Jan. 13, 2025
Welcome to the complete guide to EV charging basics. Whether you&#;re new to electric vehicles or just looking to understand more about charging, this guide covers everything you need to know. From types of chargers and connectors to efficient charging strategies, we&#;ve got you covered!
Click here to get more.
EV charging is the process of replenishing an electric vehicle&#;s battery by connecting it to a power source. Unlike fueling a gasoline car, EV charging can be done at home, work, or public charging stations, providing flexibility and convenience.
Driven by technological advancements and a push for sustainable energy, electric vehicles and their charging infrastructure have developed rapidly. Early EVs had limited ranges and long charging times, but modern EVs offer impressive ranges and faster charging options, which we&#;ll learn more about in detail in later sections.
For EV owners, it&#;s essential to understand charging basics, as it affects how you plan trips, manage daily commutes, and ensures your vehicle is always ready to go. Knowledge of charging can also influence your choice of EV and the type of home charging setup you might invest in.
So, you&#;re thinking about getting an electric vehicle (EV) and wondering how far it can go on a single charge? Great question! The range of EVs can vary quite a bit, but let&#;s break it down in a way that&#;s easy to understand.
Most modern EVs can travel between 150 to 370 miles on a full charge. For instance, the Nissan Leaf can go about 150 miles, which is perfect for daily commutes and running errands around town. On the other hand, the Tesla Model S can stretch up to 370 miles, making it a solid choice for longer trips and those who don&#;t want to worry about frequent charging.
Here are the key factors that influence how far your EV can go:
When you&#;re choosing an EV, it&#;s essential to think about your daily driving habits and charging options. Do you have a place to charge at home or work? Are there charging stations along your usual routes? The good news is that battery technology is always improving, so EVs are getting better ranges every year. Whether you&#;re doing daily commutes or planning long road trips, there&#;s likely an EV out there that fits your needs perfectly.
Speaking of charging, have you thought about the different types of chargers and how they work? Knowing where and how you can charge your EV is just as important as knowing how far it can go.
Chargers and charging modes can significantly influence the charging speed of your electric cars, which is why understanding them is crucial. Let&#;s dive into the different types of EV chargers and charging modes to see how they affect the charging process.
There are three primary levels of EV chargers: Level 1, Level 2, and DC Fast Charging. Each level offers different speeds and is suited for various scenarios.
Level 1 charging uses a standard 120-volt household outlet. This is the slowest charging option, providing about 2-5 miles per hour. It&#;s perfect for short daily commutes and can be a convenient backup option when other chargers aren&#;t available.
Level 2 chargers use a 240-volt outlet, similar to those used for large home appliances. They are commonly found in homes, workplaces, and public charging stations. Level 2 charging offers a faster rate, providing about 10-25 miles per hour, which means a full charge typically takes 4-8 hours.
DC fast chargers use direct current (DC) and are designed for rapid charging. These chargers bypass the vehicle&#;s onboard AC charger and deliver power directly to the battery. DC fast chargers can add 60-100 miles of range in just 20 minutes and can charge an EV up to 80% in about 30 minutes. They are usually located at public charging stations along highways and in urban areas, making them ideal for long-distance travel and quick recharges on the go.
Different charging modes can also affect how efficiently you charge your EV. These modes are categorized as Mode 1, Mode 2, Mode 3, and Mode 4.
Mode 1 is the simplest and slowest method, using a standard household socket without any communication between the EV and the charge point. This mode is rarely used due to safety concerns and its slow speed.
Mode 2 also uses a household socket but includes an In-Cable Control and Protection Device (IC-CPD) for added safety. It can provide up to 3.7 kW of power, making it suitable for overnight charging at home.
Mode 3 involves a dedicated EV charging station connected to an AC power source. It can deliver up to 22 kW and includes safety features and communication capabilities to monitor and manage the charging process. This mode is commonly used in public charging stations and for home wall box installations.
Mode 4 is used for DC fast charging, bypassing the vehicle&#;s onboard charger and delivering power directly to the battery. This mode supports very high power levels, enabling rapid charging, typically found at public fast charging stations along highways.
