Electric vehicle charging station
Going electric means you won't have to visit the gas station as often, if at all. That can save you time and money, especially as gas prices rise.
EVs use batteries to store electricity that power the motor. Like your smartphone, if that energy is gone, the car won't work.
How to find a charging station
With more than 108,000 charging stations across the country, there are plenty of places to juice up your EV. Several different apps and websites can help you find nearby chargers, including the built-in navigation system in many EV models and third-party services like Plug In America and network operator apps. You can also use Google Maps, though results will vary by location and may not always be accurate.
These apps can display the type of connector a station uses, which will help you plan your route. You can also search for “EV charging station” on Google, which will show you locations and their prices.
Some apps let you filter by speed, so you can quickly find the fastest charging stations. They can also display how much it will cost to charge a particular vehicle, and whether there are any special amenities at the site, such as restrooms or places to eat.
If you have an EV with a built-in Connected Car feature, it can automatically detect a charging station and send your vehicle’s unique identification number to the station. This will allow you to bypass the usual payment steps and just drive up to the charger. This feature is not yet available for all EVs, and it can take a few seconds to activate.
Some apps will even offer you the option to pre-pay for your charging session, which can save you time and hassle at busy stations. However, the amount you pay can still vary by station and payment method, so it’s best to have a few methods for paying for charging at the ready. In addition, it’s important to understand a charging curve, which will help you make the most of your charging experience on the road. It typically makes sense to begin charging at a low level and to stop your charging session when you get to 80 percent.
What type of charger do I need?
You’ll have to decide whether to charge your EV at home, work or public stations and this will impact the types (and speeds) of charging available to you. Most people choose to charge their EVs at home and this is typically done using a level 1 AC charger, which is also known as an EVSE or a charging station.
Level 1 charging is a standard three-pin plug that can be used to charge most EVs. Typically, this is done overnight while the car is parked. This type of charging adds about 3.5-6.5 miles of range per hour of charging time.
If you want to increase the speed of charging at home, consider getting a level 2 charger with an output of 240V. The kW or power output of the charger is important as this will determine how quickly your car will charge. Depending on your EV, commute and driving style, you may be able to benefit from a higher kW output for even quicker charging times.
The fastest way to charge your EV is to use a public DC fast charger. This can be found at many fuel retailers and service stations. Most of these stations offer a Type 2 socket that can be connected to most EVs using either a CHAdeMO or CCS connector. Some of these stations have a cord attached that you can plug into your vehicle, or you can purchase a portable cable with a matching connector for your own car.
When considering a home charger electrician boynton beach from Ampi Electric company can help you, it’s best to install it close to your electrical panel so that you don’t have to run conduit between the two. It’s also helpful to install it outdoors if possible, as this will reduce the risk of it being damaged by rain or snow. If the charger isn’t already hardwired to your home, look for a model that can be mounted on a post or in your garage and comes with a cord organizer bracket to keep the cord off the ground and out of the way. You should also look for a weatherproof charger that’s rated for outdoor use and can be installed with a GFCI outlet.
How much does a charging station cost?
A home charging station costs $250-$400 to install, depending on the type of charger and whether you choose to have it hard-wired or plug in. The electrical experts at Ampi Electric can help you select the amperage needed to meet your needs while keeping your expenses down. An electrician will need to install a dedicated 240-volt line for Level 2 charging, which refreshes a drained battery in about four hours. This is the same type of charging available at public stations and workplaces. EV owners may need to also invest in an external Level 2 charging unit, called electric vehicle service equipment (EVSE), which can cost $300-$1,200.
EV owners can also find Level 2 chargers in multiunit housing complexes and parking garages. These typically require an account with the charging network and a special card to wave in front of the station. Chargers are priced per kilowatt-hour, or kWh, with prices generally higher at peak times when electricity demand is highest.
The quickest way to recharge an electric car is with DC Fast Charging, also known as rapid charging. These are found at a growing number of public stations and some private workplaces, as well as some dealerships. DC Fast Charging uses high-voltage direct current to add about 100 miles of range to an EV in just 30 minutes.
Residential homeowners can use Level 1 charging at their homes, which works best for plug-in hybrids or smaller battery-electric cars. A cable that plugs directly into a standard 120-volt outlet provides up to 40 miles of driving range per eight hours of charging.
If you’re considering a larger battery-electric car or want to use a DC Fast Charger, it’s worth investing in an at-home charging station. This can improve charging speeds and, with some, allows you to monitor and schedule your car’s refueling via a smartphone app.
Some EVs also come with built-in navigation systems that help drivers locate public charging stations on the go. Download a few free apps to help you find the best and most convenient charging options on your next road trip. Many apps even let you know if the plugs are in use or if they’re not working. And don’t forget that you can reduce your energy costs by charging at night, when electricity rates are usually the lowest.
Where can I find a charging station?
Electric vehicle charging stations are available in many different locations, including shopping centers, parking garages and workplaces. Some require payment or a membership to use, but others are free to use. There are also apps that can help you find a station along your route.
EVs have large, traction batteries that are charged from home or at public and private charging stations to power their electric motors. The electric motor provides instant torque, which makes it more efficient than gas-powered engines. EVs produce no tailpipe emissions, which improves air quality and reduces noise pollution.
The EV owner's manual will provide instructions on how to charge at home and at a public charger. It may also have information on what type of charging station is required, and how long it takes to fully charge. Some EVs can be charged as quickly as 90 minutes, which allows for long distance travel with a full tank of fuel.
In the United States, most EV owners use Level 2 chargers (208/240-volt). PWC has four EV charging stations South Florida.
A great feature which shows the current availability of each charging station. This is retrieved in real time from the operators and displayed on each station overview. The app can also tell you if the charger is occupied or out of service, which helps to avoid driving to a station that is not working.
Having access to affordable and convenient charging is essential for people considering an EV purchase. Without this, the opportunity to drive an EV will be limited to those who can afford to add a charger at home or have access to a workplace that offers them a place to charge.
Going electric means you won't have to visit the gas station as often, if at all. That can save you time and money, especially as gas prices rise. EVs use batteries to store electricity that power the motor. Like your smartphone, if that energy is gone, the car won't work. How to find a charging…