Electric Car Charging: A Practical Understanding

Electric vehicles (EVs) are everywhere these days.  The choice to turn to a hybrid or fully electric vehicle has become ever more popular as more folks look for sustainable solutions for both commuting and enjoyment. Of course, unlike regular cars that use gasoline (or diesel) for power, EVs use electricity to fuel their engines via rechargeable batteries. So it stands to reason that if you’re an EV owner, it’s a good idea to understand the charging process. And that’s where we come in! So here is a user-friendly guide to help you make sense of all the ins and outs when it comes to charging your electric vehicle.

What Types of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Are There?

There are three types of EV charging stations available currently. They are:

1. Level 1 Charging: At the entry point of charging options, this is one the simplest and most convenient way to charge your EV…at home. All electric vehicles comes standard with a Level 1, 120-volt charging kit that allows the battery to be plugged into a normal household outlet. (Though when we say “normal,” please note that you may have to consult a certified electrician before your first charge to be certain that your home’s electricity is up to the task.) While this system is easy to use, Level 1 charging is on the slower side, and offers just three to five miles of driving range per charging hour. This translates to anywhere between 20 to 60 hours for a full charge, which means it is mostly suitable for plug-in hybrid vehicles with shorter electric ranges.

1. Level 2 Charging: At mid-range, this form of charging offers a somewhat faster alternative, Level 2 charging uses a more powerful,  240-volt charger, which can provide 12 to 60 miles of range per charging hour. While this type of charger can be installed at home by a certified, experienced electrician, they are also commonly found in public charging stations. These Level 2 chargers can take eight to ten hours to reach full juice, which is a marked improvement on Level 1. Of course, installation can cost in the ballpark of $500 up to to $2,000, but generally there are rebates and incentives offered that can help soften the blow of that price tag.
2. Level 3 Charging (DC Fast Charging): The grand poo-bah of charging option, this level is perfect for long-haul road trips. Level 3 chargers owe their super charging speed to their use of direct current (DC). This form of chargers are mainly found in public stations – both because of their tricky (read: don’t try this at home) power requirements and because of how much they cost. A Level 3 station can charge a vehicle up to 80% capacity in as few as 20 minutes. That said, this sort of juicing up is not recommended for frequent use as it can adversely affect the life of the battery.

How Do I Charge My Vehicle At Home?

Home charging is relatively simple and can be done by following your Owner’s Manual…which will likely include these steps:

1. Open Charge Port: Access the charge port either by using your vehicle’s touchscreen commands or by manually pressing the port cover to open it.
2. Insert Connector: Fit the charger connector plug into your vehicle’s charging port. For Level 1 charging, you can connect the home charger kit to a wall outlet.
3. Set Charging Limits: For most EV’s with a touchscreen, you can set charging limits here. It’s a good idea to keep the charge limit at 80%, which can help preserve the life of the battery. Occasionally, a full charge is okay for longer trips.
4. Stop Charging: When charging is finished, it will either stop automatically based on the set limit, or you can stop the session using the touchscreen, followed by unlocking the charge port and disconnecting the cable.

How Do I Use Public Charging Stations?

Public stations are perfect for on-the-go or last-minute charging. As of late, station are widely available in spots like public parking lots, airports, and hotels. Depending on where you work – especially if it happens to be at in a tech industry – many companies provide charging onsite.

Here’s how to hook up to a public charger:

1. Find a Location: If you don’t know of a site already, there are several apps available like ChargePoint that can help guide you to charging stations worldwide.
2. Find the Cable: Cables are normally connected to the station, but they may require scanning a QR code or app connection if they are mounted on a pole.
3. Connect and Start Charging: Insert the cable into your car’s port. You will likely be asked to authenticate via an app or credit card, and then you can start the session.
4. End the Session: When you’ve reached your desired charge, end the session via card or app, then unplug and return the cable.

And there you have it: a simple guide to charging your EV. And no matter what type of car you drive, you’ve come to the right place for all your title and tag needs. Head on over to our homepage and let us lend a hand  – because as always, at eTags, we’re here to help!