Electric Vehicles (EVs) are quickly becoming more desirable as people become increasingly concerned about the effects of carbon emissions on the environment and soaring prices at the gas pump. The choices for EVs are continuing to grow with vehicle manufacturers expanding their product lines with solutions for commuters to those with heavy-duty needs. However, before purchasing an EV, there are some essential things to know about charging it.
Charging at Home
The ability to re-charge your vehicle in your garage is a significant incentive for most EV owners. Yet, while it can be as easy as plugging it into a wall outlet, there are some limitations and potential costs to be aware of. There are three primary types of EV charging: Level 1, Level 2, and DC Fast Charging. As you might guess, the charging capacity depends on the level, and only Level 1 or Level 2 are available at home.
A standard 120V outlet provides capacity for Level 1 charging. At this level, most cars re-charge about 3 to 5 miles per range per hour of charging. Most people only drive between 20 to 40 miles on an average day, so leaving the car plugged overnight is generally sufficient. However, for those returning from a road trip with an “empty tank,” it could take 50 hours to recharge 250 miles of range.
Another solution is to install a 240V outlet. 240V provides Level 2 charging, which can refill anywhere from 5.5 to 60 miles of range per hour based on the car, the vehicle’s charger, and the home charging unit. Generally, if you’re using a cord to plug into a standard 240V wall socket, the recharging speed will be far less than if you have a specific 240V vehicle charging unit installed. These dedicated units have a total purchase and installation price starting at about $2,000 and can go up from there exponentially. It’s important to discuss specifics with the car dealership to understand the precise potential of Level 2 charging for the vehicle you’re considering.
Charging On-the-Go
Most public charging stations are considered either Level 2 or DC fast charging. While DC fast charging is incredibly quick (a station can recharge 60 to 80 miles of range in only 20 minutes), it’s not recommended to use these stations unless the battery is significantly depleted. Using a DC fast charging station too frequently will shorten the battery’s overall life.
The US Department of Energy has a handy website to help EV drivers find a nearby charging station, and as of April 2022, there are nearly 47,000 charging stations across the United States. Remember that charging stations often come with a cost, like paying for gasoline at the pump. By clicking on the map, users can get more information about the station’s operating hours, the type of charging port available, and the charging network to learn more about payment requirements.
Are You Interested in Learning More About Green Energy Solutions?
The Rogue Valley Clean Cities Coalition’s mission is to enhance the livability of the Rogue Valley. We promote and educate on alternate fuels, seek to decrease dependency on petroleum, and promote clean air and water in the Rogue Valley via alternate fuels. Contact us today for more information!
Leave a Reply