Charging an electric car is a common problem for new EV owners. Many people wonder about the best methods, costs, and convenience of charging. This complete guide will answer all those questions and make it easy for you to understand how to charge your electric vehicle (EV) efficiently.
For nearly 85% of electric car drivers, home charging is the preferred method. It’s convenient, cost-effective, and allows you to charge your vehicle overnight while you sleep.
How to Charge at Home
The simple way to charge at home is by using the standard charger that comes with your vehicle. Just plug it into a regular household outlet, connect the other end to your car, and you’re good to go. However, this method has a significant downside, it’s quite slow. Charging your electric car using a standard outlet can take up to two days, which isn’t practical for those who drive a lot.
If you need a quicker solution, consider installing a dedicated home charger, such as the Evnex E2 7 kW charger. This type of charger is designed specifically for electric vehicles and can fully charge most cars overnight. It’s also programmable, allowing you to charge during off-peak hours when electricity rates are lower.
The installation of a home charging station can cost between $2,000 to $3,000 including the charger and installation fees. While this is a significant investment, it can save you money compared to annual petrol costs.
Public Charging Options
What if you can’t charge at home? Don’t worry, there are plenty of public charging stations available. Public charging can be categorized into two main types: AC charging and DC rapid charging.
AC Charging
AC chargers are often found in shopping centers, malls, and various businesses. Many of these chargers are free to use, encouraging customers to visit. However, they typically charge at a rate of 7 kW to 11 kW, meaning it can take several hours to charge your car fully. These chargers are best used when you plan to be parked for an extended period, such as while you’re at work or shopping.
One downside is that not all public AC chargers come with cables, so you may need to invest in your own charging cable as an extra expense.
DC Rapid Charging
If you’re on a road trip and need to charge quickly, DC rapid chargers are the way to go. These chargers can charge your vehicle at speeds up to 50 kW, allowing you to go from 10% to 80% in about an hour. If you’re using a hyper-rapid charger, you can even achieve this in as little as 18 minutes!
When using a DC charger, it’s essential to choose the correct plug type for your vehicle. The two common types are CCS (Combined Charging System), which fits most modern electric cars, and typically used with older models like the Nissan Leaf. Once connected, activate the charger using the key or mobile app provided by the charging network.
Understanding Charging Times
The time it takes to charge your electric car depends on the charger type and your vehicle’s capabilities. For example, while a 7 kW charger might take overnight to charge your car, a 50 kW DC charger can significantly reduce that time.
Charging Speed Comparisons
Here’s a quick comparison of charging speeds:
- 7 kW AC Charger: Charges overnight.
- 50 kW DC Charger: Charges from 10% to 80% in about 1 hour.
- 300 kW Hyper-Rapid Charger: Charges from 10% to 80% in about 18 minutes for compatible cars.
Why Charge to 80%?
You might wonder why it’s recommended to charge to 80% instead of 100%. The reason is that charging slows down significantly as the battery fills up. The last 20% can take just as long as the first 80%, so unless you need that extra range, it’s best to stop at 80%.
Cost of Charging Your EV
Charging costs can vary depending on your energy source. If you charge using solar panels, it can be free! However, if you’re charging from the, you’ll pay based on your electricity provider’s rates.
For example, charging a vehicle for a range of about 400 km typically costs around $14 on a renewable energy plan. In alternative, using a rapid charger could cost you around $50.
Finding Charging Stations
When you are planning a road trip, knowing where to charge is instantly. Apps like ChargeNet and PlugShare can help you locate charging stations along your route. For a hassle-free experience, consider using A Better Route Planner, which will plan your trip and suggest a good number of charging stations.
Charging in Rainy Weather
Charging your electric car in the rain is safe. All chargers have built-in safety mechanisms to ensure safe operation, in any weather conditions.
