By Katherine Electric cars (EVs), as well as plug-in hybrid vehicles, are relatively new to the market. The fact that they use electricity for propulsion means that there has been a significant overhaul of infrastructure. This guide will help you understand the different charging options available to charge your electric car.
This EV charger guide will explain how to charge your vehicle, what charging options are available, how long it takes, charging times, connectors and where you can get them charged. There’s also a useful tool to help you charge your car in public places and links that will answer any questions.
It is helpful to first understand the terminology used for charging stations before we move on to those concepts. They are often the same thing.
- Charging station
- Outlet charging
- Charging plug
- Charging port
- Charger
- EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment)
Electric Car Home Chargers
The majority of electric car drivers charge their cars at home. Home charging accounts for over 80%. It’s crucial to fully understand the pros and disadvantages of each option.
Level 1 & Level 2 Charging Solutions
There are two types of home charging: -level 1 charging, and -level 2 charging.
Level 1 charging takes place when you plug in an electric vehicle’s charger. These chargers plug into standard 120V outlets. The other end is plugged directly into your car. It can charge 200 km (124 mi) in 20 hours.
Level2 chargers can be purchased separately, but are often purchased in tandem. These chargers require a more complicated setup because they can be plugged into a 120V outlet. The chargers will charge up to 7 times faster, depending on the model of your electric car. All these chargers feature an SAE j1772 adaptor plug and can be ordered online in Australia. They will usually require an electrician to install. More information about level 2 charging stations can be found in this guide
An electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid should be equipped with a level 2-level home charging station to allow for faster charging and maximum performance. There are some incentives available to lower the purchase and installation costs in certain regions.
The Pros Of Home Charging
You need a level-2 home charger to get all the benefits of charging at home.
It takes just a few minutes to charge a battery completely
A level 2 charger can charge your electric vehicle 5 to 7x faster for a full-electric car and 3x faster for a plug-in hybrid than a standard level 1 charger. This allows you to maximize the usage of your EV, and decrease stops at public charging stations.
A standard 30-kWh battery car (standard car for an electric car) takes around four hours. This gives you time to enjoy your EV and maximize the time you have to charge it.
Start Your Day Fully Charged
Home charging can usually be done in the evenings and at night. After you get home from work, simply plug your charger into your car and you will have a full charge the next morning. Most EVs are capable of charging all your daily needs, so there’s no need to stop at public chargers. The electric car charges at home as you eat, watch TV and play with your children.