For many years, we have been fuelling our cars with gasoline. Though, now, there are many different types to choose from such as mid-grade, regular, premium gasoline, or even diesel. Though the refuelling process is a very straightforward one and everyone seems to understand what to do.
When it comes to electric vehicles and the “refuelling” process, it is important to know that it isn’t as simple, nor quick. There are many reasons as to why this is the case, such as the fact that every electric vehicle has a different amount of power. There are also different types of connectors.
However, it is most important to know how long the charging process takes and what the different levels are. Charging levels and times will apply to both plug-in hybrids and EVs, but not the more traditional hybrids as they are charged by the engine or regeneration.
Now, let’s take a look at what you need to know about EV chargers.
Charging Types vs Charging Levels
When it comes to understanding the difference between charging levels and charging types, you must understand that there is quite a lot to know. Unlike petrol and diesel vehicles, the first thing to know is that there are a number of ways for you to charge your car. These two pieces of terminology will be your best friend:
- Charging Levels- The power you use to charge your electric vehicle.
- Charging Types- The physical type of plug connector type that plugs into your electric car.
Charging Levels
Now, let’s take a look at the different charging levels:
- Level 1- Portable EVSE- This level is an existing powerpoint that is used in addition to a special cable that is usually supplied with the vehicle. Usually, it is used in standalone domestic homes. This method will add between 10km or 20km of range every hour it is plugged in. It will top up your vehicle but not fully recharge a typical vehicle overnight.
- Level 2- Wall Chargers- The level two chargers are dedicated AC EV chargers that are usually installed in apartment complexes, homes, shopping centres, workplaces, and hotels. It will add roughly 40km to 100km or ranger per hour depending on the vehicle. It will top up the average vehicle use in an hour or a full charge overnight.
- Level 3- DC Fast Chargers- Level three chargers are dedicated DC EV chargers. Usually, they are used in roadside locations and commercial premises in order to provide fast charging. At the lower end, it will charge up to 150km every hour. At the upper end, it can fully recharge some vehicles in only 10 to 15 minutes.
Charging Types
Now, we will take a look at the different charging types:
- Type 1- This is the standard plug used by Mitsubishi in Australia. It is also used for some pre-2018 EVs. This plug has a five-pin design. Two pins are the communicators between the EV and charging station. The rest of the pins are charging lines and a line to the ground.
- Type 2- This plug is currently being used by all other EV manufacturers. It is now used as the standard plug for Australian EVs. This plug has a seven-pin design, and the extra pins allow the plugs to support three-phase charging.
- CHAdeMO- This charger is used internationally by Japanese brands such as Nissan, Mitsubishi, and Toyota.
- CCS Combo- This plug allows both AC and DC chargers to use the exact same plug.
- Tesla Supercharger- These chargers use the same design as the Type 2 AC plugs. However, they deliver much more power. It will only charge Tesla vehicles.
The Bottom Line
If you’ve just purchased an electric vehicle or are considering it, don’t forget that you can call a qualified electrician to help install your EV charging station.