Charging an electric vehicle (EV) might seem unfamiliar at first, especially if you've only driven gas-powered cars before. Unlike stopping at a gas station, EV charging requires a bit more planning, but it’s becoming increasingly accessible. Let’s dive into how EV charging works, focusing on essential information for both EV owners and businesses considering public charging stations.
When you plug your EV into a charging station, the following steps occur:
(1) Communication Between Car and Charger: The EV and the charger communicate to verify the connection and determine charging capacity.
(2) Electricity Flow: For Level 1 and Level 2 chargers, alternating current (AC) is provided and converted to direct current (DC) by the car’s onboard charger. DC Fast Chargers bypass this onboard converter, supplying DC power directly to the battery, which allows for faster charging.
(3) Battery Management: An EV’s battery management system (BMS) optimizes the flow of electricity to protect the battery, reduce charging time, and extend battery life. This system also regulates charging speed and temperature.
(4) Charging Completion: The charger gradually slows down as the battery reaches full capacity, ensuring safe and efficient charging.
| Charging Options |
Level 1 (120 Volt)
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Level 2 (240 Volt)
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Direct-Current (DC) Fast Charging
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| How fast do they charge? | About 5 miles per 1 hour of charging | About 25 miles per 1 hour of charging* | ~100 – 300+ miles per 30 minutes of charging† |
| What does the charge port on the vehicle look like? |  |
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| Where can I find them? | (1) In your house/garage (2) Possibly at your apartment/condo and workplace (3) May not need to install anything; some automakers provide charger cords with vehicle purchase |
(1) In your house/garage (You will need additional equipment) (2) Possibly at your apartment/condo and workplace (3) At public charging stations |
(1) At public charging stations (2) In many cities and along highway routes across the country (see locations) |
EV charging generally comes in three levels, each suited to different needs:
Level 1 Charging: This is the most basic form of EV charging, using a standard 120-volt outlet like those found in most homes. Level 1 is accessible but slow, usually adding 3–5 miles of range per hour. It’s typically suitable for overnight charging at home if you don’t drive many miles daily.
Level 2 Charging: Level 2 chargers are faster, operating on a 240-volt circuit, similar to large home appliances like washers or dryers. These chargers can add 12–60 miles of range per hour, making them ideal for charging at home or at public charging stations. With the growth in demand for EVs, Level 2 public chargers are increasingly common in shopping centers, office complexes, and public parking areas.
Level 3 Charging (DC Fast Charging): Level 3 charging, or DC Fast Charging, uses direct current (DC) to charge the battery much more quickly. With a Level 3 charger, an EV can gain 100–200 miles of range in just 20–40 minutes, making it perfect for long-distance travelers who need to charge up on the go. These chargers are typically found along highways and at high-traffic locations.
For most electric vehicles (EVs), a standard charging plug, the J1772, connects the vehicle to the charger. This plug is widely compatible with non-Tesla EVs across North America, allowing for versatile use of most public charging stations. However, Tesla vehicles have their own proprietary charging connector, creating a unique compatibility issue between Tesla and non-Tesla chargers.
Think of it like different types of phone charging cables: a USB-C cable can’t directly connect to a device requiring a Mini-USB port without an adaptor. Similarly, if you have a Tesla charger, it won’t directly work with a non-Tesla vehicle, and vice versa. To bridge this gap, adaptors are available, enabling cross-compatibility for Tesla and non-Tesla EVs. These adaptors can be purchased online and allow drivers to use a wider range of charging stations.
If you're a commercial property owner looking to install EV chargers, be mindful of your equipment choices. Installing only Tesla chargers may limit your customer base to Tesla drivers, as non-Tesla drivers would need an adaptor to access the station. Offering J1772-compatible chargers, on the other hand, can cater to a broader range of EV drivers, maximizing the value of your investment and making your site more attractive to all EV users.
(1) J1772 Standard: Compatible with most non-Tesla EVs.
(2) Tesla Connectors: Tesla uses proprietary connectors; adaptors are required to charge non-Tesla vehicles at Tesla chargers and vice versa.
(3) Adaptors Available: Adaptors bridge the gap between Tesla and J1772 chargers, but it’s important for EV drivers to check compatibility before plugging in.
Commercial Advice: Providing universally compatible chargers (like J1772) ensures more EV drivers can charge at your location without adaptors.
The Home 50 Amp Smart EV Charger comes with the necessary hardware to mount and install your new Level 2 charger inside your garage or outside your home.
Our EV home charging stations are small in size, simple to use, and feature fast, safe and efficient charging. They are a cost-effective and convenient option for keeping your EV powered and ready to go whenever you need it. Answering a few simple questions with the EV Charge Time Tool will help determine the current and charging speed that best suits your needs.
When parking in front of a public EV charging station, it’s helpful to understand how to use the station and what access requirements might be in place. Much like parking meters or reserved parking, EV charging stations vary in terms of accessibility and payment.
Some charging stations are free to use, while others may require payment or a key FOB for access. Here’s a quick overview of the common access and payment methods:
（1）Free Access: Some businesses offer free charging as a customer service or incentive to visit their location. These stations may have time restrictions or be limited to customers only.
（2）RFID or Key FOB Access: For stations requiring membership or access control, an RFID card or key FOB is needed. These are common in workplaces or restricted-access lots.
（3）Credit Card or App Payment: Like a parking meter, many stations accept direct payment via credit card or through an app. These pay-as-you-go options make charging accessible without long-term commitment.
Signs and notices on the charging equipment typically provide clear instructions, indicating whether payment is required, and detailing hours of operation or membership requirements.
For businesses looking to install EV charging stations, there are several features to consider to customize the experience for users:
（1）Controlled Output and Charging Times: Adjust power output based on demand or limit charging to specific hours to optimize energy use and availability.
（2）Access Control via RFID: Limit access to employees, tenants, or members, which can be ideal for controlled environments like workplaces or residential properties.
（3）Networked Charging Stations: Networked systems allow businesses to monitor station usage, track energy consumption, and accept payments through apps or cards. This setup also supports remote monitoring, making it easier to manage and maintain multiple stations.
