Choosing an EV Charger
Buyers curious about getting an electric vehicle have made one thing abundantly clear in surveys: charging kind of freaks them out.
Start by checking the number on your home’s main breaker panel to see its maximum amperage rating. If it’s 200 amps or higher, you’re good to go.
Look for a charger that offers a safe cable length of 25 feet. Longer cords can waste energy as electricity travels them.
1. Speed
A battery’s charging speed depends on the power level and capacity of the charger. EV chargers range from 240v home setups that are about as fast as plugging into a regular outlet to Level 3 DC fast stations, which are sometimes called automotive defibrillators because of the amount of power they can pump out.
While most EV drivers won’t need more than a few hours of charging time overnight, if you have to rely on public chargers frequently, faster options can reduce range anxiety. Getting the fastest possible charge requires EV Charger a combination of factors, including your location, what time you plan on arriving at the station and whether it’s warm or cold outside.
For example, your EV may be smart enough to detect that you’re headed to a DC fast charger and begin “conditioning” the battery by warming or cooling it down in advance, which can significantly cut charging times. Also, as the number of these stations grows, so too will their capacity to provide high-power output. As the demand for these chargers increases, the ability to charge faster can become limited, so upgrading grid infrastructure is key.
2. Convenience
As EVs continue to evolve, more and more consumers will want the convenience of charging their cars in familiar places like their local gas station. And that’s why many fuel retailers are now offering EV charging at their locations.
EV drivers can plug-in overnight at home and charge throughout the day while running errands or working. But, what if they need a quick top-up while on the go? That’s where fast chargers (level 3 or DC) come in.
These high-powered stations add a significant amount of range to most compatible EVs in less than an hour—making long trips a breeze.
And to make it even easier for EV drivers, their in-dash navigation systems typically recommend charging stations along their route. Plus, working with a vendor who has a track record of uptime and reliability (like FLO) ensures that EV drivers have a seamless experience. This enables them to make the most of their EV’s capabilities and helps drive demand for these stations. For convenience store owners, this means higher revenues from EV charging sessions and longer customer stays.
3. Safety
EV chargers use a special in-cable control box that manages the voltage from the connector outlet and helps prevent overheating. EV chargers should always be kept at least 18″ off the ground. They should also be spaced 5-to-6-feet apart, allowing firefighters to extinguish any potential fires or sparks that may occur during charging.
The safety of an EV charger depends on the type of charger, its installation, and proper maintenance. Choosing a reputable brand that adheres to national testing and safety standards is essential. Avoid using off-brand or generic chargers that are less reliable and may not meet necessary safety requirements.
It’s important to check EV charging cables and plugs for signs of wear and tear, especially in rainy or snowy weather. For example, ice can easily obstruct the connection and pose safety risks. It’s best to clear any ice from the connector and port before charging. It’s also important to ensure that the EV is not charging past 80 percent, as this can impact battery life and potentially cause overheating. To help mitigate these risks, EV owners should use smart residential chargers and follow guidelines to optimize their charging schedules.
4. Apps
Most EVs come with a branded app from the car manufacturer or a network, and Google Maps and Apple Maps have also gotten better at helping drivers find compatible charging stations. But there are a plethora of standalone EV charging apps with more features and functionality.
Many of these apps are free to download and use, with paid subscriptions allowing you to manage multiple EVs or unlock extra functionality, such as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration or smart functionalities that optimize energy consumption and costs. Some EV charging apps also centralize energy data and insights for multiple users, ensuring the cost of using the charger is accurately allocated to individual cars.
Some of the best EV charging apps include Plugshare, a multi-network app that integrates with EA, Electrify America, FLO, EVgo and Volta to locate stations; as well as ABRP, which specializes in Power Battery journey planning for EVs and calculates how far you can travel before needing to charge. Other popular options include EV Hotels, which helps drivers find hotels that have electric charging points, and Chargemap, with a massive European network of 450,000 stations.
5. Cost
When deciding where to charge your EV, it’s important to consider cost. Some providers like workplaces and restaurants offer EV charging as part of an employee or customer benefit, or may charge less than a traditional electricity provider. Others, such as parking facilities and malls, will add on a service fee or use a parking meter to collect payment for usage.
New EVs come with what’s known as a Level 1 charger cable, which plugs into standard 120-volt outlets for at-home charging without the need for any additional electrical installations. With a maximum power output of 2.4 kW, L1 charging typically takes eight hours to recharge and is capable of adding an average of 40 miles per day.
For faster charging, home owners can install a Level 2 charger, which operates at 240V and has a power output of 3.4 kW to 22 kW. Consult with an electrician to determine if your home’s electrical system is up to the task. The length of time it takes to charge your EV also depends on weather conditions as batteries operate more efficiently in temperate temperatures.
