Otis Singleton
Electric vehicles (EVs) can be charged away from home through public charging stations. These stations are becoming more widely available, with companies like Starbucks partnering with car manufacturers like Volvo to provide charging stations at their stores. There are three levels of charging: Level 1 uses a standard 120-volt plug, Level 2 uses a 208-240V outlet, and Level 3 is DC Fast Charging, which is only available at public charging stations. The time it takes to charge an EV depends on the charging equipment and the size of the car's battery. In addition to charging stations, EVs can also charge themselves through regenerative braking, which converts kinetic energy into electrical power.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Charging options | Standard 120V home outlets (Level 1), 208-240V outlets (Level 2), 480V+ public fast chargers (DC Fast Charging) |
| Charging speed | Depends on the vehicle's on-board charger and the power level of the charging equipment |
| Level 1 charging | Uses a standard 120-volt plug; portable charging equipment allows plugging into any 120-volt outlet |
| Level 2 charging | Requires purchase and installation of charging equipment; replenishes 40 miles of range in under 2 hours |
| DC Fast Charging | Only for public charging stations; most fully electric cars are equipped for this |
| Tesla | Offers its own charging standard, impacting where you can charge |
| Volvo | Collaborating with Starbucks to establish a public charging network at US stores |
| Range-extended electric vehicles | Combustion engine acts as a generator for the battery pack, like the BMW i3 and Tesla Cybertruck |
| Regenerative braking | Converts kinetic energy to electrical power, increasing efficiency and recouping up to 70% of energy lost during braking |
| Wireless charging | Uses magnetic resonance to transfer power from the grid to the car, enabling autonomous self-parking and charging |
| Bidirectional charging | Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) and Vehicle-to-Home (V2H) facilitate energy efficiency and cost savings |
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What You'll Learn
Charging at public stations
Charging an electric vehicle at a public station is a straightforward process. These stations are becoming more and more available in communities across the globe. Public charging stations typically offer AC charging, which is suitable for most electric cars. The charging time will depend on several factors, such as the outdoor temperature, the current battery temperature, the charging equipment used, and the condition of both the battery and the car.
It is recommended that you charge your electric vehicle's battery up to 90% capacity for daily driving and try not to let the charge fall below 20%. Regularly charging the battery to 100% is ideal for maximising the electric range of a plug-in hybrid vehicle.
There are different levels of charging available at public stations. Level 1 charging uses a standard 120-volt plug, which is suitable for most electric cars. Level 2 charging requires the purchase and installation of specialised equipment and can replenish an average daily commute of 40 miles in under 2 hours. DC Fast Charging is another option available at public stations, but it is important to ensure your car is equipped for this type of charging before attempting to use it.
To locate public charging stations, you can utilise various tools and resources. Many automotive brands, such as Volvo, offer mobile applications that help you find and pay for charging points near you. Additionally, there are third-party applications like PlugShare that can guide you to charging stations on the go. It is always a good idea to plan ahead and research the charging options available in your region before embarking on long-distance trips.
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Charging at work
Workplace chargers are becoming more common across communities nationwide. Charging your electric vehicle at work can be as simple as plugging into a standard 120-volt (Level 1) outlet, which most electric cars come equipped with as a portable charger. This is a slow way to charge, but for those who work from the office every day, it can be a convenient way to ensure your car is ready to drive by the end of the day.
For a faster charge, Level 2 charging uses 208-240V outlets, similar to those used by dryers. This type of charging usually requires the purchase and installation of charging equipment. A typical Level 2 charger can replenish 40 miles (the average daily commute) in less than 2 hours.
Some automakers, like Tesla, have their own charging standards, which will impact where you can charge based on the year, make and model of your EV. It's important to do your research and understand the charging network in your region, as well as the charging options that are right for your car.
There are also proposed future methods for charging while a vehicle is in motion, such as wireless charging and bidirectional charging (V2G or V2H). Wireless charging uses magnetic resonance technology to transfer power from the electric grid to the car, while V2G and V2H allow your car to send energy to the grid or act as a backup power source for your home, respectively.
