Just a few years ago the electric cars were like a thing from the future but now we see them everywhere. For those who are considering buying an electric vehicle (EV), one of the very first questions is, how you are going to charge it up? Charging an electric car is as easy as plugging in a cell phone for charging. Most electric vehicle owners do their charging at home, mostly overnight. Yet, charging at workplaces or somewhere else with commercial fast chargers offers a substantial lineup of benefits for EV owners. Plus, this offers many more charging alternatives to choose from. Here is an ultimate guide to EV charging installation and provides all the information you need about your EV charging.
Let’s Start with Very Basic Knowledge
Electric vehicle charging consists of connecting an electric vehicle to an electric vehicle charging station to recharge the vehicle. An electric vehicle charging station supplies electric power from the grid to the car. An electric vehicle stores electricity in rechargeable batteries that power an electric motor that drives the wheels.
Before we move on to charging an electric car, let’s go over some of the basics of charging. Electric vehicle batteries power a car’s electric motor by using energy stored in battery cells. When the battery is charged, the electrical flow is reversed to replenish the energy used. To recharge your electric vehicle battery, a home charging station is installed and used. They can also be found in many public spaces and can be used on the go, often for a small fee. Charging time will vary depending on what level of charger you are using: Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3, also known as DC Fast Charging. Electric vehicle charging stations are sometimes referred to as electric vehicle power equipment. For simplicity, we will simply call them charging stations.
Level 1 Chargers
When you charge your EV at a standard 120-volt household outlet, it means you are charging your car with a Level 1 charging point. This makes it by far the most accessible type of charge. Most home garages have an electrical outlet, and all-electric cars come with a basic level 1 charging cord for you to use. Plus, Level 1 is the slowest way to charge an electric vehicle, and it often takes overnight to fully charge. But newer level 1 charger are a bit more efficient. This is usually not a problem if you are using your EV to get around town, as an overnight charge can take you over 80 miles. For a longer ride, you may have to rely on one of the other two charging options.
Level 2 Chargers for EVs
A Level 2 or a 240-volt charging station can easily be installed in your garage to provide your electric vehicle with the power it needs to go up to 100 miles plus range on every charge in less than half the charging time of Level 1. This would also require a visit from your electrician, this time to install the wiring and an outlet similar to that on your stove or dryer. Due to the higher amperage of this circuit, charging will be much faster. Getting a Level 2 charger installed in your home will cost anywhere from $ 1.80 to almost $ 2,100.
Think of installing a level 2 charger at your home as an investment and a part of the cost of your electric car, but rest assured it will save you money in the long run. You can even find a tax cut incentive to help offset the cost of switching to and installing EVs. from the charging station. Plus, installing a Level 2 charger is easy, it is as simple as hot tub repair in Huntersville North Carolina. All you need is to hire an expert or technician for the installation. Along with the convenience factor of owning an electric vehicle, Level 2 public charging stations are popping up all over the United States, as you won’t have to worry about slow charges anymore.
Level 3 Or DC Charging for EVs
These direct current fast-chargers use very high voltage and can add more than 100 miles of range to an EV in less than 35 minutes in ideal conditions. Fast DC charging is completely different from the other two options. It provides direct current electricity to your EV and is far more efficient than anything you can add in your home charging station. However, these chargers are extremely expensive and cost thousands of dollars. They are also prohibitive for most owners of electric vehicles.
DC fast-charging stations require dedicated high-power-lines, so they are only available at public charging stations. DC Fast Charging lives up to its name, delivering up to 45 miles of extra range every 10 minutes of charge. You can plug it in while having lunch and drive a few hundred miles before needing another charge. Not all-electric vehicles are compatible with DC fast charging, so be sure to do your research before relying on this high-power charging alternative.
Once Fully Charged, Go Anywhere Hassle-Free
The future is electric and electric vehicles will be the only means of transport because they produce no emissions or pollution. In the United States, more than 8.99 billion barrels of oil are used each year, most of which is for transportation. Plus, what could be simpler than plugging in your electric vehicle at home overnight, letting it charge while you sleep, and driving in the morning with a fully-loaded vehicle that can get you where you need to go all the time without having to worry about paying lots of money for gas refills.
With electric car charging stations popping up everywhere, at home, in offices, commercial markets and even in the workplaces, you can drive anywhere and wherever you want without worrying about range anxiety. The amazing reliability of electric vehicles also means you’ll spend less time in the auto shops, leaving your car for messy and inconvenient oil changes and repairs.
The more drivers choose electric vehicles, the more the number of fossil fuel oil consumption will decrease, as will toxic emissions that contribute to climate change, smog, pollution, and other serious environmental problems. Choosing an electric vehicle is one of the finest ways to go green and help save our earth and its beautiful environment. Learn More by NDTeche
