The world has watched as electric cars have gone from ugly and slow to sleek and fast in the past ten years. This is happening because of new advancements in technology, increased consumer demand for environmentally friendly vehicles, and policies that favor electric vehicle production.
Yet to fully realize the promise of electric vehicles, we need to make charging stations more widespread and less expensive. With the widespread availability of EV chargers, EV owners will plug in at home or work rather than using public charging stations.
While the market for electric cars is rapidly growing and is led by consumer demand for EVs, the business case for national governments to shift fleet vehicles onto clean energy propulsion has been challenged by the “uncertainty” around financing costs and the timing of legislative changes. Additionally, the availability of EV charging infrastructures is also a potential barrier to the wider uptake of EVs.
In the words of Edmund King, Executive President of the Automobile Association (AA), “The availability of charging points for electric cars is still a significant issue, and this needs to be addressed. A national plan for rapid chargers along all major routes would be a great help.”
While some efforts are underway to boost charging infrastructure in countries like Norway, more drivers will avoid electric cars until public charging stations are more common and less expensive.
Therefore, charging infrastructure is needed to make EVs as convenient as gasoline-powered cars. And to get the most out of electric vehicle infrastructure investment, useful data about electric car charging habits should be available for drivers.
Before now, however, there has not been an easy way to record your electric vehicle charging data. But this is the nature of the problem: businesses and consumers need a single place to store their data, and it needs to be easy.
New Fuels Tracking API allows us to do that. This API pulls together information about charging times, the availability of public charging stations nearby, and more.
Choosing the Right Home Charger
Most electric cars come equipped with an onboard charger at purchase. People only need to plug in the car when parked overnight in this scenario. They will have enough power to travel between charges without worrying about recharging their car’s battery.
There are a few things to know about the charge times of different models before you purchase a home charging system.
The three main types of charging units available today are AC Level 1, AC Level 2, and DC Fast Chargers. While these can all be used to power your EV at home or at public stations, each is better suited for specific uses.
Level 1 charging is done via 240V wall outlets, which can typically add 3 miles of range per hour. Level 2 charging levels up the pace, adding 15 miles of range per hour at 240V outlets. Fast chargers can add 50-80 miles of range per hour and require access to 480V power.
Level 1 charging is thus best suited for overnight charging during your off-hours, also known as “trickle charging.” Fast charging is better suited for in-town trips when you have access to a public station or need a quick boost while driving.
Research shows that most EV drivers use AC Level 1 charging, so we recommend purchasing a wall charger that plugs into the same power outlet as your car. This ensures you can take advantage of the benefits of both types of charging without changing chargers.
While a DC Fast Charger is better for highway driving (as it has no limit on its power output), most drivers will not need this speed. Picks with a 13 or 15-amp plug are available.
An AC Level 2 charger will charge your EV twice as quickly as a Level 1 plug. This makes it possible to recharge at the office or on the go if you have access to a DC Fast Charger. It can add up to 40 miles of range per hour.
Most EV models support using an AC Level 2 charger. If you go this route, check with your car’s manufacturer for compatibility. The most convenient solution for many families is to charge their EVs at home using a Level 2 charger.
5 Common Questions:
1. How Long Does It Take to Charge My Electric Car?
Fast charging for most EVs can power up a battery in less than an hour but using a Level 2 charger typically takes four to eight hours to recharge a battery. Speed varies based on the size of the battery (larger batteries can be charged more quickly) and whether you have a Level 1, 2, or 3 chargers.
2. How Do I Install a Home Charger?
The good news is that it isn’t difficult to install your level 1 or level 2 charger. Level 1 charging is done via 240V outlets. Level 2 charging, the most common type of charging, uses 240V outlets but charges at a higher voltage. Fast chargers require access to a 480V power source and should be installed by professionals. In addition, some EVs come equipped with a special charger called a “dual-port charger,” which allows users to plug their vehicle into an available 240V outlet and charge the battery at the same time.
3. What Is a Home Charging Station?
A home charging station is an electric car charger that you install at your home or business. Home charging stations can be wired into your circuits, or instead, they might work with solar panels or other renewable energy technologies to charge the car batteries. If you want to install a home charging station, you can reach out to electricians from Arc Angel Electric, who will install one.
4. Is It Compulsory to Install a Home Charging Station for an Electric Car?
It is not compulsory for EV owners to get a home charging station. However, if you want to drive an electric vehicle, you should consider getting one. It will also help to reduce your carbon footprint if you use renewable energy as the power source of your home charging station. If you cannot install one of your own, you can also ask qualified electricians from Arc Angel Electric to install one for you.
5. Where Do I Install My Home Charging Unit?
Once you have your charging station installed, you’ll need to ensure it works properly and is accessible. Ensure that the outlet nearest your car is within 10 feet of the vehicle and on a durable surface like concrete or tile. If power fails, a safety switch will automatically cut off power to your car if it’s not fully charged. Arc Angel Electric offers electric car charging station installation services.
Contact a Professional
Families who own electric vehicles in Atlanta, GA, and the surrounding areas and want to install a home charging station or require maintenance can connect with a qualified electrician from Arc Angel Electric today. We have electricians specializing in installing and maintaining home charging stations. Our technicians will help you install a level 1 or level 2 charging station. We also offer generator installation, new construction electrical services, security lighting installation, and smart home automation. Contact Arc Angel Electric today if you have any home charging station questions or concerns.
