How To Select an EV Charger For Your Electric Car?
Why upgrade an electric car charger?
All cars come with a standard Level 1 portable charger that every electric car owner has, no matter what. However, upgrading to a Level 2 charger is an excellent idea in every single case. Sometimes, the car comes prepackaged with a Level 2 charger, but it is not always an option. A 240V Level 2 home charger is superior to the standard-packaged charger in every way imaginable. But, even if you already own a Level 2 charger, it still might be a good idea to opt for an upgrade. So, how exactly is an upgraded home charger better?
- Level 2 home chargers always offers extra charging ( up to 60 miles of range per hour)
- Some brands of EV chargers can be more energy-efficient, which helps to save money and reduce the carbon footprint.
- Chargers can have smart features that help to enhance the user experience of charging your car and make it more pleasant and in line with the experiences you expect from modern technologies. For example, chargers can have remote monitoring and control.
- Access to public charging networks: Level 1 home charger means you have no access to public charging networks with your portable charger. With many brands of Level 2 chargers, you can upgrade and be granted such access.
Factors to Consider When Selecting an EV Charger:
1. Speed and Power Output Of The Charger
The speed and power output of the electrical charger are key concerns when selecting a charger, as they determine how convenient your experience of using your car more than any other factors. The two things to consider here are charging speed and power output.
What is the difference between a 7kW and a 22kW EV charger?
These two types of chargers differ according to the power output measured in kilowatts (kW). The output determines the charging speed of the charger.
- 7 kW is the most common type of electrical vehicle car charger. This type of charger uses a one-phase electricity supply. The charger has a range of approximately 25-35 miles, meaning that the approximate time it takes to charge the car is about 8 hours.
- 22 kW is the upgraded type of EV charger. It has an impressive range of 70-100 miles, meaning that it is a high-speed charger capable of charging the car in mere 2-3 hours.
What is the difference between a 16 amp and a 32 amp EV charger?
The difference between a 16 amp and a 32 amp EV charger is the charging speed. These chargers can deliver a varying quantity of current. A 16 amp charger is a standard, non-fast charger that charges a regular electric vehicle within 7 hours.
- With a 32 amp EV charger, you can add anywhere around 25 miles of range per hour to your charging speed. The car will be fully charged in approximately 3 and a half hours.
- A 50-amp charger station is a superior charger out of the three, adding about 37 miles of range in an hour. With this charger, you can expect the car to charge fully within an hour or two. 50-amp charger stations might not be compatible with the whole range of older electrical vehicles. Whether your car is consistent with such a charging station is best determined by contacting a manufacturer.
3. The proximity of the charger to the electrical panel
The proximity of the charger to the electrical panel matters a lot for selecting an EV charger. Different chargers allow for cable runs anywhere between 12 feet and 25 feet. Charging your car inside a garage is always a good idea, as outdoor charging is not as safe due to the fluctuating weather conditions, and the wires for the outdoor chargers have to be placed in conduit.
4. Smart Charger or a Regular Charger
A smart charger is a worthy upgrade for you if you are a person who is likely to appreciate its features. Chargers can do many things, and their functionality will only improve in the future. As of now, here is some common functionality of electric vehicle chargers:
- Wi-Fi Connection
- Charging Management/Schedules/Speed Tracking
- Safety features to prevent overcharging and overheating
- Battery Maintenance To Prevent Self-Discharge
5. Permanent Or Portable Charger
If you are one of the people who mostly charges their vehicle in your house then the hard-wired permanent charger is the best option for you.
However, if your lifestyle means charging on the go, a portable charger is the best option. Permanent chargers are hard-wired and permanently-mounted while portable chargers are simply placed on the wall and plugged into an outlet or receptacle.
If you are an active life-long electrical vehicle user, you can opt for both, and you will not be disappointed.
6. Other Factors To Consider
There are plenty of other factors to consider, including whether the station has a holster that allows cable management. Dual-charging stations can charge two cars simultaneously, which is an excellent solution for households with two or more cars.
Some of the crucial concerns worth mentioning are price and safety. With the latter one, you have to vet for high-quality manufacturers and investigate whether they follow industry standards.
At NNC, we offer a JUICEBOX 40 Smart Home Electric Vehicle Charging Station With Built-in Hardwired-WiFi Connectivity, which ticks most of the boxes described above. It is a reliable, smart charging station with a built-in security lock and integrated cable management and a quick-release wall mounting bracket included. It is a 10kW EV charging station, though a faster 11kW EV variety is also available.
