Katerina Swanson
Electric cars, or electric vehicles (EVs), are powered by electricity and do not contain the typical liquid fuel components of conventional cars, such as a fuel pump, fuel line, or fuel tank. Instead, they use a large traction battery pack to power the electric motor and must be plugged into a wall outlet or charging equipment, also known as electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE). As most EV charging is done at home, this paragraph will outline the steps to fuel an electric car at home.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Where to charge | At home, using a standard outlet or a wall charger |
| Home charging equipment | A 110-volt-compatible, or Level 1, home connector kit |
| Public charging equipment | Level 2 charging stations |
| Charge port | Allows the vehicle to connect to an external power supply |
| Onboard charger | Converts AC electricity to DC power for charging the battery |
| Power electronics controller | Manages the flow of electrical energy delivered by the battery |
| Thermal system | Maintains a proper operating temperature range for the engine, motor, and other components |
| Traction battery pack | Stores electricity for use by the electric traction motor |
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What You'll Learn
Charging an electric car at home
For faster charging, you can install Level 2 (240 V) charging equipment in your home. This equipment is wired directly into your domestic electricity supply and may require a certified electrician. It can be installed indoors or outdoors, in a garage or private parking lot, and is typically mounted to a wall or available as a plug-in version. Level 2 charging can deliver an optimal battery charge of 80% in 4 to 5 hours, at a charging speed of approximately 22.5 km per hour for a plug-in hybrid and up to 45 km per hour for an all-electric vehicle.
When choosing a Level 2 charging station, consider your needs and lifestyle. Some stations offer advanced features such as data collection, user interface systems, charging timers, and communications capabilities. Additionally, "smart" Level 2 stations allow you to view your charging history and schedule charging sessions at specific times. If you live in an area with cold weather, certain models are better adapted to lower temperatures.
It is important to consult vehicle manufacturer guidance and local regulations when installing charging equipment. A site installation plan may need to be submitted to the permitting authority for approval. You should also ensure your home has adequate electrical capacity for vehicle charging, and consider any available incentives or rebates for installing charging equipment.
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Using a standard outlet
Electric cars, or battery electric vehicles (BEVs), have an electric motor instead of an internal combustion engine. They use a large traction battery pack to power the motor and must be plugged into a wall outlet or charging equipment, also known as electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE).
While this method is simple and accessible, it is important to note that it can take a significant amount of time to fully charge your vehicle. It may take over 24 hours to reach an optimal battery charge of 80% at a speed of about 9 km per hour. Therefore, it is often recommended to use the Level 1 charging kit for recharging on the road or in emergencies, rather than as a primary charging method.
If you are considering using a standard outlet for regular charging, it is worth evaluating your needs and lifestyle. For instance, if you have a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) with a small battery, a standard outlet may be sufficient for your charging needs. However, if you require faster charging or have a larger battery, you may want to explore other options, such as installing a Level 2 wall charger.
It is worth noting that charging your electric vehicle at home, regardless of the method, offers several benefits. It is generally the most affordable and convenient way to charge your car, and most electric vehicle drivers perform over 80% of their charging at home.
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Installing a wall charger
Location and Placement:
The location of your wall charger is crucial for ease of use and installation costs. Consult an electrician to determine the best spot, considering the proximity to your electrical service panel and the vehicle's charge port. The charger should be installed within 15 to 20 feet of the vehicle's charge port, with the cable easily reaching the port regardless of its position on the car. If possible, mount the charger between two vehicles in a two-car garage to provide equal access. Consider the size and protrusion of the charger, especially in tight spaces, and ensure it doesn't hinder vehicle access or movement.
Electrical Requirements and Installation:
Electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) is the technical term for a charger. It supplies 240-volt power to your EV and is typically wall-mounted. Ensure your home's electrical service can accommodate this requirement. The installation process involves plugging the wall station into the outlet and turning on the double circuit breakers on the electric service panel. Some chargers may require separate cable holder installation, while others have built-in cable management.
Cost Considerations:
The cost of a Level 2 EV wall charger, including installation and materials, typically ranges from $1,500 to $1,800, but prices can vary depending on various factors. If you need to install a 120 V outlet, the cost can range from $130 to $300. Wi-Fi-enabled wall chargers with a permanent wall station can cost between $500 and $800.
Additional Tips:
- Look for a charger with a high-quality coupler that allows for smooth plugging and unplugging.
- Consider the ability to delay charging via an app to take advantage of off-peak electricity rates.
- If your charger doesn't come with a hook for the connector, you can use a wall-mounted holder for a garden hose, which can be purchased at any hardware store.
- If you're a first-time EV owner, consider starting with a Level 1 charger, as it may be sufficient for your needs, especially with shorter commutes.
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Charging station options
Electric vehicles (EVs) can be charged at home or at public charging stations. Charging at home is the most affordable and convenient way to charge an electric car. All electric vehicles come with a 110-volt-compatible, or Level 1, home connector kit, which can be plugged into a standard outlet. However, this method can be slow, taking over 24 hours to deliver an optimal battery charge.
A faster way to charge your electric car at home is with a Level 2 charging station, which can be installed on the side of your house, in a garage, or in your private parking lot. These stations vary in response to the increasing number of electric vehicle models available, so you can choose one that suits your needs and lifestyle. Some models are mounted to a wall, while others are available as plug-in versions that can be moved. There are also "smart" Level 2 charging stations that allow you to view your charging history or schedule charging sessions at specific times of the day.
Public charging stations, also called electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), offer faster charging but are more expensive and have higher energy requirements. These stations are typically used when on the road and can be found at locations such as garages and parking lots.
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Electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE)
Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment, or EVSE, is the industry's technical term for the equipment that controls the transfer of electricity from the local power supply to an electric vehicle (EV) so that its batteries can recharge safely and efficiently. The more common name for EVSE is an "EV charger" or "charging station".
EVSE options range from simple to complex, with multiple form factors, use cases, charging levels, connectors, standards, and protocols. The type of connector used depends on the level and type of charger, whether it outputs AC or DC electricity, and what connector standard the EVSE supplier or EV charging service provider (EVSP) is supporting, as well as your location.
At a minimum, an EVSE consists of the main relay, which turns the power flow to the vehicle on or off, a control module that manages the relay and the charging session, a power supply that powers the control module and the relay, an electrical circuit for every charging socket (port) or fixed cable attachment, and optionally some kind of user interface like an LCD screen.
There are three main parts to an EVSE: the software (including communications protocols) that makes everything run, the enclosure of the charging station, and the plug. The software helps ensure everything runs smoothly. The enclosure can take several forms, ranging from wall mounts to the towers you see by some gas stations. The plug is sometimes the most confusing part, as different charging stations use different plug connectors, usually decided by the region and whether the station is Level 2 or Level 3.
Level 1 charging uses 120-volt AC connectors and takes up to 20 hours for a full charge. Level 2 charging uses 208- to 240-volt AC connectors and takes 5 to 6 hours for a full charge. Level 3 charging uses 400- to 900-volt DC connectors and takes 30 to 45 minutes for a full charge, or 15 minutes for an ultrafast charge.
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Frequently asked questions
Electric cars are fuelled by being plugged into a wall outlet or charging equipment, also known as electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE). This can be done at home, at work, or at a public charging station.
The time it takes to charge an electric car depends on the charging equipment and the size of the vehicle's battery and its available charging capacity. However, most EV models can go above 200 miles on a fully charged battery, so charging does not need to be done too often.
Filling up an electric vehicle at a charging station is not too different from fuelling a gas car. However, electric cars are generally more comfortable and responsive to drive, with less noise, better traction, and quicker acceleration.
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