volt appliances , a typical electric clothes dryer uses approximately 3 kW, an electric water heater uses 4.5 kW, and a large central air conditioner uses 3.8 kW. Only an electric tankless water heater comes close, with demands exceeding 30 kW for high-capacity units.
What this tells us is that you probably won’t have a 240-volt circuit in your house or garage with a rating high enough to fully utilize the charging capacity of today’s EVs unless you’ve been doing some serious welding. In other words, the wiring needs to be strong enough to meet the current demands of vehicle charging, and robust wiring might require larger conduit than your current setup allows. It all depends on the electrical code, which varies by state (even though there are national standards).
If the Level 2 charger has a 32-amp rating, then it will necessitate a 40-amp circuit breaker. A 40-amp unit requires a 50-amp breaker. The circuit breaker always allows for approximately 25% of headroom.
Regrettably, this can lead to further confusion when it comes to buying or installing a charger because you need to ascertain whether the given rating is for the unit’s operation or its circuit. It is quite easy to mistakenly assume that you are purchasing a charger rated at 40 amps, only to later discover that it is actually a 32-amp unit intended for use on a 40-amp circuit. The difference amounts to 1,920 watts of charging power. More details are provided in the post on charging levels.
We are treating the circuit and breaker as two distinct components of the same subject because each one plays a role in what you can install and in future-proofing an installation. Swapping one breaker or outlet for another is straightforward, but changing wire gauge may not be; every situation is unique.
Using wire that is too light with a circuit breaker that is rated too high can lead to disaster, but there is no issue with the opposite scenario: using overrated wire and a given breaker. So, if you are selecting a modest charger to match your car’s modest capabilities, there is no reason not to plan for the future by having the electrician install the heavier-gauge wire you might need someday. The difference in cost should be minimal, and you will only incur labor charges once. If you ever upgrade your charger to one with higher current capacity, all you need to do is replace the circuit breaker to match, a simple task.
Considering the increasing high current demands of mass-market EVs, at times, you may find that your house does not have enough extra power available. Now, whether you genuinely do not receive enough power or whether the local government is excessively involved with numerous regulations and requirements, ultimately causing you such frustration that you continue to drive your old polluting car, is another matter altogether.
However, the reality is that you may sometimes find, for instance, that you only have 50-amp or 100-amp service, meaning that this is the maximum current your home receives. As a result, you may either not have sufficient amps to dedicate to your EV charger, or even if you are not utilizing much of your current capacity, your municipality, condo association, or another governing authority may compel you to upgrade your service before you can proceed.
We cannot speak for all regions, but increasing your home’s service from 100 to 200 amps does not automatically lead to charges from the electric utility itself. (They may be eager to bill you for the extra electricity you might consume as a result.) Nevertheless , it does entail a considerable amount of labor and components to replace a 100-amp service panel with a 200-amp one; this will be your responsibility to cover, and this is before any expenses associated with installing a charging system.
Then there is the matter of building code. While existing homes are permitted to remain as they originally were, once you start making alterations, you may be obligated to bring related systems up to current codes, which can be costly. It all hinges on the extent of your planned modifications and your location.
After a lifetime of simply purchasing a car and refueling at gas stations, it can be frustrating to have to acquaint yourself with all of these details and collaborate with an electrician and potentially additional contractors before you can maximize the benefits of an EV. However, in the end, you may come to value the absence of visits to gas stations. Never.
Guide to Charging an Electric Car
Guide to Charging an Electric Car
Guide to Charging an Electric Car
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