AC charging, used in Mode 1, Mode 2, and Mode 3, involves converting AC to DC within the vehicle&#;s onboard charger. It is generally slower but is suitable for regular, overnight charging. DC fast charging (Mode 4) provides direct current directly to the battery, significantly speeding up the charging process. However, frequent use of DC fast charging can impact battery health due to the charging curve, which slows down the charging speed as the battery approaches 80% to prevent damage. For deeper understanding, here is a comprehensive comparison of AC charging vs DC charging.
The charging curve is intimately associated with charging levels, as the charging level determines the power and speed at which an electric vehicle (EV) battery is charged, directly influencing the shape of the charging curve. At lower charging levels, such as Level 1 and Level 2, the charging power is relatively low, resulting in a more gradual and consistent charging curve. In contrast, Level 3 (DC fast charging) delivers high power, creating a more dynamic charging curve with distinct phases: a rapid initial charging phase (constant current) followed by a slower phase (constant voltage) as the battery approaches full capacity. That is to say, higher charging levels lead to faster initial charging but require careful management to prevent battery damage as the charge progresses.
If you need to learn more about the EV charging levels and modes, the blogs below should cover everything you want to know.
A Complete Guide on EV Charging Levels
What You Need to Know About EV Charing Modes
In addition to the charging levels and modes, understanding different types of charging connectors is also crucial for any EV owner to charge their cars smoothly. The type of connector your EV uses affects where you can charge your car, how quickly it charges, and whether you&#;ll encounter compatibility issues at various charging stations. This knowledge helps you plan your trips better, avoid inconvenient situations, and ensure that you can charge your EV efficiently whether you&#;re at home, work, or on the road. Let&#;s explore the most common connector types and their usage across different vehicles.
The J connector, also known as Type 1, is widely used in North America and Japan. It is the standard for Level 1 and Level 2 AC charging, featuring five pins and designed for both residential and public charging stations. Most EVs from American and Japanese manufacturers, such as the Nissan Leaf, Chevrolet Bolt, and Toyota Prius Plug-in, use the J connector.
The CCS connector is available in two versions: Type 1 (CCS1) in North America and Type 2 (CCS2) in Europe. This system combines the J or Type 2 connector with additional pins for DC fast charging, allowing the same port to be used for both AC and DC charging, providing greater flexibility. Automakers like BMW, Volkswagen, and Ford commonly use this connector.
Learn more about CCS
CHAdeMO is a fast-charging standard developed in Japan, primarily used for DC fast charging. It supports bidirectional charging, which allows the vehicle to send power back to the grid or a home. Japanese automakers such as Nissan and Mitsubishi use the CHAdeMO connector for models like the Nissan Leaf.
Tesla has developed its proprietary connector for its Supercharger network, designed specifically for high-speed DC charging for Tesla vehicles. The connector is slim, easy to use, and tailored for the high power output of Tesla Superchargers. Tesla models such as the Model S, Model 3, Model X, and Model Y use this connector. However, Tesla vehicles also come with adapters to use J and CHAdeMO connectors, enhancing their compatibility with other charging stations.
In North America and Japan, the J connector is the standard for Level 1 and Level 2 charging, used by models like the Nissan Leaf, Chevrolet Bolt, and Toyota Prius Plug-in. For DC fast charging in North America, the CCS1 connector is common, compatible with vehicles from Ford, GM, and BMW. While In Japan, the CHAdeMO standard is prevalent for DC fast charging. Models like the Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV commonly use these connectors.
In Europe, the Type 2 (Mennekes) connector is the standard for AC charging, similar to the J in North America. The CCS2 connector, used for both AC and DC charging, is compatible with most European EVs, including brands like Volkswagen, BMW, and Audi.
Tesla vehicles, which use the proprietary Tesla connector for their Supercharger network, also have adapters for J and CHAdeMO connectors, allowing them to charge at a wider variety of stations. This versatility ensures Tesla drivers can access both high-speed Superchargers and more common public charging stations.
A Guide to EV Charging Connector
Yes, you can.
