EV Charging 101: Everything You Need to Know
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Are you thinking about switching to an electric vehicle but worried that charging will be complicated? Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular due to the impressive range of distance they can travel on a single charge. But if you've never owned one, the idea of charging an e-vehicle may be daunting.
Fortunately, supplying power to your e-vehicle can be simple when you ask the right questions. What kind of charger do you need? How long does it take? How do you find a charger when you need one? To get answers to these queries, keep reading to learn everything you need to know about EV charging.
How do you set up EV charging at home?
Before deciding which EV charger to use at home, it’s important to know the differences between the three levels of chargers. Level 1 chargers are the slowest and can be plugged into a 120V outlet. Level 2 chargers are faster and use a 240V outlet. Level 3 chargers are the fastest level of charger and are usually standalone units that aren’t plugged into an outlet but are directly connected to a municipal power grid.
If you live in your own home, setting up an EV charging station is a straightforward process. Since Level 1 EV chargers accommodate basic electrical vehicles, such as e-scooters and e-bikes, you only need a standard 120-volt outlet. Therefore, if you have an exterior outlet or one in your garage, you won’t need to do any further electrical work.
However, it can take a long time for a 120-volt outlet to fully power your vehicle (8-12 hours), which means you may want to install a level 2 charger. A level 2 charger uses a 240-volt outlet (the same type needed for an electric dryer). Thanks to the higher voltage, this option shaves a couple of hours off your charge time. This level of charger is used with more advanced e-vehicles that have greater storage capacity, such as electric powersport vehicles, cars and trucks.
If your garage doesn’t have enough electrical outlets, you may need to add one. Although you might have the skills to install your own electrical outlet, always be sure to check with your utility company and an electrician before installing a 240-volt charging station. According to one source, the cost for installation can range between $600 and $1200, but some new EV purchases include free installation of a charging port in your home. And if you’re uncertain about your abilities, it’s always best to leave the work to a professional electrician.
If you rent or live in an apartment building or condominium, installing a charging station can be more complicated. Some state laws now make provisions for renters to request the installation of a charging station, but it’s often at their own expense. Even if you own your condo, you’ll want to reach out to your HOA prior to installation to make sure that you’re following any related bylaws.
Whether you end up using a level 1 or level 2 charger, you can install an EV charger holder on the wall in your garage to keep your equipment out of the way and in good shape. Another option is to place your chargers and adapters on an easy-to-reach garage storage shelf or inside a toolchest drawer.
How do EV level 3 charging systems differ?
Unlike levels 1 and 2 which rely on alternating current (AC), level 3 charging systems provide direct current (DC), which enables them to charge much faster. For example, level 3 chargers can fully recharge most cars and electric mopeds in 45 minutes or less. This type of charger is found at commercial charging stations and businesses that have them installed as a courtesy to their customers.
Currently, there are a few design differences across car brands when it comes to the connectors for level 3 charging. Some electric car makers operate their own brand-specific supercharging stations to make charging more convenient. Regardless of the brand and model you drive, newer e-vehicles can take advantage of DC systems in your area and across the country.
How do I find a charging station away from home?
How do I make charging as environmentally friendly as possible?
One of the great things about electric transportation is that it is better for the environment. Because they don’t produce emissions from fuel, they make a big impact on sustainable living efforts. Plus, you can do even more to make sure that your EV charging is as environmentally friendly as possible by considering the times you choose to charge and which power grid you use.
If you charge at home, avoid peak use times in your area. These are generally in the afternoon and evening during summer and in the early morning and evening during winter. The energy use at peak times dictates the amount that must be continuously generated for a grid. At off-peak times, that excess energy simply goes to waste — unless it can be used to power your electric bike or e-scooter.
Additionally, you can see whether energy in your area is supplied by renewable sources. There are websites for each state that can help you locate these sources, and even county-by-county locations with power grid maps. If the main source of energy in your area is coal, your electric vehicle won’t be using renewable energy when connected to that source.
But if solar power plays a role in your grid, you can make the best use of it during daylight hours. Some power companies even offer green initiatives through which you can fund the creation of more sustainable energy in your area.
No matter what type of charging source you use, you won’t be affected by fluctuations in gas prices at the filling station. Although you will see an increase in your utility bill once you start charging your EV at home, you’ll be pleased to see an overall reduction in your transportation costs when you switch from a gas-powered vehicle to an electric one.