Connecting your EV to a charger is fundamental to owning an electric vehicle. Which should one choose?
Despite the fact that the first electric vehicles (EVs) were created in 1884, there has been a greater push for EV adoption in the past few years than ever before.
President Biden has mandated that a minimum of fifty percent of all vehicle sales must consist of electric vehicles. According to a 2021 KPMG report, 52% of the 1,100 automotive executives surveyed believe this goal is attainable.
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The obstacle that most consider to be the first to overcome? Accessible, dependable, and quick charging stations. This article will discuss the differences between charging connectors and how to select the optimal EV connector.
EV charging interfaces
Despite the fact that all EVs offer lower or zero pollution emissions, they are not all identical. There are variations among charging connectors based on several factors, including size, shape, charging speed, and configuration.
Charging your EV via a charging station is comparable to using a phone charger. EVs use a charging station you can install in your garage or outside your home, as opposed to a charging box that connects to any household plug (depending on where you park your car).
After the charging station has been installed by an electrician or plugged into a voltage-appropriate outlet, you only need to connect your vehicle and wait for it to charge.
Charging connector types
In addition to the standard charger that comes with your vehicle, you should consider upgrading to portable chargers and public charging types. Because not all chargers are compatible, we have separated the various types of chargers and their functions. Following are the different types of EV charging connectors that are available for your vehicle.
Level 1 chargers
The NEMA 5-15 charger, which is 15 amps and 125 volts, is the standard plug found in most homes. It is the same plug used for your refrigerator and washing machine. The NEMA 5-20 is very similar, but is typically found in energy-efficient public spaces such as office parking garages.
At four to five miles per hour, Level 1 chargers are the most sluggish. It is optimal for those who can plug their vehicle in and leave it overnight to recharge, drive infrequently, and have ample time. A typical EV will include a Level 1 charger as part of its standard equipment.
Level 2 chargers
If you need a faster charge, the best option is a Level 2 charger. They are typically purchased as an add-on at the time of purchase or lease for your new EV.
In addition to a charging capacity of 20 to 65 miles per hour, they require different cords and equipment than Level 1 chargers.
Most North American vehicles use the J1772 plug (except for Tesla, which uses a proprietary Level 2 plug). The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) recognises the J1772 as the standard charger for Level 2 vehicles. SAE is a professional organisation responsible for establishing industry standards within the automotive industry. This is why this charger type is also known as the SAE J1772.
Standard on Tesla chargers are Level 2 charging connectors. Although Tesla has its own charging requirements and hardware, aftermarket adapters make Tesla vehicles compatible with a variety of charging ports.
Rapid recharge
Level 1 and 2 charging options provide alternating current (AC) charging, in which the energy created by the plug is converted to usable energy within the vehicle. However, rapid public charging stations are powered by direct current (DC).
DC fast charging enables the charger to convert the energy for the vehicle into energy for the vehicle. These chargers are typically larger and used for rapid charging en route (like a fuel pump for a gas-powered vehicle).
Rapid chargers are equipped with CHAdeMO and CCS connectors, requiring you to choose which type matches your vehicle's socket.
Rapid charging may seem ideal due to the rate at which it charges your vehicle, but it is not recommended as a daily source of power due to its inconsistent charging patterns, which can impair your vehicle's charging ability.
CHAdeMO chargers typically charge a vehicle between 75 and 150 miles per half-hour. CCS charging rates range from 75 to 525 miles per half-hour, depending on the connector type and watt capacity.
