What to Consider when Charging an EV

It's important to understand the differences in the EV charging world, it’s not quite as simple as taking your car to a gas station. This article explains the 5 basics of EV charging, including different types of chargers, how to pick the right one for your home, the connectors used worldwide, and how Germany is increasing its public charging stations. Plus, we'll look at how cost-effective EVs are compared to regular cars and the financial benefits available for choosing them.

1. Understanding EV Charging Basics

When transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs), one of the most crucial aspects to understand is charging. Much like traditional vehicles need gasoline refueling, EVs require electric charging. This guide will provide a basic overview of the different charging options available for EVs.

Differentiating between AC and DC charging: EVs can be charged using either Alternating Current (AC) or Direct Current (DC). The distinction lies in how the electric current is delivered to the vehicle's battery:

• AC Charging: This is a slower form of charging, using the regular alternating current from the grid. It's the most common form of home charging.
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• DC Charging: This is a faster form of charging, providing direct current straight to the vehicle's battery. It's often found at public charging stations and is ideal for quickly charging the vehicle on long trips or during short stops.

Introduction to charging levels: Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast charging

1. Level 1 Chargers:

• Input Voltage: Uses a standard 110V or 120V outlet.
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• Power Output: Typically between 1-2 kW, similar to a microwave.
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• Charging Speed: Delivers 5.6 to 10.5 km of range per hour.
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• Cost: Most EVs come with a Level 1 charger, but third-party versions average between €627 to €857.
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• Best for: Emergencies, backup, and overnight charging especially in multiunit dwellings.

2. Level 2 Chargers:

• Input Voltage: Requires 220V or 240V service.
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• Power Output: Ranges from 3 kW to 19 kW. Some models allow adjustable output.
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• Charging Speed: Can charge a 482.8 km range battery in about 6-8 hours.
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• Cost: Ranges from €721 to €6,974 per connector. The mean cost is approximately €3,132.
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• Best for: Residential and commercial settings, especially when faster charging than Level 1 is desired.

You’ll find our recommendation here.

3. Direct Current (DC) Fast Charging:

• Input Voltage: Requires at least 480 volts, with newer models reaching up to 1000 volts.
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• Power Output: Up to 360 kW.
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• Charging Speed: Can charge a 482.8 km range battery to 80% in roughly 20 minutes.
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• Cost: Ranges from €18,947 to €76,316 with an average of €30,663.
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• Best for: Quick charging during short breaks, such as at shopping centers or restaurants.

2. Choosing the Right Charging Station for Home

As the popularity of EVs grows, the need for charging solutions becomes ever more important. When you decide to transition to an electric vehicle, one of the decisions you'll need to make is choosing the right charging station for your home. Let's delve into the key considerations.

• Assessing Your Daily Driving Routine
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• Understanding your daily driving habits is foundational. How far do you drive on an average day? For most daily commutes, Level 1 chargers might suffice. These chargers use a standard household outlet and provide an average of 5-8 km of driving range per hour of charging. However, if your daily mileage is higher or you often go on longer drives, you might need a Level 2 charger, which offers faster charging speeds.
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• It's also important to consider future driving needs. Will you be traveling longer distances in the foreseeable future? If so, having a Level 2 charger at home might provide peace of mind, ensuring your vehicle is always ready for longer journeys.
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• If you’d like to know how to find the most efficient way to work with your EV click here.
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• Importance of Installation Safety and Hiring a Professional
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• When it comes to installing a charging station, safety should be paramount. An EV charging station, whether it's an AC or DC type, is a complex piece of equipment. Ensuring it's installed correctly is not just a matter of efficiency but of safety as well. Hiring a professional, like those connected through platforms like WattLogic, guarantees that the installation adheres to all safety standards and is optimized for your home's electrical system.
• Still looking for a professional, who’ll install your Wallbox? - Click here.
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• Weighing the Pros and Cons of Wall-mounted vs. Portable Chargers
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• Both wall-mounted and portable chargers have their merits. A wall-mounted charger, often referred to as a wallbox, can charge up to three times faster than a portable charger. This type of charger is usually fixed and offers features such as touchscreens to monitor charging status or even apps for remote monitoring. On the other hand, portable chargers offer flexibility. They can be plugged into various outlets, making them handy for trips or if you don’t have a dedicated charging space at home. Having one on hand ensures you can always recharge, even if away from your usual charging spot.
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• The decision between the two often boils down to your specific needs. If you have a dedicated parking space and want faster charging, a wall-mounted solution might be best. However, if you value flexibility or don't have a set parking space, a portable charger could be the way to go.
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• If you’d like to read more about Charging-Station favorites click here.

3. A Guide to EV Connectors

Much like the varied electrical outlets in different countries, EVs come equipped with different charging connectors due to diverse global manufacturers. It's crucial for EV drivers to know their vehicle's connector type to ensure proper charging.

