Electric cars are talked about now more than ever. As car manufacturers become more competent in making sustainable vehicles, their technology has continued to improve. More households are choosing to ditch their petrol and diesel cars in favour of electric vehicles. However, before you make a switch to electric, it’s important to know all about electric vehicle chargers.
This guide provides you with all the important information you need to know about electric car chargers. I will cover different types of chargers available, how they work, how long they take to charge, and the best options for home and public charging.
Types of Chargers
There are three main types of electric vehicle charger you need to know about. These include Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 charging stations. Level 1 chargers are typically included with most electric vehicles and plugs directly into a standard electrical outlet. These are only suited for overnight charging as they only offer a maximum of three miles of range per hour of charge. Level 2 chargers are installed in homes and public spaces and can provide between 10-60 miles of range per hour of charge. These chargers require installation by a licensed electrician. Level 3 charging stations are also called DC Fast Chargers and provide high-speed charging for busy public spaces and can charge your vehicle up to 80% within 30 minutes.
How they work
Electric vehicle chargers work by providing a sufficient amount of electrical power to the battery of the car. The charging process involves converting AC power into DC power, which is then sent to the car’s battery. AC power is slower and less efficient than DC power, making the charging process quicker when using fast chargers that provide DC power.
How Long They Take to Charge
The time it takes to charge an electric vehicle depends on the type of charger you are using, the size of your car’s battery, and the remaining charge percentage. Electric vehicles typically take around 30 minutes to charge to 80% capacity using Level 3 chargers. Level 2 chargers can take between 4-8 hours to fully charge from 0-100 percent depending on your car’s battery size. Level 1 chargers take roughly 12-24 hours to fully charge a battery from empty.
Best Options for Home and Public Charging
For home charging, it’s best to install a Level 2 charger for convenience and faster charging speeds. These chargers require installation by a licensed electrician and can cost between $500-$1,500 depending on the model. For public charging, DC fast chargers (Level 3) are the best option for busy public areas such as highways, motorways and charging stations where drivers typically require quick charges while on the go.
Making the switch to an electric vehicle is an exciting and beneficial decision for the environment and your wallet. However, since charging times and accessibility will take some adjustments for most drivers, electric vehicle owners need to know about electric vehicle chargers. In this guide, we’ve covered the three main types of chargers available, how they work, how long they take to charge, and the best options for home and public charging. Knowing this information before purchasing an electric car will ensure you have the right charging solutions and are never left struggling to find a charging station.
