How Do EV Chargers Work?

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How Do EV Chargers Work?

A decade ago, the idea of electric vehicles becoming mainstream was still sort of laughable. Even hybrid cars like the Prius were kind of on the fringe. These days, however, electric vehicles are very much mainstream – and taking over fast. 

Tesla is one of the most in-demand vehicles in the world, major car manufacturers are pledging to go full electric, and there’s a good chance you have a few EVs in your neighbourhood already. The future of motoring is definitely electric. But what does that mean for you, and how do you even charge these kinds of cars? How do EV chargers work?

What are EV Chargers?

When you need more power for your internal combustion engine “traditional” car, you go to a petrol station and fill up with petrol or diesel. But electric vehicles work differently. 

Some, known as hybrids, have an electric motor and a traditional engine. Others, known as fuel cell electric vehicles, have batteries that you don’t need to charge. Most electric vehicles (and some hybrids), however, do need to be plugged in to charge. 

Charging levels

There are three different charging levels for EV chargers. The first one will do in a pinch but is not ideal for regular use. The other two are what you probably want to consider if you are buying an EV. 

Level 1 – Portable EVSE 

Level 1 EV chargers are basically just your regular 120-volt home outlet. You can technically charge your car this way, but it could literally take days to charge fully. Level 1 chargers are an option when you really need a charge, but they’re not for everyday use. 

Level 2 – Wall Chargers

Level 2 EV chargers supply 240-volt power and can charge an EV battery in about half a day. Which is still not great but could work if you don’t drive much. 

Level 3 – DC Fast Chargers

Level 3 or “rapid chargers” are the ideal charger for an electric car that gets a lot of use. They can charge your battery to about 80% of full power in a couple of hours. This means if you use your electric vehicle as a family car or commuter vehicle, this is the one you want!

Conclusion

We’re seeing more and more EV charging stations out there. However, it will probably be a while before you can find them on every corner like petrol stations. In the meantime, if you want to own an electric vehicle, your best bet is to have a proper charging station installed in your home. 

EV chargers are complex and complicated to install. This is not a project you want to tackle as a DIY undertaking. So we recommend that you call a qualified electrician to safely install your EV charging station. That way, you can be sure you are getting the job done right. 

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