How Long Does it Take to Charge an Electric Car ?
Understand charger levels and features
With lots of manufacturers and models to choose from, there are a number of options to consider. Whatever you decide, only select a charger that is safety certified, and consider having it installed by an electrician who has a Red Seal certification.
Electric vehicles (EVs) require a connection to an electrical system to charge. There are three different methods.
Can you have an electric car charger at home?
You can charge an electric car at home using a dedicated home charging point (a standard 3 pin plug with an EVSE cable should only be used as a last resort). Electric car drivers choose a home charging point to benefit from faster charging speeds and built-in safety features.
The 3 levels of chargers
Level 1 EV Chargers
Level 2 EV Chargers
Fast Chargers (also known as Level 3)
Home EV charger features
Wondering which EV charger type is right for you? Consider the EV charger features below to make sure your selected model will accommodate your vehicle(s), the space and your preferences.
Features related to your vehicle(s) Connector
Most EVs have the “J plug” (J1772) which is used for home and level 2 charging. For fast charging, there are two plugs: the “CCS” used by most manufacturers including BMW, General Motors and Volkswagen, and the “CHAdeMO” used by Mitsubishi and Nissan. Tesla has a proprietary plug, but can use the “J plug” or “CHAdeMO” with adapters.
Charging stations designed for multi-EV use in common areas have two plugs that can be used at the same time.Cords are available in a range of lengths, the most common being 5 metres (16 feet) and 7.6 metres (25 feet). Shorter cables are easier to store but longer cables provide flexibility in the event drivers need to park further from the charger.
Many chargers are designed to function inside or outside, but not all are. If your charging station needs to be outside, make sure the model you choose is rated to work in the rain, snow, and cold temperatures.
Portable or permanent
Some chargers only need to plug into an outlet while others are designed to be installed on a wall.
Level 2 chargers are available in models that deliver between 15- and 80-Amps. The higher the amperage the faster the charging.
Some chargers will connect to the internet so drivers can start, stop, and monitor charging with a smartphone.
Smart EV chargers
Smart EV chargers ensure the most efficient charging by automatically adjusting the amount of electricity being sent to an EV based on timing and load factors. Some smart EV charging stations can also provide you with data on your usage.
Home EV charger features
Wondering which EV charger type is right for you? Consider the EV charger features below to make sure your selected model will accommodate your vehicle(s), the space and your preferences.
Features related to your vehicle(s)
Connector
Most EVs have the “J plug” (J1772) which is used for home and level 2 charging. For fast charging, there are two plugs: the “CCS” used by most manufacturers including BMW, General Motors and Volkswagen, and the “CHAdeMO” used by Mitsubishi and Nissan. Tesla has a proprietary plug, but can use the “J plug” or “CHAdeMO” with adapters.
Post time: Jan-25-2021