Charging your electric vehicle using a regular household outlet is definitely possible. This method is known as Level 1 charging, which uses a standard 120-volt outlet. It&#;s as simple as plugging in your , but there&#;s a catch&#;it&#;s pretty slow. You&#;re looking at adding about 2-5 miles of range per hour. So, if you drive short distances daily or can leave your car plugged in overnight, this might work just fine for you.
However, if you find yourself needing a faster charge&#;say, you have a longer commute or you just don&#;t like waiting around&#;upgrading to a Level 2 charger could be a better option. Level 2 chargers use a 240-volt outlet, like the one for your dryer or oven, and they charge your EV much faster. We&#;re talking about adding 10-25 miles of range per hour. That means you can get a significant amount of charge in just a few hours, perfect for overnight charging or a quick top-up during the day.
So, while you can start with a regular outlet, a Level 2 charger can really make your life easier if you need that extra boost.
As mentioned above, Level 1 chargers add about 2-5 miles of range per hour. This means it could take anywhere from 8 to over 24 hours to fully charge your EV, depending on the battery size and how depleted it is.
Level 2 chargers are much faster, adding 10-25 miles of range per hour. Most EVs can be fully charged in 4-8 hours with a Level 2 charger, making it a more practical option for daily use.
While DC fast chargers can charge an EV up to 80% in about 30 minutes, they are typically found at public charging stations rather than being used for home charging due to their high cost and power requirements.
Installing a home charging station can be a bit tricky. Technically, you could do it yourself if you&#;re handy with electrical work, but there are a few important things to consider.
First off, for a Level 2 charger, you&#;ll need a dedicated 240-volt circuit, similar to what your dryer or oven uses. This isn&#;t just a simple plug-and-play setup; it often requires some electrical upgrades and must comply with local electrical codes. Getting it wrong can be dangerous, as improper installation can lead to electrical hazards like short circuits or even fires.
Plus, it&#;s crucial to ensure that the installation meets all safety standards and regulations, and that&#;s why we suggest you call in a professional. Professionals have the expertise to install it correctly and safely, ensuring it&#;s up to code. Many electricians are familiar with EV charger installations nowadays, so they can handle any complexities that arise. Besides, they can often recommend the best setup for your needs, ensure everything is optimized for efficiency, and most importantly, give you peace of mind. Plus, professional installations usually come with a warranty, which is a nice safety net.
So, while it&#;s possible to do it yourself, it&#;s generally a good idea to hire a professional to make sure everything is safe and up to standard.
As an EV owner, knowing where to charge your electric car while out or on the go can not only alleviate range anxiety but also ensure a smooth and uninterrupted trip. Public charging points or stations are essential for extending the range of your EV beyond what home charging can offer. They ensure that you can travel longer distances without worrying about running out of power.
Today, the availability of public charging stations has improved significantly. You&#;ll find them in various convenient locations:
Public charging solutions are not just beneficial for EV owners but also offer great opportunities for business owners. Having EV chargers installed at your workplace, hotel, restaurant, or shopping center, you can attract more customers, provide a valuable service, and support the growing number of electric vehicle users. In addition, it can also enhance your business&#;s reputation as a forward-thinking and environmentally conscious establishment.
If you&#;re interested in this field, the blogs below may help you to gain a clearer understanding and become more informed.
How Installing Charging Points Can Benefit Your Business
3 Advantages for Hotel Owners to Install EV Charging Points
Tips on Investing in Public EV Charging Stations
At EN Plus, we have a variety of solutions tailored to meet your needs and the needs of your customers. Whether you are an automaker, charge point operator or hotel owner, or just looking to install charging points at workplaces or parking lots, we have solutions tailored for you.
Finding public charging stations on the go is easier than ever, thanks to several handy apps that can help you locate chargers, manage charging sessions, and even pay for your charging. These tools ensure that you always have access to charging facilities, making long trips and daily commutes hassle-free.
PlugShare is one of the most comprehensive apps available for finding public charging stations. It provides a detailed map of charging points worldwide, complete with user reviews and real-time availability updates. You can filter the search results based on the type of charger, network, and even amenities nearby. PlugShare&#;s community-driven approach means you get the most up-to-date and reliable information from fellow EV owners.