1. CHAdeMO: A brainchild of carmaker industry groups mainly from Japan, the CHAdeMO ("Charge de Move") is commonly used by manufacturers like Nissan and Mitsubishi.
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2. CCS (Combined Charging System): This global "open industry standard" connector is popular among North American and European automakers. In North America, all new passenger EVs (except Tesla) are equipped with the CCS connector.
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3. Tesla: As the name suggests, Tesla connectors are exclusive to Tesla vehicles. Notably, EVgo is the premier public fast charging network offering native compatibility with Tesla EVs, eliminating the need for adapters. Tesla provides adapters allowing their cars to charge on non-Tesla stations. They include an adapter for AC Level 1 and 2 (J1772) charging and offer a CHAdeMO to Tesla adapter for DC charging.
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4. L2 – J1772: This connector facilitates "Level 1" and "Level 2" AC charging, which are notably slower than DC Fast Charging. Intended for extended charging sessions, like overnight or during work hours, the SAE J1772 connector (often referred to as "J Plug") is utilized by all EVs, excluding Tesla, for AC charging. However, Tesla vehicles come with an adapter to utilize this connector.

4. Public Charging Networks

Germany has made significant strides in expanding its public charging infrastructure for electric vehicles (EVs). As of July 2023, the nation boasts over 100,838 public EV charging points, a substantial increase from previous years. Such figures were unveiled on the eve of the IAA mobility show in Munich, an event renowned for showcasing automotive industry trends.

By 2030, the goal is to see 15 million electric passenger cars on German roads and have 1 million charging points available. The possibility of this project is in question, yet Germany has made commendable progress in rolling out public EV charging stations.

Before investing in an electric vehicle (EV), assess your local charging landscape. Use apps like ChargeMap to locate nearby stations and check their availability in real-time. Consider your daily commute and ensure sufficient chargers line your regular routes. Investigate charging costs, and perhaps visit a few stations to gauge upkeep and safety. Lastly, confirm compatibility with your desired EV model. This groundwork will provide clarity on whether transitioning to electric mobility fits seamlessly into your lifestyle.

If you’d like to have a look at all the public EV Charging Stations and whether there is one near you click here.

5. Evaluating Cost Efficiency and Green Alternatives

• Comparing the cost of EV charging to traditional fueling methods: The rising prices of petrol and diesel have prompted many to reconsider their vehicle choices. A comprehensive cost assessment has shown that when considering all expenses, from purchase price, operational, maintenance costs to depreciation, EVs often, but not always, come out ahead of their combustion-engine counterparts. Real-world examples, like the VW ID.3's total cost being slightly cheaper per kilometer than its petrol equivalent, the Golf, illustrate this trend. However, other factors, like discounts on combustion engine cars, can narrow or even invert this cost difference.
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• Seeking out incentives, rebates, and cost-saving programs: The German government and manufacturers have introduced a range of incentives to promote EV adoption. Kaufprämien, or purchase premiums, have made many EVs more affordable than their petrol or diesel counterparts. Although the bonus decreased in 2023, it still offers up to €6750, partially from the state and partly from manufacturers. Beyond purchase incentives, the THG-Quotenhandel system also allows EV owners to apply for additional bonuses, further reducing the effective cost of owning and operating an EV.

Conclusion

While the upfront learning curve regarding charging might seem daunting, understanding the basics equips potential EV owners with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions. Whether it's selecting the right charger for your home, recognizing the importance of connector types, or staying updated with the expanding public charging network, being informed is key. Germany's commitment to bolstering its EV infrastructure, coupled with attractive financial incentives, makes it an opportune time to consider making the switch. As with all technological advancements, being well-informed is the precursor to seamless adaptation.

FAQs

What are the different types of EV chargers and their main differences?

There are three primary EV charger types:

• Level 1 Chargers: Use a standard 110V or 120V outlet, offering 5.6 to 10.5 km of range per hour. Suitable for emergencies, backup, and overnight charging.
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• Level 2 Chargers: Require 220V or 240V service, providing up to a 482.8 km range in 6-8 hours. Ideal for residential and commercial settings when faster charging is needed.
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• DC Fast Charging: Requires at least 480 volts and can charge a 482.8 km range battery to 80% in about 20 minutes. Perfect for quick charges during short breaks.

How can I choose the right charging station for my home?

Consider your daily driving routine to decide the charger level you need. For shorter commutes, a Level 1 charger might suffice, while longer distances could benefit from a Level 2 charger. Safety is vital; always have chargers installed by professionals. Lastly, decide between wall-mounted (fast, fixed) and portable chargers (flexible) based on your needs.

How is Germany supporting the growth of EVs and their charging infrastructure?

Germany has increased its public EV charging points to over 100,838 as of July 2023. The goal is 1 million charging points by 2030. Furthermore, the German government offers incentives, like Kaufprämien, to make EVs more affordable and other programs to reduce EV operation costs.

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