Umair Gaines
Electric vehicles (EVs) can be charged in several places, including at home, at work, in public locations, and at service stations. Charging an EV is different from filling a petrol/diesel vehicle with fuel. EV drivers plug in their cars whenever they park and return to a vehicle with a fuller battery. There are three levels of charging, with Level 1 being the slowest and most accessible way to charge an electric car, and Level 3 providing direct current (DC) power to the car's battery. The time it takes to charge an EV depends on the vehicle, the type of charger, and the power level of the charging equipment. Charging stations vary between providing alternating current (AC) or DC, with AC requiring an onboard converter to transform it into DC.
How to recharge an electric vehicle
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Charging locations | Home, work, public locations (supermarket, gym, cinema, retail parks, town-centre car parks), service stations |
| Charging time | Depends on the vehicle, type of charger, power level, and battery size; Level 1 charging provides 4-5 miles of range per hour |
| Charging speed | Level 2 charging is faster than Level 1; Level 3 charging is the fastest |
| Charging equipment | Charging cable, charging station/point, charging network apps, charging connectors, charging adapters |
| Charging cost | Depends on the cost of electricity and vehicle efficiency; approximately $6 to fully charge a 200-mile range EV with a depleted 54 kWh battery |
| Charging considerations | Consult an electrician for home charging installations, use the Alternative Fuels Data Center Station Locator for planning trips, check the vehicle's charging options |
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What You'll Learn
Charging at home
Charging an electric vehicle at home is the most popular, affordable, and convenient way to charge your car. It is also simple and similar to charging any other appliance. All you need to do is plug your car into an ordinary 120-volt power socket, using the charging cable that comes with your car.
However, this method can be very slow, taking up to 24 hours for a full charge. If you are looking for a quicker charge, you can install a 240-volt Level 2 charging station in your home. This can be placed on the side of your house, in your garage, or in your private parking lot, and can reduce charging time to 4-5 hours. You will need to consult an electrician to install this type of charging station, and it may cost up to $2,000.
If you are charging your car at home, it is important to ensure that your electrical system can support the power load. Consult a licensed electrician to ensure that there is a dedicated circuit to support the power load, and do not use an extension cord, as this increases the risk of fire, overheating, and electric shock.
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Charging at work
Charging your electric vehicle at work is a convenient way to ensure your car is always topped up. Many employers are now offering charging stations as a perk for their employees, recognising the need to reduce vehicle emissions and adopt advanced vehicle technologies.
If your workplace doesn't have charging stations, you could consider banding together with other EV drivers and speaking to your HR team to request this addition. There are a few things to consider when implementing charging stations at work. Firstly, it is important to consult with a utility provider, an electrical contractor, and other stakeholders to identify any potential challenges. For example, charging stations in leased buildings may require negotiations with the building owner. Secondly, there are different types of charging stations available, and it is important to understand the benefits and requirements of each. Level 1 stations are cheaper but slower and can only charge one car at a time. Level 2 stations are more commonly used in workplaces as they can charge multiple cars per day. Level 3 stations are the fastest but are likely not necessary for workplace charging.
Once charging stations are installed, it is important to ensure they are safe and capable of operation. Employers may also want to develop a policy for sharing charging stations, especially if there are more EVs than charging points. This policy could consider the types of EVs being charged, the battery pack size, and the distance of employee commutes.
Charging your EV at work is simple. You will need to connect your car to the charging point, either by plugging in or using an app, contactless card, or RFID card. Some stations may require you to press a button to open the charging port. You may also need to bring your own charging cable.
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Charging in public locations
Charging an electric vehicle in public is simple, but there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you'll need to locate a public charging station. These can be found in various places, including public parking garages, shopping centres, workplaces, and gas stations. You can use mobile apps like PlugShare, ChargePoint, A Better Route Planner, Open Charge Map, ChargeHub, and Chargeway to find the nearest charging station and check its availability.
Once you've found a charging station, you'll need to consider the availability of chargers, charging speed, connectors, and payment methods. Most Level 2 public charging stations use J1772 connectors, which are standard for all electric cars in the US and can charge at Level 1 or Level 2. However, DC fast chargers are more suitable for road trips as they can charge your battery to about 80% in 20 to 60 minutes. These chargers can be found at dedicated stations along major highways and are supported by multiple networks, including Electrify America, Tesla, EVgo, and ChargePoint.
When using a public charging station, simply plug in your vehicle and wait for the charger to replenish your battery. The cost of charging will vary depending on the method and network you choose. Many electric utility providers offer reduced rates for nighttime charging, so it's worth considering charging your vehicle during off-peak hours. In Texas, for example, the best time to charge your electric vehicle is between 10 pm and 6 am when renewable wind power is at its peak, and there is typically more capacity on the grid.
