Electric Vehicle Chargers Explained
Electric vehicle chargers are an important part of a complete electric vehicle system. They allow EV drivers to get back on the road, recharge their batteries and keep their cars running for longer, all while supporting American manufacturing.
The EV charging industry is an emerging one that is fragmented and quickly growing. As a result, the lingo and terminology can be confusing. This is because a wide range of terms are used that differ depending on the car model, the plug type and even the location.
EV Charger Levels Explained
There are three levels of electric vehicle charging: level 1, level 2, and level 3. Each has its own unique set of specifications. These include power output, distance to empty and time to fully charge an EV. The higher the kW, the faster it charges (assuming that your new EV accepts the higher charging speeds).
Charging stations can come in different shapes and sizes, including parking garages, shopping malls, and hotels. They may also feature multiple EVSE ports.
These chargers are designed to be compatible with a wide variety of EV models, and often have multiple connectors to accommodate different vehicles. These types of chargers are typically found in public locations, such as streets and parking garages, but are also being installed at homes and workplaces.
During charging, AC electricity from the grid is converted into DC energy, which can then be used by an EV. This process is carried out either by the EV itself or by an internal converter located in the charger.
This process is what enables the bidirectional technology to work. When an EV is being charged, it uses the power of the grid to help it maintain its battery, but when it is not being charged it can use that same electricity from the EV charger to sell that energy back to the grid or to power the home.
Bidirectional EV chargers are an exciting addition to the EV charging world, and they will only get more popular as technology advances. Currently, most bidirectional chargers are only available at charging stations with internal converters, but the technology is getting better and the number of options will grow over time.
Choosing the Right Charger
When a driver first purchases an EV, it is often difficult to find information about how fast or how long charging will take. This is because different car manufacturers design their batteries differently, so each will have its own power requirements and therefore a different charging speed.
The best way to ensure you are getting the most out of your EV’s charging experience is to research all the options. This can be done through sites like PlugShare, which display all of the public EV charging stations in your area.
Ideally, you should find an EV charging station that is close to your home or work. This will save you the hassle of having to commute to a different location every time you want to recharge your car.