Electric vehicles (EVs) rely on battery-powered electric motors rather than traditional internal combustion engines. These batteries can be recharged using external sources like standard wall outlets or dedicated EV supply equipment (EVSE).
Understanding the types of EV chargers is important, as each varies in speed, functionality, and application. In this guide, we'll explore the various electric car charger types and EV charging connectors to help you make informed charging decisions.
Types of EV chargers you need to know
There are two EV charging connector types: the Alternating Current (AC) type and the Direct Current (DC) type. Regular charging stations provide AC plug-in charging, which is slow and takes longer to charge the EV battery. On the other hand, DC charging is rapid but costs more.
Furthermore, there are three main levels of electric car chargers:
- Level 1 (Alternating Current, 120V)
- Level 2 (Alternating Current, 240V)
- Level 3 (Direct Current)
These levels indicate how quickly you can recharge your electric vehicle. The higher the level of the charger, the faster it will charge.
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Level 1 AC chargers
Type: AC
Charging Speed: Slow
Outlet: 120 V
Power Delivery: 1 to 1.4 kW
An electric car typically comes with a Level 1 charger, the most common type of EV charger available. Many EV owners use it for its convenience and compatibility. These chargers plug into a standard 120V power outlet and can take 8 to 24 hours to fully charge an EV, depending on battery size.
The J1772 connector is the typical connector for Level 1 AC charging.
It is advisable to use a Level 1 AC charger for the following reasons:
- If you have the facility to charge the EV overnight and you do not need to drive long distances
- If you own a hybrid EV, then your smaller battery can easily be charged by a Level 1 charger.
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Level 2 AC Charger
Type: AC
Charging Speed: Fast
Outlet: 240 V
Power Delivery: 6.2 to 19.2 kW
Level 2 AC chargers are more efficient than Level 1 AC chargers. They are compatible with a 240 V power supply, resulting in up to 8 times faster charging. Level 2 chargers are available at EV charging stations and facilities like malls or restaurants.
It is advisable to make use of a Level 2 AC charger in the following situations:
- If you want quicker charging.
- If you frequently return home with an almost empty battery, then upgrading to the Level 2 AC charger is a must, as it can restore an empty EV battery to 100% overnight with ease.
Level 2 charging requires a corresponding electrical system to support it. Not all EVs have fast charging equipment. Most EVs can’t handle the maximum of 19.2 kW that a Level 2 charger can deliver.
The standard J1772 connector or even the higher-end, seven-pin Mennekes Type 2 connector is suitable for Level 2 fast chargers.
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Level 3 DC Charger
Type: DC
Charging Speed: Rapid
Outlet: 400 to 800 V
Power Delivery: 50 to 300 kW
The fastest EV chargers on the market are Level 3 chargers. DC chargers, also known as rapid chargers, can supercharge your EV battery on the go. They can reach almost 80% battery level in as little as 30 minutes.
It is advisable to use a Level 3 DC charger if you frequently take long road trips in your EV.
Level 3 DC chargers operate on very high voltage and require sockets with additional pins. DC charging should only be conducted at dedicated charging stations.
In India, the DC-001 connector is fairly standard, offering up to 15 kW of power. Other common connectors for Level 3 DC chargers are CHAdeMO, CCS connectors, and GB/T connectors.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the choice of your EV charger depends on your driving needs and your vehicle’s battery capacity. Level 1 AC chargers may be too slow for frequent drivers, while Level 2 AC chargers might require additional power capacity and home charging equipment. Level 3 DC chargers offer the fastest charging, provided your car’s battery supports them.
Additionally, it is important to remember the safety regulations for EV charging and acquire a car insurance add-on that covers potential costs from faulty chargers or mishaps during the charging process. An appropriate electric car insurance policy can also offer protection for other road-related emergencies.
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