ChargePoint boasts a vast network of charging stations and offers a robust app for locating and managing your charging sessions. The app shows real-time station availability and lets you start and stop charging sessions directly from your . ChargePoint also provides detailed information about each station, including pricing, connector types, and power levels.
Tesla owners have access to the proprietary Supercharger network, known for its high-speed charging capabilities. The Tesla app helps you find Supercharger locations, monitor your charging status, and receive real-time updates. The app also integrates seamlessly with your Tesla&#;s navigation system, routing you to the nearest Supercharger with minimal hassle.
EN Plus Evchargo offers a network of chargers with a user-friendly app that helps you locate, start, and stop charging sessions. The app includes features such as station availability, session management, and payment options. It&#;s a versatile tool that supports a wide range of EV models and charging networks.
Using these apps and tools, you can ensure that you always have access to charging facilities, making your EV ownership experience smooth and convenient. Whether you&#;re planning a long road trip or just need a quick top-up during your daily commute, these resources have got you covered.
It mainly depends on the type of charger you use.
Level 2 chargers are widely available at public stations and provide a significant boost compared to home charging with a standard outlet. They typically offer charging speeds of about 10-25 miles of range per hour. This makes them ideal for situations where you plan to leave your car for a few hours, such as while you&#;re at work, dining, or shopping.
For a quick and powerful charge, DC fast chargers are the go-to option. They can add 60-100 miles of range in just 20 minutes, making them perfect for long trips or quick top-ups on the go. These chargers are usually found at highway rest stops, major transit centers, and other high-traffic areas.
In addition to the charger type, some factors also can influence how fast your EV charges, and understanding these can help you manage your charging sessions more effectively.
Charging at home and in public places can differ significantly in cost.
Charging your EV at home is generally the most cost-effective option. Home charging typically costs between $0.10 to $0.20 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), depending on your local electricity rates. This means if you have a 60 kWh battery, it could cost you around $6 to $12 to fully charge your vehicle.
Public charging, on the other hand, can be more expensive. The cost at public charging stations varies widely depending on the provider and location. Level 2 public chargers might cost between $0.20 to $0.30 per kWh, while DC fast chargers can range from $0.30 to $0.60 per kWh or more. Some charging networks also charge a flat fee per session or a monthly subscription fee for access.
Several factors can influence the overall cost of charging your EV:
Whether you&#;re charging at home or using public stations, being aware of the costs involved will help you make informed decisions and keep your EV running smoothly without breaking the bank.
Just like your &#;s battery, the battery in your electric vehicle (EV) isn&#;t designed to last forever. However, EV batteries are much more resilient and have a significantly longer lifespan. They can withstand thousands of charge cycles, but they still need proper care to perform at their best over time. Treating your EV battery well can help maintain its health and efficiency, ensuring you get the most out of every charge. That&#;s why you should learn the best practices to maximize your EV battery&#;s lifespan and keep your vehicle running smoothly.
You might think that two identical models of EVs, both with a full charge, would travel the same distance, but that&#;s not always the case. Even with equal electricity, the range can vary significantly due to several factors. It&#;s not just about the battery size or the charge level; how you drive, the weather, and the terrain all play crucial roles. Understanding these factors can help you optimize your EV&#;s range and get the most out of every charge. Let&#;s delve into what can affect your EV&#;s range and how you can manage these variables to maximize your driving distance.
Your driving habit has a direct impact on your EV&#;s range. Rapid acceleration, high speeds, and aggressive driving can significantly reduce your range. When you accelerate quickly, your vehicle consumes more energy to overcome inertia. Similarly, driving at high speeds increases aerodynamic drag, which requires more power from the battery. Aggressive driving, with frequent stops and starts, also wastes energy. On the other hand, smooth, steady driving at moderate speeds is much more energy-efficient. By accelerating gently and maintaining a consistent speed, you can extend your EV&#;s range.
