Electric vehicles are becoming regarded as the future of transportation. They’re quiet, they never have to stop at a gas station, and there is no need for oil changes. The only thing you have to do regularly is plug them in as you would any other device that requires a power source.
Charging electric vehicles (EVs) can be done differently, depending on the type of EV and the available infrastructure. The two main categories of charging are charging types and charging levels.
Here, we’ll go into more details regarding these factors involved in charging an electric vehicle and how it applies to consumer use.
Charging Types vs Charging Levels
Charging types are direct current (DC) or alternating current (AC). These charging levels are characterized as either slow or fast. Charging levels are less of how electricity enters the car battery and more capacity, and charging levels indicate the volume of electricity involved in the charging process.
Charging types
The distinction between AC and DC charging is where the electricity gets converted; inside or outside the automobile.
Alternating Current (AC)
There are two types of vehicle-side AC connections, each intended for top-up charging at home, at work, and other typical destinations.
When charging an electric car with alternating current, the onboard system (also known as the onboard charger) is utilized, which performs the conversion of outlet current into battery current. The inverter converts alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC), which is then sent to the car battery.
Direct Current (DC)
There are three different types of DC automobile connectors, each with advantages and disadvantages. Car-side DC charging connections are most frequently used for on-route rapid charging. Unlike an AC charger, a DC charger includes its converter within the device, which means it can directly deliver charging power to the car’s battery and does not require the onboard charger to convert it.
Charging Levels
Level 1, level 2, and level 3 are the three levels of EV charging. In general, the higher the charging level, the greater the power output and the faster your electric car will charge.
Level 1 – Portable EVSE
A level one charger requires its own dedicated circuit and uses a 120 volt alternating-current plug to charge, providing 8 to 12 hours of use to fully charge an empty battery.
Level 2 – Charging Station
Level 2 EVSEs, like those found at restaurants and shopping malls, use a greater-output 240-volt power source, such as the one you would use to plug your oven or clothes dryer into. Because most EV drivers discover that they do the bulk of their charging at home, having a Level 2 EVSE at home is common.
Level 3 – High Voltage DC Fast Charging
Level 3 charging is the most rapid method of recharging an EV, with a maximum efficiency of 3 to 20 miles per minute. Level 3 charging, unlike Levels 1 and 2, which utilize alternating current (AC), uses direct current (DC).
There are several factors to consider when selecting a charger. You can choose from numerous manufacturers and models, so carefully decide. Only pick a charger that has been certified as safe, and have it installed by a qualified electrician.
