How to Buy a Charging Station？
As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to grow in popularity, it’s important to have a convenient and reliable charging station. This guide will help you choose the right EV charging station to keep your EV road-ready.
Types of Charging Stations
There are many types of electric vehicle charging stations, each of which can meet the different needs of electric vehicles. The following are common types of electric vehicles:
1. Home Charging Station
Level 1 charger: Uses a standard 120-volt outlet and can add 2-5 miles per hour, suitable for overnight charging.
Level 2 charger: Requires a 240-volt outlet, it charges faster and can add 10-60 miles per hour. Suitable for daily use, it is recommended to hire a professional to install it.
2. Public Charging Station
Level 2 charger: Level 2 chargers are generally installed in public places such as parking lots and shopping malls. The charging speed is relatively fast. It is similar to home Level 2 chargers and is suitable for supplementary charging.
DC fast charger: DC fast chargers can convert AC power to DC power and can quickly add 60-100 miles of range in 20-30 minutes. They are installed along major routes for convenient and fast charging.
3. Commercial Charging Station
Networked charger: This charger is part of a network installed in commercial places that supports user authentication, payment, and energy management. It also has functions such as usage tracking and remote monitoring.
Fleet Charger: This charger is tailor-made for commercial fleets and can provide charging convenience for multiple vehicles, equipped with management software to optimize charging schedules and reduce costs.
These types of EV chargers can meet a variety of charging needs, from personal use at home to public and commercial applications, ensuring that every EV owner has access to a convenient and efficient charging method.
What Factors Should Be Considered When Purchasing a Charging Station?
When purchasing a charging station, there are several important factors to consider to ensure that it meets your specific requirements. Here are some of the more important factors:
1. Charging Station Type
It is recommended to consider the type you need based on the usage of your electric vehicle. For example, home charging stations are for personal use, public charging stations are for business use, and commercial charging stations are for enterprise and fleet management.
2. Charging Speed
Charging speed varies depending on the type of electric vehicle charger. Level 1 chargers provide slow charging (2-5 miles of range per hour). Level 2 chargers provide medium charging (10-60 miles of range per hour). DC fast chargers provide fast charging (60-100 miles of range in 20-30 minutes). Ultra-fast chargers provide very fast charging (up to 200 miles of range in 15-20 minutes).
3. Compatibility
You want to ensure that the charging station supports your devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and electric vehicles. Consider future-proofing when purchasing to accommodate new devices or upgrades.
4. Number of Ports
Choosing a multi-device charging station with multiple ports is ideal for homes or workplaces with multiple devices. You need to ensure that the power output is evenly distributed across all ports.
5. Safety Features
Look for charging stations with overcharge protection, temperature control, and short-circuit protection to ensure the safe operation of the charging station.
6. Installation and Portability
Consider installation requirements and portability. Some chargers, especially Level 2 EV chargers, may require professional installation. Portable chargers are convenient for travel.
7. Brand and Reviews
Go for a reputable brand known for quality and good customer support. Read customer reviews to learn about reliability and performance.
8. Price and Warranty
Compare prices to find a charging station that’s worth your money. Make sure the charging station comes with a comprehensive warranty and responsive customer support.
Considering these factors can help you choose an EV charging station that is safe, efficient, and suitable for your needs.
How to Buy a Charging Station？
When buying a charging station, we need to consider several aspects to understand the different types, performance, and usage scenarios, here is a common buying guide:
- Charging needs: Decide what type of device you need to charge (e.g. smartphone, tablet, laptop) and how many devices you want to charge.
- Type of charging station: There are many types of charging stations, such as wall-mounted, table-top, and portable charging stations. You can choose the right charging station for your needs based on your needs.
- Features to consider: Look for features such as fast charging, USB-C ports, surge protection, and compatibility with different devices.
- Check reviews: Before buying, check or read reviews from other buyers to ensure that the charging station is reliable and meets your expectations.
- Compare prices: Compare prices from different retailers to find the best deal. Also, consider factors such as warranty and return policies.
- Buy: Once you know the right charging station, buy it from a reputable retailer or manufacturer.
- Installation: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to properly install the charging station and ensure it is securely mounted and connected to a power source.
- Testing: After successful installation, test the charging station to ensure that it works properly and charges your devices as expected.
- Use and maintenance: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to use the charging station and perform regular maintenance to keep it in good working condition.
By following these guide steps, you can purchase a charging station that meets your needs and provides reliable charging for your devices.
Charging speeds at different types of charging stations
Charging speeds vary between different types of charging stations due to different power outputs and technologies:
| Type of Charger | Charging Speed | Power Output |
| Level 1 Chargers | Slow, 2-5 miles of range per hour | ~1.4 kW |
| Level 2 Chargers | Moderate, 10-60 miles of range per hour | 3.3 to 19.2 kW |
| DC Fast Chargers | Rapid, 60-100 miles of range in 20-30 minutes | 50 to 350 kW |
| Ultra-Fast Chargers | Extremely fast, up to 200 miles of range in 15-20 minutes | >350 kW |
What Are the Precautions for Installing a Charging Station?
When installing a charging station, the following precautions are recommended to ensure safety and proper functionality:
- Installation location: Choose a location that is easily accessible to the electric vehicle and away from water to prevent the risk of electric shock.
- Connect to power: Make sure the charging station is connected to a stable power source with the correct voltage and current rating.
- Mounting: If you are installing a wall-mounted charging station, use the appropriate mounting hardware and make sure it is securely fastened to the wall to prevent it from falling.
- Ventilation: Make sure there is adequate ventilation around the charging station to prevent overheating of the device and the charging station itself.
- Cable management: Manage cables properly to prevent tripping hazards and cable damage.
- Grounding: Make sure the charging station is properly grounded to prevent electrical hazards.
- Professional installation: If you are unsure about the installation process, consider hiring a professional electrician to safely install the charging station.
By following these precautions, you can ensure a safe and efficient charging station installation.
What electric vehicle charging station brands are there?
There are many electric vehicle charging station brands on the market now, and each brand has a different market. Here are four electric vehicle charging station brands recommended for a brief introduction:
- Tesla: Tesla is a well-known electric car manufacturer that also produces charging stations. Tesla’s network of Supercharger stations is known for its fast charging speeds and is designed primarily for Tesla vehicles.
- ChargePoint: ChargePoint is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of electric car charging stations. They offer a wide range of charging options for residential and commercial use, including networked charging stations that can be remotely managed and monitored.
- ABB: ABB is a global technology company that produces a variety of electric car charging solutions. Their charging stations are known for their reliability and compatibility with a wide range of electric vehicles.
- PIWIN: PIWIN is a relatively new player in the electric car charging station market. They offer a range of charging options for residential, commercial, and public use. PIWIN charging stations are known for their sleek design, user-friendly interface, and affordable prices.
Each brand offers different features and benefits, so research and compare them based on your specific needs and preferences.
Conclusion
Choosing the right electric vehicle charging station will ensure that your electric vehicle is ready for use. It is advisable to consider all aspects when purchasing an electric vehicle and buying from a reputable supplier. Keep your charging station in good condition by installing it correctly and maintaining it regularly. With these steps, you will be able to purchase a charging station that meets your needs and keep your electric car fully charged at all times.
If you are considering purchasing a DC fast charger for home! PIWIN’s range of DC fast chargers, portable EV charging stations, and home car charging stations is a great choice. Designed for convenience and efficiency, our solutions are perfect for every EV owner. Visit us today to get your home charging setup charged!
