EV Charging Stations: Commercial, Public & Home Solutions
As the world is moving towards the adoption of sustainable solutions. The demand for EVs (Electric Vehicles) has experienced a remarkable rise. The only difficulty many EV users face is finding the right EV charging station that fits their vehicle charging requirements.
Choosing the wrong charging station incompatible with the vehicle charging system can have undesirable consequences.
These consequences include low battery life, slower charging, and higher costs. You can even experience the deterioration of the EV charging system.
Click to learn about DC Chargers for Public Stations: Infrastructure & Access.
To cope with these issues, you need to get in-depth and complete insights on different EV charging stations. This comprehensive guide will do the same. Keep reading to know about each type overview, working, and benefits. Let’s dive right in!
EV Charging Station – Defining The Term
The EV charging station refers to equipment that supplies the electrical energy or charge to charge the EV batteries.
The main components of an EV charging station include a charging cable, control board, user interface, power supply, and connector. Each component serves a key role, and you cannot deny it within the EV charging station.
Types of The EV Charging Station
There are three major types of EV chargers exist around the world. These charges are:
- Commercial EV Charging Station
- Public EV Charging Station
- Home EV Charging Station
Let’s discuss each one and the attributes which make them worthy.
1. Commercial EV Charging Station
The commercial EV charging solution also refers to the level 3 EV chargers/superchargers/DC chargers. What sets this charger apart is that it uses the DC to charge vehicles.
These chargers rapidly provide a vast amount of electrical energy to the vehicle battery. Commercial EV chargers work at a power ranging from 50 kW to 350 kW.
You need to curate $10,000 or above to facilitate the installation with these chargers. These chargers are especially useful for charging heavy-duty EVs like passenger vehicles like buses.
Using this charger, you can get a distance travel range of 100 to 250 miles, depending on your vehicle. Also, superchargers require additional components of CHAdeMO or CCS (Combined Charging System).
What Sets Commercial EV Chargers Apart?
Commercial EV chargers offer you several benefits and features, such as:
Higher Charging Power. Using the commercial EV charger or level 3 chargers, you can harness the power from 50kW to 350 kW. Such a huge quantity of power facilitates quick and instant charging. This is beneficial, especially when you need to reach anywhere quickly.
Supports DC Charge. This charger does not rely on the AC input. Instead, a DC directly goes into the battery of the vehicle. You don’t need to convert the AC to DC when using the commercial EV charger.
Super Fast Charging. The commercial EV charger lets you charge your vehicle at lightning speed. You can only charge your vehicle only within 10 up to 25 minutes. Within this time of charging, you can unveil the traveling to a distance of up to 100 miles.
O Multiple Connectors. The level 3 or commercial EV chargers support the usage of the multiple connector systems. These include the CCS, CHAdeMO, or even Tesla connectors. EV owners can charge up their vehicles without worrying about matching/finding compatible connectors.
Boosts ROI. The level 3 chargers increase or boost the travel range and minimize the charge time. Both these factors contribute to the higher net ROI. This way, you can increase your productivity.
2. Public EV Charging Station
Another public charging EV station also refers to the level 2 charger. The public EV charging station is normally applicable for charging commercial and residential EVs.
These chargers are quite fast in comparison to the home EV charging station. Public EV charging solution uses an AC power source to charge the vehicle battery.
This charging system can handle a total power of 3kW up to 20kW. If you use this charger to charge your EV for one hour, you can harness the distance range of 20 to 30 miles.
The cost of installation of these chargers lies in the range of $300 up to $1000 or even more. These chargers can be found in parking areas, multi-family complexes, and retail spaces.
What adds value to the Public EV charging stations?
Multiple features and perks play a great role in this regard. You can charge up your EVs at a public level on the go.
User Intuitive Interface. These chargers support the highly intuitive interface. The digital display and the integration for mobile make this system highly desirable. Anyone, even a non-special person or a layman, can use this software on the go without any training.
Smart Charging. You can set a schedule for charging your EV through a mobile app. The option exists to get benefits from off-peak rates of electricity. This system prevents you from waiting in long lines or queues to charge your EV.
Extra Cable Length. The cable with the Public EV charging station is longer than usual. This helps EV owners of various vehicle charging types and sizes to cater to their charging needs effectively and efficiently.
Multi Power Output. The EV charger allows you to enjoy the output depending on the capacity of your vehicle. The power output lies in the range of the 3kW up to 20kW or higher. This way, you can enjoy complete peace of mind.
Overcurrent Protection. You don’t need to worry about damaging or deteriorating your vehicle charging system using these chargers. This is mainly because of the ground fault protections that prevent overcurrent.
3. Home EV Charging Station
The home EV charger also refers to the level 1 EV charger. This charger will not have the higher charging speed as in commercial or public EV charging stations.
You can set this charger in an AC output having a current supply of 120V. This charger can support the power output in the range of 1.3 kW up to 2.4 kW. These chargers also refer to the overnight chargers.
Because you need to keep your EV plugged in for 24 hours to accomplish full charging, you can enjoy a distance range of 2 up to 3 miles for a single hour of charging.
You can easily set up and use these chargers for single apartments or homes. The cost you need to set up these chargers is almost negligible compared to the level 2 or 3 chargers.
Why You Should Choose The Home EV Charging Station?
There are a plethora of reasons that help you decide why you should choose the home EV charging station. Some key reasons are
Lower Charging Power. The home EV charging station has a lower power level. You can plug this charger into the socket you use to charge your phone or tablet. This is what caters to their widespread and wide adaptability.
Feature Standard Connectors. The home EV charging station has standard connectors. These connectors can easily support a variety of EVs. The connectors include the type 2 plug or the J1772 plug.
High Convenience and Portability. The convenience and portability of home EV chargers are unquestionable. You can take these chargers anywhere you want on the go. The reason is that they can withstand usage with the standard charging outlet.
Low Setup Costs. While setting up these chargers, you don’t need an expert or technical person. Even a non-special person can easily set up these chargers. You don’t need to install special infrastructure for these chargers. Just put the plug into the 120V socket, and you are ready to go and charge up your EV.
Suitable for Short Commuting. These chargers are highly suitable for individuals who face short daily commuting. This benefits those who live in the cities and is enough to cater to slow charging speeds.
Things To Pay Attention To While Choosing The EV Charging Station
Here are the things that need your attention when choosing an EV charging station:
- Assess the battery capacity of the EV and select the relevant EV charger. This will help you enjoy optimum charging speed and power level.
- Determine the connector your EV supports, then effectively select the EV charging station. Various connector types are J1772, CHAdeMO, Type 2, Tesla, or CCS.
- Determine where you want to deploy the EV charging station. Make sure to install the station where everyone can access it. This also depends on the type of the charger.
- Find out the cost of purchasing and installing the EV charging station. Then compare it with your budget and make your move accordingly.
- When deciding your EV charger’s setup location, consider the power source. Make sure it is closer to your EV charging station.
- Consider its durability level, reliability, and maintenance requirements. This will help you assess if you can cope with this charging station.
- Cross-check the brand you choose and see if it offers a warranty or after-sales service. This ensures you enjoy a qualitative product with good service.
- Last, check the feedback and client reviews while selecting a particular brand. This will help you keep yourself away from scammers and spammers.
If you don’t understand anything, you can contact Piwinev Charging and we have dedicated staff to answer your questions.
