Matching Chargers with Specific EV Models
Due to pressing environmental concerns, the demand for EV Chargers has experienced a spike. Selecting the right EV charger is crucial to avoid inefficient/slow charging, and damage to your vehicle or charger. This is because each vehicle requires a specific type of charger that offers a compatible charge rate. For those considering a solution for their residence, exploring home charging options can be a great start to ensure a seamless charging experience at your doorstep.
However, selecting the right charger requires sufficient knowledge and information. This ensures precision charging match, complete peace of mind, and optimal performance. The main objective of this article is to highlight information on compatible chargers for different vehicles. You will also get insights on considerations to make the perfect choice. Sounds captivating? Let’s get started!
EV Charger – A Rundown
EV (electric vehicle) charger is a charger you can use to charge your electric vehicles. You can set these chargers to a 240-V or a grid outlet to facilitate the electricity supply for charging.
Understanding Charger Compatibility
Several things play a key role in understanding charging compatibility. These things include the EV charger types and connector types.
EV Charger Types
Let’s first discuss the charger types.
Level 1 Chargers: You can define these chargers as those belonging to the basic charging class. To set up these chargers, you only need 120 V of outlet. With these chargers, you can harness a distance of 2 up to 5 miles on a single hour of charging. These chargers are also referred to as slow chargers. You cannot quickly recharge your vehicles using these chargers. Rather, you need to spend a lot of time to do so. This is why they are best for whole-night charging.
Level 2 Chargers: The Level 2 Chargers provide faster charging than Level 1. You need to provide a 240-V outlet to set up these chargers. On a single-hour charge, you can harness a distance of 10 up to 60 miles. It all depends on the power output and the battery capacity.
Level 3 Chargers: You can also define level 3 Chargers as DC Fast Chargers. These chargers are highly suitable for replenishing quick charging. The current source makes these chargers different from level 1, and level 2 chargers is the current source. Level 1 and Level 2 uses AC power outlet, and Level 3 uses DC power outlet. With these chargers you can harness a distance of 60 upto 100 miles in just about half an hour.
Connector Types
Now, understand the types of connectors that exist in EV chargers:
Type 1 Connector: It also refers to the J1772. You can use it for level 1 and level 2 charging requirements. This connector features 5 pins and is compatible with plug-in hybrids. You can use it for a single phase only. With these connectors, you can support charging for 12 up to 25 mileConnectors
Type 2 Connector: These connectors comprise 7 pins and are compatible with level 2 and DC charging. You can set up these connectors with 3 phase outlets. These connectors support the charging needs from 25 up to 75 miles.
CHAdeMO: This connector is highly suitable to replenish quick charging needs. You can setup these chargers to both AC or DC outlets depending n your suitability. It comprises of large and round shaped plug. These connectors support charging of 75 up to 150 miles.
CCS: Also refer to combined charging system. Just like CHAdeMO you can install these connectors to DC or AC power outlet. Option exist to choose from two variations of these chargers, such as CCS Type 1 and CCS Type 2. These connectors support chargin for 150 miles up to 375 miles.
How To Match Chargers To Electric Vehicles?
To match your EV to the compatible charger, consider these things:
EV Charging Capabilities
Understand the power rating of the onboard charger and identify what charging speed it can handle. Determine which charger is suitable for it, either Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3.
Determine Connector Type
In the EV charger selection process, identify the connector of your vehicle that your EV charger supports. Check among the Type 1, Type 2, CHAdeMO, and CCS. Select the charger accordingly.
Analyze Charging Infrastructure
Determine the charging stations available in your vicinity, and what connectors they can support charging. You can use Google map, or EV websites/apps to identify nearby chargers. Using these sources, you can know your vehicle compatibility with these chargers.
Manufacturer Recommendations
The manufacturer of your EV offers a list of chargers that are completely compatible with your vehicle. Use the list to identify the chargers that you can use.
Compatibility Tools
The compatibility tools are nothing but the websites and EV mobile apps. Use these tools to input your vehicle model, make, variant, and charging requirements to get the list of compatible chargers.
Future Proofing
While buying a specific vehicle, make sure it supports upgradation. As the EV field is continuously evolving, it will ensure future-proofing.Click here to take you to learn more about How to Buy the Right DC Charging Station.
Take Expert Advice
If you are new to this field, consult an expert for charge compatibility guidance. This will save you time and ensure you experience a proper solution.
Some of The EVs and The Chargers They Support
Different vehicles support different types of chargers. Get insights on the key charger types that different vehicles support below:
| Sr. No. | Vehicle Type | Supporting Charger |
| 1 | Tesla Model 3 | CCS |
| 2 | Nissan Leaf | Type 1, CHAdeMO |
| 3 | Chevrolet Bolt EV | Level 1, Level 2, CCS |
| 4 | Volkswagen ID.4 | Level 1, Level 2, CCS |
| 5 | BMW i3 | Level 1, Level 2, CCS |
| 6 | Ford Mustang Mach-E | Level 1, Level 2, CCS |
| 7 | Huyndai Kona Electric | Level 1, Level 2, CCS |
| 8 | Audi e-tron | Level 1, Level 2, CCS |
What Benefits You Can Harness For Selecting The Right EV Charger?
There are many benefits that you can harness. Some of the notable advantages include:
Time Effective Charging
Selecting the right charger type lets you enjoy efficient vehicle charging at higher speeds. You can avoid delay charging this way.
Optimum Battery Health
The right charger type plays a key role in maintaining the overall battery health. This extends the battery life and usage capacity.
Flexibility
The EV that supports multiple vehicle chargers allows your vehicle to charge at higher speeds and on the go. This way, you can enjoy complete flexibility.
Cost Efficiency
Careful EV charger choice assists you in cost saving and efficiency. Speedy charging up your vehicles helps you save time and money in the long run. Setting up these chargers at your home offers convenience, and you will not run out of charging. In contrast, fuel vehicles and EVs help you save a lot of cost.
We have introduced Cost of EV Charging Stations in detail in our previous article and hope it will be helpful to you.If you want to know more, please pay attention to Piwinev Charging.
