Did you recently purchase your first EV? Cheers! Hybrid cars (or EVs) are easy to handle, good for the environment, and relatively simple to use.
Now, what comes after your Purchase?
The following stage is generally determining how and where to power your new vehicle. The most crucial aspect is how and where to recharge your EV domestically. You must first configure your Electric Vehicle Service Equipment (EVSE). An EVSE is a structure that provides electrical energy to your EV. These are compatible with BEV (Battery Electric Vehicles) as well as PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles).
The Stigma around EVs and Charging
Getting an EV was never more appealing and EV Charging Solutions in the sector are to thank for this. They aren’t just good for the earth, but also easy on your wallet. Cars get cheaper as more EVs join the markets. This is beneficial to anyone seeking such vehicles. One primary concern that consumers have when thinking of buying an electric vehicle is the commuting range — popularly referred to as “range anxiety.” However, the majority of urban motorists go 35 miles or less each day, therefore it isn’t a concern for the ordinary motorist. The ranges are now improving all the time, which increases the appeal of the vehicles.
Most electric vehicle users, on the other hand, embrace the opportunity to broaden distance by recharging at several sites during the journey. EV Charger Installation isn’t as common as fuel stations currently, which is why savvy company owners are stepping forward.
How do EV Chargers work?
EVSE transfers energy from the power network to the car’s inbuilt charger, which charges your car. It protects both the automobile and your house. The EV charger interacts with the vehicle, for instance, whenever it is securely connected and safe to recharge.
Should I go for a Level 1 charger or a Level 2?
Almost all users power their EVs using either Level 1 or Level 2 charging, depending on the manufacturing company or version. Because these function with regular household sockets, Level 1s don’t require installation. Since many electric vehicles come with a Level 1 charger, this is perhaps the most affordable choice.
Level 1 chargers, on the other hand, are the slowest and most irritating manner of recharging your EV. It might take as much as a day to entirely recharge your EV. A majority of individuals will prefer having the choice of a faster charging method. The bulk of EV recharging is domestic and so getting high-quality, efficient EVSE is critical. As a result, Level 2 charging is strongly suggested. A Level 2 EVSE can recharge your car at 240 volts. These chargers can charge most EVs in approximately four hours, compared to a whole day or longer with the level 1 chargers.
What should I consider while buying an EV charger?
Before buying EVSE, examine the structure of your home, garage, and parking space. The second task is to select the ideal one for your EV’s brand or kind. Generally, the greater the current, the quicker it charges. Varying EVs have different charging rates. As vehicles and batteries improve, having a charger with the highest possible amperage is a wise decision. In the future, this charger will maximize charging efficiency. The EV will only accept as much electricity as it can handle from a Level 2 charging station.
Hence, even if your EV recharges slower than another car, it will recharge as quickly as it is capable of, depending on the maximum available current. Certain PHEV users might be able to get by with a Level 1. If you want a Level 2, however, getting EVSE with less current would suffice. Based on your EV, it might recharge the car more slowly.
Hardwired or Plug-In?
You could either hardwire or connect a Level 2 EVSE into a 240-volt outlet. Our qualified and trained technicians would install the EVSE at the place of your choice. We will assist you in every step. This involves establishing whether your present power supply has adequate energy to support the new charging station. It’s critical to consider mobility when determining whether to hardwire your Level 2 charging station or purchase a plug-in variant. You must determine whether or not it’s something you require. A NEMA 14-50 plug is commonly used to connect the plug-in Level 2 EVSE to the network.
If there is nothing like this close to or around your residence, having a technician set one up is necessary for the procedure. You might want to have a technician install a couple of NEMA 14-50s based on where you park the EV. This gives you more freedom in terms of where you could charge. Based on the structure of your property, installing multiple outlets, such as in your driveway and garage, maybe the best solution. This, in conjunction with a portable Level 2 charger, will provide maximum portability. Level 2s are much more costly and need installation, but they are exceedingly functional, effective, and simple to operate.
After installation, all you have to do is plug it in every evening or whenever the EV isn’t in use to wake up to a fully recharged car.
What about Level 3 chargers?
If you require a quicker charge than Level 2 chargers, you might look at Level 3 chargers. Level 3 chargers are commonly referred to as “DC Fast Chargers.” Level 3 EVSE delivers 480 volts to the EV which is twice as much as Level 2. DC Fast Charging is a very rapid and effective recharging method. It could deliver a full charge in around Thirty minutes, based on the model/make of the EV. Level 3s are currently unfeasible for customers because of their high price. Furthermore, many homes’ current electrical systems are incapable of supporting the additional voltage required. However, if you operate a company with a parking area, Level 3 charging is an excellent client benefit.
