Introduction to the EV charging station
In recent years there has been a significant rise in the number of electric vehicle owners. EVs are becoming increasingly popular, and it is vital to understand electric car chargers – from installation to usage.
Electric car chargers are devices that provide electric power to recharge EVs. There are three types of electric car chargers: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. Level 1 chargers are the slowest charging speed, while Level 3 chargers are the fastest.
As the rise of more electric vehicles comes so will the rise of this vehicle charge point homeowners. In this blog, we will go over what EVs are and how to manage your electric car chargers at your charge point home too. This will be the basics for more information contact Cutting Edge Electric.
What are EVs?
Electric Vehicle owners can install Level 2 chargers at their homes to conveniently charge their vehicles. These chargers can provide a range of 10-60 miles per hour of charging. The cost of installing an at-home EV charger can vary depending on the charger’s amperage, the distance between the charger, the electrical capacity, the electrical panel, and other factors. On average, a new EV and charger installation can cost between $300 and $1,500.
By 2019, it was estimated that there were close to 7.3 million chargers worldwide. About 6.5 billion of those were privately owned. These trickle-charging units were by the homeowners and were found in apartment buildings and workplaces.
Like any other electrical device, these chargers require maintenance to ensure that they operate efficiently. Regular cleaning, checking connections, and testing are essential. Ensuring that you know how to properly install the unit is important. If you don’t know how to install the unit then you need to contact a local electrician with that knowledge.
EV charging stations are public locations where electric car chargers can charge their vehicles. These public stations can be found in shopping centers, airports, and other public areas. Level 3 charging stations are typically found at EV charging stations. EV charging stations make it easy for EV owners to charge their vehicles while out and about. They also help promote the use of EVs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Charging Stations
The three types of charging stations are easy to understand. Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 are portable units also known as DC units (direct current). You are able to have electric car chargers at home which is a huge benefit. Here is a breakdown of each of the other features of the units and how much power they provide:
- Level 1: The standard electronic vehicle charging the unit with 120-volt single-phase AC of up to 16 amps. They are limited to 12 amps and can deliver up to a 1.9-kilowatt (kW) charge rate or about 5 miles of range per hour of charging. These units can be used with standard household wall outlets. This makes it simple for any homeowners to have as the 120-volt outlets are readily available.
- Level 2: These units require 240 volts, and they increase the range of charging speed. With up to 80 amps power rating, they can power up to a 19.2-kilowatt charge rate or up to 60 miles of range per hour of charging t
ime. This is a substantial increase over the Level 1 unit. This is one of the most useful units for your electric vehicle. Level 2 chargers require exclusive charging equipment and an electrical circuit of 20 to 100 amps. - DC Level 3: These stations use a 480-volt unit and can provide up to 80% charge in only 30 minutes. This is equivalent to 249 miles per hour of charging. They are, however, not compatible with all vehicles. Also, known as DC fast charging. These units are made for those knowledgeable about their home chargers.
The Cost of Installation
The installation costs for this charging equipment can vary depending on the location and labor. For example, the Level 1 charger costs between $300 to $600 before labor which after labor could be at about $1,000 to $1,700. Level 2 chargers go higher, with the cost increased to between $500 and $700 and labor costs around $1,200 to $2,000. For a Level 3 charging station, you will need anywhere between $20,000 and $50,000 just for the parts. Not to mention labor could cost up to $50,000. Just remember that if the process needs more labor or more parts it could cost more.
How To Calculate the Electricity Costs of EV Chargers
The costs of the chargers can be calculated by following these steps:
- Determine the power rating of the charger: The power rating of an EV charger is measured in kilowatts (kW). This information is usually provided by the manufacturer or can be found on the charger itself.
- Determine the charging time: The time it takes to fully charge an EV battery will depend on the size of the battery, the power rating of the charger, and the starting charge level of the battery. For example, a 60 kWh battery might take 8 hours to charge on a 7.2 kW charger, assuming it starts at a 20% charge level.
- Determine the electricity rate: The cost of electricity varies depending on the location and the provider. You can find this information on your electricity bill or by contacting your provider.
- Calculate the electricity cost: To calculate the cost of charging an EV, multiply the power rating of the charger by the charging time to determine the total energy used in kilowatt-hours (kWh). Then, multiply the total energy used by the electricity rate to determine the cost of the electricity used.
The Benefit of an EV Charging station
Installing a home charging station save you a lot of time and money. You have the opportunity to have federal support and the assistance nationwide network of technicians to get everything set up. The cost of gas and regular maintenance can add up to the hefty cost of making an electric car with it in the long run. With an average of 12.6 cents/kWh. When you charge your vehicle with a 100-mile range fully at home, by the time you deplete the battery, the cost will be the same as operating your central air conditioner for six hours. Using solar panels to charge your electric vehicle will also save you a lot in the long run, in terms of electricity bills, Up-front the cost is high, but in the long run, your home’s electrical system will be better.
The Future of Electric Chargers
As the future comes we will see more electrical upgrades. It’s inevitable that more people will turn toward electric vehicles. Charging speeds will improve, battery capacity will increase, costs will go down compared to the Tesla wall connector, and most EV drivers now will have more knowledge. Nontesla connector charging areas will be created and will be widely available.
Conclusion
Electric car chargers are an essential component of the best EV charger installation and ecosystem. Whether you are installing an EV charger at home or using one at a public charging station, understanding the basics of electric car chargers is crucial. As an electrician, I recommend consulting with a licensed and qualified electrician to test EV chargers and ensure it is installed correctly and operates efficiently.
Contact Cutting Edge Electric if you’re looking for certified EV charger installation. We have a qualified licensed electrician who will make sure your charger is properly and safely installed and that we comply with all regulations. Furthermore, some EV charging points will lose their warranty, if not installed by a certified electrician. You don’t want to risk that.