Public charging stations are essential when going on longer road trips and can be found at or near your destination, including hotels. Planning your route ahead of time and mapping out charging stations along the way can help ensure a smooth journey. Additionally, some vehicles, like Teslas, have built-in trip planners that allow you to plan long trips based on battery range and charging station availability.
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Using a fast-charging station
- Locate a Fast-Charging Station: Use resources like the Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) Station Locator or mobile apps to find fast-charging stations along your route.
- Check Connector Compatibility: Ensure that the charging station has a connector that is compatible with your vehicle. Common connectors include Tesla, SAE Combo, and Chademo.
- Park at the Charging Station: Once you arrive at the charging station, park your vehicle close to the charger to ensure that the charging cable can reach your car's charging port.
- Identify Your Charging Port: Locate the charging port on your vehicle. It is usually on the side or front of the car, similar to where a fuel cap would be.
- Connect the Charging Cable: If the charging station has built-in charging cables, select the appropriate cable for your vehicle and connect it to your car's charging port. You may need to press a button to open the charging port. If you need to use your own cable, connect it to the socket on the charging station and then to your vehicle.
- Initiate Charging: Depending on the charging station, you may need to use an app, a contactless card, or an RFID card to start the charging process. Follow the instructions provided at the station.
- Wait for Charging to Complete: Fast-charging stations provide rapid charging, but the time taken to charge your vehicle will still depend on factors such as the power output, the state of charge, and the number of vehicles sharing the power source.
- Disconnect the Cable: Once your vehicle is fully charged, carefully disconnect the charging cable from your car's charging port. Follow any instructions provided by the charging station for proper cable handling.
- Make Any Necessary Payments: Some charging stations may require payment through the app or via a card. Ensure you follow the payment process as indicated by the charging station.
Remember to refer to your electric car's driving manual for specific charging instructions and recommendations. Additionally, consider downloading charging network apps to authenticate and pay at DC fast-charging stations, as certain networks may require subscriptions or memberships.
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Different types of charging connectors
Electric vehicle (EV) charging connectors vary by country and vehicle type, and there are two main types: AC connectors for slower chargers and DC connectors for rapid chargers.
Type 1 Connectors
Type 1 connectors are found on some older electric cars, such as the early Nissan Leaf, and they have five pins that can support up to 7kW of AC charging. They are also known as SAE J1772 connectors or J Plugs and are primarily used in North America and Japan. Type 1 connectors can charge up to 80 amps using 240 volts input, providing a maximum power output of 19.2 kW. They do not have a locking mechanism, which is a drawback as it allows only single-phase use.
Type 2 Connectors
Type 2 connectors are found in most modern EV models, especially in the UK and Europe. They consist of seven pins and can support up to 22kW of AC charging. This type of connector includes a locking mechanism, preventing tampering or unauthorised removal of the charging cable. Type 2 connectors are commonly used in home and workplace charging points.
CHAdeMO Connectors
CHAdeMO connectors are used for DC fast charging and can support up to 400kW of power. They were the first rapid charging connectors, originating from Japan, but they are being phased out in favour of CSS Type 2 connectors. Only a few electric cars still use this connector, including some Nissan models.
CCS Combo Type 1 and Type 2 Connectors
The Combined Charging System (CCS) is widely used for rapid and ultra-rapid charging. It integrates a Type 2 connector with additional power pins for DC fast charging, supporting up to 350kW of power. CCS Combo Type 1 connectors are not found in the UK or Europe but are common in North America and Asia. CCS Combo Type 2 connectors, on the other hand, are used by most electric cars sold in the UK for rapid DC charging.
Tesla Connectors
Tesla, a prominent electric car manufacturer, has its own proprietary connectors. Tesla's Supercharger network provides rapid DC charging to its drivers, using either a Tesla Type 2 connector or a Tesla CCS connector, depending on the model. These connectors can charge at up to 150 kW.
GB/T Connectors
In China, under the supervision of the Guobiao Standardization Commission, the GB/T plug was developed, and it is currently the only type of connector used in the country. While it may look similar to the Type 2 connector, the cables are arranged in reverse order, making them incompatible.
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Frequently asked questions
You can recharge your electric vehicle at home, work, public locations, and service stations.
You can recharge your electric vehicle at home by plugging it into a standard 120-volt home outlet (Level 1) or a 208-240V outlet (Level 2). Level 1 charging is the slowest but the most accessible way to charge an electric car.
The time it takes to recharge an electric vehicle depends on the vehicle and the type of charger. Level 1 charging will replenish about 4 to 5 miles of range per hour, while Level 2 charging can replenish about 20 miles of range per hour.
You can use the Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) Station Locator or download the mobile app to find public charging stations for your electric vehicle. You can also use charging network apps to authenticate and pay at DC fast-charging stations.
Charging stations vary between AC and DC power. Chargers at levels 1 and 2 output AC, while level 3 provides DC power. You should also be aware of your car's charging connector, as you will need a compatible charging station.