Weather can also play a significant role in determining your EV&#;s range. Extreme cold or heat can reduce battery efficiency. In cold weather, the chemical reactions inside the battery slow down, reducing its ability to hold a charge and deliver power efficiently. Additionally, heating the cabin in cold weather draws energy from the battery, further reducing range. In hot weather, the battery management system uses energy to cool the battery and the cabin, which can also decrease range. Preconditioning your car while it&#;s still plugged in can help mitigate these effects by bringing the battery and cabin to an optimal temperature before you start driving.
The type of terrain you drive on can affect your EV&#;s range as well. Driving on hilly or mountainous terrain uses more energy than flat roads. When climbing hills, the motor has to work harder to overcome gravity, consuming more power. On the other hand, driving downhill can regenerate some energy through regenerative braking, but it&#;s usually not enough to offset the energy used to climb. Planning your routes to minimize steep climbs can help conserve battery power.
Using the air conditioner or heater can drain your battery quickly. Climate control systems are significant energy consumers in EVs. In summer, cooling the cabin requires power from the battery, while in winter, heating the cabin can consume even more energy. To minimize this impact, precondition your car while it&#;s still plugged in to reach a comfortable temperature before you start driving. Additionally, using seat heaters instead of cabin heating can save energy and extend your range.
Charging your electric vehicle (EV) efficiently is not just about plugging it in whenever the battery is low. By using strategic approaches, you can save money, extend the lifespan of your battery, and even help support the electrical grid. With the right strategies, you can make the most out of every charge, whether you&#;re at home or on the go. This section will explore key techniques like load shifting, peak shaving, and the use of smart chargers to ensure you&#;re charging your EV in the most cost-effective and efficient way possible.
Many utility companies offer lower electricity rates during off-peak hours, typically at night. By scheduling your EV to charge during these times, you can significantly reduce your charging costs. This practice, known as load shifting, takes advantage of the cheaper rates available when overall electricity demand is lower. For example, if your utility company has lower rates between 10 PM and 6 AM, you can set your EV to start charging at 10 PM, ensuring you benefit from the reduced costs.
Conversely, peak shaving involves avoiding charging your EV during peak demand times, when electricity prices are at their highest and the grid is under the most strain. By not charging during these periods, you help to alleviate the stress on the grid and can potentially lower your electricity costs if your utility company charges higher rates during peak hours. For instance, if peak hours are from 4 PM to 9 PM, try to avoid charging your EV during these times to save on costs and support grid stability.
Click here to learn more about load shifting vs peak shaving.
Smart charging is an advanced method of managing how and when your electric vehicle (EV) charges to optimize efficiency, reduce costs, and support grid stability. By utilizing smart technology, this approach allows for better control over the charging process, integrating features like scheduled charging times, real-time monitoring, and the use of renewable energy sources. Smart charging adapts to the current conditions and demands of the electrical grid, ensuring that your EV is charged in the most efficient and economical way possible.
With competitive price and timely delivery, EraCharge sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.
For your convenience, here is a complete guide on how to maximize charging efficiency during off-perk hours and more things about smart charging you may want to know.
Yes, you can charge your EV in the rain. EV charging stations and connectors are designed to be weather-resistant and safe to use in various conditions, including rain. Here are a few points to keep in mind:
Charging electric cars in the rain is perfectly safe as long as you use the equipment as intended and follow the manufacturer&#;s guidelines. Click here to learn more safety tips for charging your EV in the rain.
Whether you&#;re on a long road trip or just out running errands, understanding the steps to take if your battery gets critically low can turn a potentially frustrating experience into a manageable one. Here&#;s what you need to know to stay calm and get back on the road quickly.
It&#;s important to charge your EV at least to a level that exceeds the estimated range of your trip. This not only helps prevent unexpected stops but also provides peace of mind.
Additionally, ensure that your route includes accessible charging points, especially on longer journeys. Only when you plan ahead and keep these factors in mind, can you enjoy your drive without worrying about running out of power.
Bi-directional charging is an innovative technology that allows electric vehicles (EVs) to both draw power from the grid and send power back to it. This dynamic exchange can greatly benefit EV owners and enhance the stability and efficiency of the electrical grid.
