Electric Vehicle owners can plug their cars in at home, work or one of the growing number of public charging stations. There are three levels of chargers: Level 1 uses standard 120 V outlets; Level 2 can hook up 240 volt connections and Level 3 DC fast-chargers can quickly fill an EV’s battery to near full in minutes.
Home Chargers
Installing a Level 2 charger in your garage or driveway can significantly lower the costs associated with owning and driving an electric car. HomeAdvisor reports an estimated average installation price range from $518-$1,273, depending on factors like your location and whether additional wiring upgrades need to be done; state and federal tax credits as well as utility company rebates can further help to bring down this expense; you can use Consumer Report’s EV Incentive Finder tool to find these incentives near you.
Some EV models can charge from any standard 120-volt household outlet using Level 1 charging, which adds about 3 to 4 miles per hour of charge. It may be useful for drivers who only travel short distances or don’t wish to purchase an expensive charging station station for their home.
Many EVs come equipped with cords designed to plug into regular outlet, and many can charge overnight while their driver sleeps. But home charging stations provide an even faster and more convenient solution, mounted near where the vehicle is parked and connected via a 240-volt plug that resembles an extension cord with a box at one end – sometimes called “EVSE (electric-vehicle supply equipment). Some units include digital displays with Wi-Fi capability so drivers can monitor status updates remotely or provide remote control capabilities.
Devices designed as electric vehicle (EV) chargers also contain multiple connectors to meet different vehicle standards and can serve both public and private charging stations. You can find such chargers at home improvement stores or car dealers, while Francis Energy in Tulsa, Oklahoma operates networks of EV charging points to accommodate dealers, communities and businesses.
If you decide to install a home charging station, it is advisable to hire an electrical contractor with experience installing them. In certain areas a permit or inspection may be necessary before work can begin; most EVSE providers offer home installations of their chargers and can offer advice as to where it should be mounted best. Installation generally takes just a few hours and most providers are happy to show how to use and answer any queries about how the charger functions.
Workplace Chargers
Electric vehicle charging at work offers businesses numerous advantages, from employee satisfaction and brand support to sustainability and carbon emissions reductions. Furthermore, charging stations reduce carbon emissions associated with employee commutes and travel.
Workplace EV charging is particularly critical in office buildings with parking areas large enough to accommodate electric vehicles. Offering workplace charging can encourage employees to drive EV, attract and retain skilled talent and help a business achieve LEED or other sustainability certifications.
Before installing an electric vehicle (EV) charger in the workplace, it is vital to create a comprehensive charging policy outlining usage rules and access requirements. A business should determine who can use their chargers when (e.g. only during working hours), whether employees can charge their vehicles free and how much time each day can be spent charging; additionally, adding an etiquette section will promote a positive and respectful culture surrounding the use of chargers.
If a business chooses to charge for the use of electric vehicle (EV) chargers, it is imperative they clearly outline their payment structure and how payments should be made. Furthermore, having a “charging champion” at each EV charging point could prove invaluable when helping resolve issues related to equipment or any related matters.
Businesses can offer different charging speeds at the workplace depending on the vehicle and budget, with most opting for Level 2 stations compatible with most popular EVs and capable of fully charging in 3-7 hours; but others may opt for 22 kW or 50 kW fast chargers if costs don’t become prohibitive.
Businesses considering providing workplace charging should register their EV drivers or implement some sort of internal registration or ticketing system to effectively manage a workforce that might use chargers in large numbers. This can be an effective way of preventing overuse and misuse while also guaranteeing only authorized users have access.
Public Chargers
Public electric cars charging stations can be found everywhere from shopping centers and restaurants to parking garages and airports, train and bus stations and sports stadiums.
Electric Vehicle (EV) drivers can locate public chargers easily via websites and apps like PlugShare. You can compare rates from multiple networks and identify available chargers nearby, while some EV networks like Electrify America and ChargePoint feature apps that streamline payment and allow drivers to monitor battery levels on their car while also monitoring charge progress. You may also utilize your onboard trip planner in your EV to help locate public charging locations along their journeys.
Public charging stations typically require an access card or mobile app for payment and activation, with fees typically increasing during daytime hours compared to evening. Some are free while others charge various fees; prices tend to increase during daylight hours than during evening. Charging networks such as EVgo, blink, Electrify America and Greenlots offer membership plans which cover usage of their network of chargers at a monthly fee.
electric cars charging stations for home can also be installed in garages, driveways and backyards for convenient charging of electric vehicles. These charging stations operate on 240 Volts with fixed cables connecting directly to your electric car – these are known as Level 2 charging stations and typically provide twice the speed of Level 1 chargers. Home charging stations require the services of an electrician in order to properly wire it according to electrical appliance wiring standards such as an electric stove or clothes dryer (a dedicated 20 or 60 amp circuit depending on your needs).
With more EVs being sold each year, public EV chargers have seen exponential growth. Fast chargers with power ratings exceeding 22 kW more than doubled relative to 2018. Meanwhile, slower charging stations continue to expand over time – many cities and states plan to add more in near future.
Мобильные приложения
Many electric car drivers rely on charging apps to locate public stations. You can also learn pricing information and whether a charger is currently unavailable (due to fees or otherwise).
PlugShare and ChargePoint are the most widely used EV charging apps, each receiving 4.5 stars on Apple and Android. Both provide access to an extensive network of EV chargers – such as Tesla Superchargers that can only be used with Tesla cars – as well as home charging station setup.
Volta offers one of the largest networks of free EV charging stations in the US. Their app lets users check availability and locate stations at malls, shopping centers, department stores, and other retailers; you can even reserve spots ahead of time at most Volta stations; additionally it reveals details such as connector type, charge level and how long charging stalls may charge without incurring fees.
Other options, like EVgo and Electrify America, offer fewer stations across the US; however, the latter’s app integrates with CarPlay and Android Auto to make use on an electric vehicle’s touchscreen simple. Furthermore, its feature that makes finding chargers at shopping centers, supermarkets and retail locations simpler makes this an appealing solution.
Some EV charging apps allow you to connect with other electric car owners, sharing tips and advice. Others provide tutorials on how to use an EV charger compatible with your vehicle and which charging stations may offer services in your area.
Finally, some apps allow you to subscribe to green energy plans through your electricity provider and ensure that all the energy used to power your electric car comes from renewable sources such as wind or solar rather than fossil fuels.
Your ideal apps for an electric vehicle (EV) depend on your preferences and its built-in software. For instance, Tesla provides its own app which provides comprehensive information regarding charging stations and battery usage.