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Using the Volvo Cars app
Electric vehicles can be charged away from home through standard 120-volt (Level 1) or 208-240V (Level 2) outlets, as well as public fast chargers (DC Fast Charging). Many public charging stations offer AC charging, which is suitable for most electric vehicles.
The Volvo Cars app is designed to make charging your electric Volvo hassle-free. The app provides access to over 17,800 public fast-charging stations across the nation, ensuring that you can easily find charging points near you. It also offers charging reminders and guided navigation to the nearest charging station, making it convenient to top up your battery on the go.
With the app, you can locate and pay for charging points that fit your daily routine, whether you're at home or on the road. It helps you create charging routines that align with your lifestyle and circumstances. For example, you can take advantage of lower electricity rates by plugging in during off-peak hours and waking up to a fully charged battery.
The app also includes a tool to estimate the charging costs for your Volvo electric car. By inputting your yearly mileage and household energy costs, you can get an idea of the expenses involved. This feature assists in financial planning and highlights the long-term cost benefits of electric vehicles over gas-powered cars.
Additionally, Volvo has partnered with Starbucks to establish the first public electric vehicle charging network at Starbucks stores in the United States, further expanding the charging options available to Volvo electric car owners.
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DC Fast Charging
To locate DC Fast Charging stations, electric vehicle drivers can utilize mobile apps like PlugShare for iOS or Android devices. These apps provide valuable information on charging locations and options, ensuring that drivers can find charging stations during long-distance travels or when in unfamiliar areas.
It is worth noting that charging an electric vehicle at a public charging station is generally more expensive than charging at home. However, DC Fast Charging can be a viable option when away from home, providing a quick energy boost to the vehicle's battery.
Additionally, electric vehicle manufacturers are working on innovative solutions, such as bidirectional charging or V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid) and V2H (Vehicle-to-Home) technologies. These technologies allow electric vehicles to become backup power sources for homes or contribute energy to the power grid during peak demand periods.
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Wireless charging
The implementation of wireless charging technology can take various forms. One notable example is the installation of wireless charging pads in public spaces, such as city streets and parking lots. This approach, piloted in Detroit, Michigan, involves embedding electromagnetic coils beneath the road surface, connected to the city's power grid. As vehicles drive over or park on these coils, they can wirelessly receive a charge without any physical connections. This dynamic wireless charging technology is also being tested in other locations, including Israel, Italy, and Germany.
In addition to public spaces, wireless charging can also be integrated into private homes. Automakers and companies are developing wireless charging mats or pads that can be installed in garages or driveways, allowing convenient charging without the need for cables. This approach enhances the appeal of electric vehicles by providing a seamless and unobtrusive charging experience.
Furthermore, wireless charging technology has the potential to revolutionize commercial vehicle operations. By enabling trucks, buses, and taxis to recharge while loading, unloading, or waiting at stands, wireless charging can optimize efficiency, reduce costs, and minimize downtime associated with traditional charging methods. This technology complements advancements in autonomous parking, allowing electric vehicles to park and charge themselves, enhancing the overall user experience.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to recharge your electric vehicle when you're away from home. You can use a public charging station, which is a great option if you're on a long road trip or need a quick top-up during the day. Many electric car manufacturers, like Volvo, have their own apps that help you locate and pay for the nearest charging station. You can also use DC Fast Charging stations, but make sure your car is equipped for this type of charging.
Public charging stations can be classified into two main types: AC charging and DC Fast Charging. AC charging is available at most public stations and is suitable for charging your electric vehicle during the day. On the other hand, DC Fast Charging is a quicker option but is only available at specific public fast-charging stations.
Payment methods may vary depending on the charging station. Some stations may require a subscription or membership, so it's always good to plan ahead and research the charging networks in your region. Mobile apps, such as PlugShare, can also help you locate and pay for charging points near you.
The charging time depends on several factors, including the charging equipment, the size of the battery, the vehicle's on-board charger, and the power level of the equipment. For example, a Level 1 charger can replenish an average daily commute of 40 miles overnight, while a Level 2 charger can do the same in less than 2 hours.