Bi-directional charging systems enable EVs to act as mobile energy storage units. When plugged in, these systems can manage the flow of electricity in two directions: from the grid to the vehicle for charging, and from the vehicle back to the grid, home, or directly to electrical devices. This flexibility allows EVs to be more than just a mode of transport; they become integral parts of the energy ecosystem.
There are different types of bi-directional charging, each serving unique purposes. Click on each type below to read more about how they work:
The future of electric vehicles (EVs) is looking bright. As technology continues to advance, EVs are becoming more efficient, affordable, and integrated into our daily lives. This progress provides us with a wide range of options, from sleek sports cars to rugged SUVs and everything in between.
The future of EV charging is equally exciting and promising. Smart charging technologies are making it easier and more efficient to keep our EVs powered up. With bi-directional charging, our cars can become a part of the energy grid, helping to balance supply and demand and even power our homes in emergencies. Public charging infrastructure is growing too, with more fast-charging stations popping up in convenient locations, making long road trips in an EV a breeze.
What&#;s more, as more people switch to electric vehicles, the reduction in emissions will have a profound impact on our environment. Cleaner air, quieter streets, and a healthier planet are all within our reach as we embrace this electric revolution. The shift towards cleaner, greener transportation is accelerating faster than many of us could have imagined.
So, whether you&#;re already an EV owner or considering making the switch, it&#;s an exciting time to be part of this journey. The future of EVs is not just about getting from point A to point B&#;it&#;s about creating a sustainable, efficient, and vibrant world for all of us. Buckle up; it&#;s going to be an amazing ride!
Most EV charging happens at home &#; so you need a good home charger. There are so many products with different features and price points. What&#;s worth buying?
I recently made a video explaining everything you need to know about buying a home EV charger.
If you don&#;t feel like watching &#; here&#;s a summary:
Power vs Energy
Power and energy are not the same. If you don&#;t know the difference, charging an electric car can get mighty confusing.
To keep it simple:
Power (kW): Your car&#;s charging speed. This can vary from 2 kW with a &#;trickle charger&#; up to 22 kW with a three-phase dedicated home EV charger.
Energy (kWh): Your car&#;s battery capacity. For example, the cheapest Tesla Model 3 stores 57.5 kWh of energy in its battery.
As a rough rule of thumb, every kWh of battery capacity gives you five to six kilometres of range. So a trickle charger adds about ten kilometers of range to your car every hour it&#;s plugged in.
You use power and energy to calculate the time it would take to charge a battery at a given power rating.
For example, the Model 3&#;s 57.5 kWh battery, charging at 2 kW, would take 57.5/2 = 29 hours to fully charge.
AC versus DC charging
Home charging uses AC (Alternating current) power1. Public fast charging uses DC (Direct Current) charging.
AC charging is slower than DC charging because it is limited by the car&#;s internal AC to DC inverter.
A car advertised as having a charging speed of 150 kW DC can only charge at 7 kW AC on a single-phase home charger.
EV charging will significantly add to your home&#;s energy consumption.
Solar can almost entirely offset this if you have enough on the roof (and charge during the daytime).
This is why I upgraded from 6 kW to 20 kW:
If you have an EV, it makes sense to have a roof full of solar panels.
Many EVs come with a portable charger that plugs into a regular powerpoint. If your car doesn&#;t come with one, you can buy one for a few hundred dollars.
These &#;trickle chargers&#; can happily charge your car &#; slowly.
So why should you spend more on a dedicated wall charger?
Dedicated wall chargers charge three to ten times faster than trickle chargers, depending on whether your house is single-phase or three-phase and how fast your car can charge from AC power.
That allows overnight charging from flat.
Home charging maxes out at 22 kW AC. Public fast-charging stations can go up to 350 kW DC.
That&#;s 350 km of range in as little as 10 minutes.
It&#;s not unheard of for some EV owners to trickle charge at home, and if they need to charge fast, they can go to a nearby public charger.
But fast public chargers can cost 60 cents per kWh or more &#; double the price of grid electricity.
Relying on public fast-charging stations in place of a home charger is inconvenient and expensive &#; unless you only need to fast charge once in a blue moon.
While a cheap, &#;dumb&#; EV charger will charge your car faster than a trickle charger, it won&#;t sync with your solar, battery or electricity tariff.
