Introduction
When talking to non-EV drivers, the main obstacle in switching to electric is fears over, charging and range. This is mostly down to a lack of understanding and knowledge. At EV-Solve we want to play our role in having a positive contribution to the uptake in electric vehicles.
We have put together a simple guide on EV charging for you, which will hopefully help your understanding. If there is anything further, we can assist you with, please don’t hesitate to call our team.
Overview
In this guide we aim to cover some basic terms and information. Charging at home, work and public spaces. We will also look at EV charge times and costs.
• Charging at home or at work.
• Public Charging.
• Understand the vehicles usage.
• Cost and time needed to charge
Charging Terms
Before we go through some valuable information, let us go through some key terms.
On-board charger
For Level 1 and Level 2 charging, a device in the vehicle is converting the AC supply to DC, that charges the vehicles battery. This is called the ‘on-board charger’. Charging speeds vary depending on the vehicle and its on-board charger. The most common speed we see on battery electric vehicles (BEV’S) is 6.6kW and 3.3kW on plug in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV’S). DC charging uses its own off board charger, as it supplies DC direct to the battery
EVSE
Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE). This is the term we use for any equipment which chargers your vehicle. You will usually find these on a pedestal or wall mounted. It’s role is to simply relay the AC power to the vehicle safely.
Level 1 Charging
This is the slowest method of charging. Almost all electric cars are supplied with a Level 1 charging cable. This connects your vehicle to a regular domestic 110V outlet. This will give your vehicle around 5/6km per hour of charge. So, if you drive less than 50km a day, this option may be useful. Assuming the vehicle charges for around 10 hours per day. Please ensure you have a high-quality outlet if using a Level 1 charger. A lot of domestic outlets simply aren’t designed to cater for such a high continuous load. Always seek the advice from a registered professional. We have some great solutions for Level 1 charging, including energy monitoring, billing and authorization.
Level 2 Charging
This option provides a much quicker charging rate than the Level 1 method. Level 2 uses a 208/240V supply. Level 2 chargers can provide up to 80A, adding anywhere between 15-95km per hour. Most of all chargers installed are Level 2.
Level 3 DC Fast Charging
The dimensions of these units tend to be much larger than Level 2. There is no single standard for fast charging. Tesla has the supercharger network, Nissan, Kia, and Mitsubishi get their quickest charge, utilising the CHAdeMO standard. Chevy, BMW, Volkswagen and others use the SAE Combo (CCS-Combined Charging System) Depending on the DC chargers rating, you could potentially charge for 0% to 80% in around 30 minutes
Electric Vehicle Service Provider
An EVSP provides the connectivity across a network of charging stations. Connecting to a central server, this party manages the software, database and communication interfaces that enable to system to operate.
Cost to charge an electric car
The vast majority of electric cars and other vehicles are charged at home or in the workplace. A level 2 system is always recommended, in some cases a level 3 can be applied, where some commercial vehicles need a quicker charge. Level 2 systems can vary in cost. There are cheaper options and more expensive options, do your research before selecting an EV charger, or contact our team for support. Our team can also investigate your rebate eligibility and hopefully help save you some money.
Home charging costs will vary on where you live and your rate of electricity. Let’s assume your electricity costs $0.12 per kW/h, to add 120km to a Nissan Leaf would cost less than $3.00. This works out around $0.98 to drive 40km.
Now, let’s take the Tesla Model S for example. This vehicle can have a range exceeding 400km. To drive 200km it would cost $5 and $10 for a full battery, from zero.
For a PHEV, where you require far less charging, the cost is negligible. Just plug in overnight to a Level 1 or Level 2.
Cost to charge at public chargers
When driving your EV in public and need to charge, the scenario gets a little bit more complicated. As many public charging stations may or may not require some form of membership, charge different fees or have access restrictions. EV drivers tend to carry multiple charging station provider accounts, to cover themselves depending on where they need to charge. Many charging operators now provide roaming amongst networks. In our opinion, we want to see more debit/credit card contactless solutions. It should be as purchasing fuel. Imagine needing a different account for each different gas station company!!!
Level 2 public chargers can range anywhere from $1-$5, to free. This fee is et by the charging stations host, and usually doesn’t include the parkin fee. All location and host determined.
Level 3 chargers tend to be more expensive as drivers are paying a higher price for the convenience of a quicker charge. This price can vary from $10-$20 per hour, some remain free.
To find suitable charging locations, check out plugshare and chargehub.
How to prepare for EV driving
Like any new disruptive technology, sometimes it can be a little intimidating. Hopefully, you have learned a little more about charging an electric car and feel a bit more comfortable when you do transition. Keep educating yourself on this rapidly evolving sector or give us a call with any questions you may have.
Incentives and Rebates
Check your local and national incentives, there are many rebates available right now whilst government and local authorities try to promote a zero emissions future. The post incentive price should help your decision. We have some helpful information our websites rebate section.
Charge where your vehicle is mostly parked
The best time to charge is overnight. Wherever the car is parked overnight, you should have access to a charger.
Is your electrical system ready?
Ensure you have the electrical capacity to install an EV charger, if you want a 32A charger you will need room for a 40A breaker.
Our team can assist you with these calculations. We are also offering free opportunity assessments for and your building until the end of January, give us a call to discuss.
Know your closest stations
Knowing where you can park and charge whilst working, shopping, visiting friends etc. This will ensure you get the most range from your vehicle.
Note the fast chargers
In the event you need a quick charge, know where your closest fast chargers are located. Use plug share and charge hub to help you.
Save money with peak charging
Check with your utility company to see if they offer off-peak rates. This help you bring your costs down even futher.