EV Charging Basics
Compared to their combustion engine counterparts, EV’s are much simpler to “refuel” when the charging system is configured properly. Like a smartphone, it can be a seamless experience. You just plug it in and forget about it. However, it similarly depends on the model or manufacturer and there can be a variation in different types of standards, connectors, and plugs to go along with this. Consumers frequently have questions about which solution and configuration is right for them.
The two components which give the ability to specifically facilitate the charging are a charging station and on-board charger. When we speak about the term “charging” we are talking about using either of these mechanisms to transfer energy into the vehicle with a third component, the charging cable. The On-board charger is built-in to the car and the charging station (can be AC or DC) is what we refer to as Electrical Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE).
Level 1 Chargers
Commonly referred to as “trickle charging”, this is the most basic and accessible type of charging available, utilizing on-board charging. Most plugs found in residential settings can be defined in this category. The standard household plug is NEMA 5-15, which will give a healthy 15 amps, 125 volts. A step up from this would be plugs commonly found for larger appliances using 125 volts, such as, refrigerators, dryers, and ovens. These are NEMA 5-20 plugs, 20 amps, 125 volts.
Level 1 will provide the slowest, but most reliable and economical solution to charging your EV. The charging cable that is included with your EV is generally used for this type of charging and can be either plugged in directly or using some type of NEMA adapter (depending on the type of plug utilized). For many EV drivers this can satisfy their needs, depending on their daily driving requirement. Trickle charging will provide a range of 4-5 miles per hour and is best used in overnight charging cases.
Connectors: J1772 “J-Plug” or Tesla
Level 2 Chargers
Because the length of time required to charge using level 1, which can range from 30 - 40 hours, many EV drivers opt to upgrade to level 2 charging, drastically reducing the overall all charge time to 2.5 – 4.5 hours. Plugs for level 2 charging commonly require different charging cords or adapters depending on what is included with your EV.
With level 2 charging we can either use the on-board charger or a charging station.
To utilize the on-board charger a NEMA 14-50 plug can be used (other types are available at different amperage specifications). The EV will use its charging cable to plug directly into the plug (Note: This may require an adapter)
The second method is using a charging station. The advantage to using a charging station such as ChargePoint is that it can offer a range of amperage and charging speed options, for example a NEMA outlet 14-50 is fixed at 50 amps. This is important because it can fluctuate with the supply of electricity and lower the cost and complexity of the installation (if supplied). While also providing the best connection to the car.
Generally, this type of charging can range from 20-65 miles per hour.
Tesla utilizes its own standards compared to the vast majority of EV’s, however its not something to worry about, as they sell adapters that are compatible with the majority of EV chargers.
Connectors: J1772 “J-Plug” or Tesla
Level 3 Chargers
Commonly referred to as DC chargers or fast charging stations besides commercial applications because of their extremely high cost for installation this option is generally reserved for commercial applications. It would be the equivalent of a combustion engine driver installing a gas station at home. Sounds fun, but not very practical and good for your wallet.
Depending on the charger they can charge at a rate of 75 – 1200 miles per hour or full charge in about 15 – 30 minutes. This is more practical for long distance travel. OEM’s such as Telsa’s Superchargers or Fords Electrify America are both examples of these types of charging and have significant networks and are expanding at a rapid rate around America.
It's worth noting that not all EV’s come with level 3 charge capability and it’s important to your individual’s vehicle capabilities. The large majority of newer EV’s do have the capability of level 3 charging.
For a comprehensive guide on fast charging please refer to the one by ChargePoint below.