It&#;ll charge your car at full speed whenever it&#;s plugged in, even though electricity may be cheaper a few hours later.
This means you&#;ll pay way more for charging than you need to.
Pricier &#;smart&#; chargers can automatically charge from cheap electricity (solar or grid), avoid expensive peak pricing periods, and avoid dumping your home battery&#;s energy into your EV.
OCPP stands for Open Charge Point Protocol. It means third-party services can control your charger.
It future-proofs your charger.
One example: Some electricity retailers may offer a cheaper EV charging tariff if they can control your charger via OCPP to avoid charging during wholesale price spikes.
Most chargers have both a tethered and untethered option. Tethered ones come with a built-in cable.
As a result, they cost more, and the longest cable I&#;ve seen a tethered charger come with is 7.5 meters.
I bought an untethered charger and a ten-meter &#;type 2 to type 2&#; cable.
It&#;s long enough to reach the second car in my driveway no matter which way it&#;s parked, and saves a lot of car shuffling.
If your car charges during the daytime, your solar system will offset its usage.
However, if your charger pulls 11 kW and your solar only produces 5 kW, the grid will provide the remaining 6 kW. This is great for fast charging but not so great for your bills.
EV chargers with smart solar charging functionality can be set to only charge your car from excess solar.
Single-phase home EV chargers can charge at a maximum of 7 kW, while three-phase chargers can charge at a maximum of 22 kW.
The speed at which your car can charge on three-phase depends on the model. Current Teslas charge at 11 kW on three-phase, but BYDs can only charge at 7 kW AC&#;even on three-phase.
My advice: get a three-phase charger if your house has three-phase power. It&#;s only a few hundred bucks more, and even if your current car can&#;t use the extra charging speed, it future-proofs your home charging.
Good quality, dumb EV chargers can be purchased for about $800.
Fully featured ones cost $+
My EV charger comparison table shows specs and pricing for all major products available in Australia.
This depends on the difficulty of the charger&#;s installation. Installation costs for a simple single-phase dumb charger right next to a spacious switchboard could be as low as $300.
Costs can climb into the thousands for more complicated installs involving long cable runs and solar/battery integration.
The typical home can expect to pay about $ for installation, plus the charger cost.
To use the Tesla ecosystem as an example &#; the Tesla Powerwall battery can store 13.5 kWh. The cheapest Tesla Model 3 has a 57.5 kWh battery.
Home batteries are much smaller than EV batteries. Dumping all of a Powerwall into a Model 3 will only charge it by 24%, leaving you no energy to get your home through the night.
Meanwhile, the typical Aussie home uses 16-30 kWh daily (excluding EV charging).
The 13.5 kWh of Powerwall storage is far more valuable in your home, where it could power close to 100% of your overnight demand.
If your EV charger doesn&#;t have the smarts to avoid draining a home battery, there&#;s a simple wiring change your installer can make.
I surveyed my network of ~500 installers and asked them 1) what EV chargers they&#;d buy if money were no object and 2) if they were on a budget and every dollar counted.
The Fronius Wattpilot easily won the &#;money&#;s no object&#; category. But it only makes sense if you already have a Fronius inverter.
Tesla&#;s Wall Connector won the &#;every dollar counts&#; category.
For brands I recommend &#; I&#;ve put together the following chart:
Many EVs allow you to power an appliance from the car&#;s charging port (known as V2L or Vehicle to Load), but to power your home (V2H, or Vehicle to Home), you need an expensive &#;bi-directional&#; charger.
The only bi-directional chargers I know of in Australia are the Wallbox Qasar ($10,000), and the Sigenergy DC EV charger (~$8,000). The only compatible electric car is the Nissan Leaf Gen 2.
This will change, but for now, V2H is rare as hen&#;s teeth in Australia.
My advice:
If you&#;re looking to get quotes for an EV charger, I&#;ve got a network of hundreds of expert installers in Australia. Simply fill in my form for up to 3 competitive quotes for EV charging that&#;s integrated with your solar and battery.
The company is the world’s best Ac Type 2 Ev Charger supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.
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