EV Charging - What does it look like?

As Electric Vehicles (EVs) become mainstream, it's important to understand what charging options owners have and how to use each to ensure a smooth and convenient driving experience. Whether you are considering purchasing an EV or already own one, knowing where and how to charge your vehicle is key.

Unlike a traditional gasoline vehicle, there are several different ways to refuel an EV.

Daily Charging

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The most convenient way to charge is with a "Level 2" charger installed at your home or office.

Home or office charging makes recharging an EV both more convenient and (typically) significantly less expensive than fueling a gas vehicle.

Charging an EV on level 2 requires anywhere from 2 to 12 hours depending on the vehicle, the number of miles driven in a day, and the amount of power available. While this may seem far worse than the 2 minutes it takes to fill a tank with gas, when level 2 chargers are available at your home or office, the process takes literally seconds, just like plugging in your phone at night.

The cost of charging at home will vary based on you utility. In areas with expensive electricity and no discounted overnight rates, it may cost around $20 to fully recharge an EV. If your utility provides "ultra-low" overnight rates, it could be as little as $2.

Level 2 charging at home requires a high power, 240V circuit dedicated to a high quality outlet or an EV charger. Most homes can be equipped with the necessary electrical service for a reasonable price.

Public Charging

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When you travel away from home, or if you do not have access to charging at home or work, you will need to rely on public charging. This typically comes in 2 forms:

1. Level 2

2. DC Fast

Public Level 2 charging

Public Level 2 charging is identical to what you would use at home, except it typically requires payment via a credit card or app. Billy may be by time, usage (kWh), session (flat rate), or any combination.

Public level 2 charging will often cost about $2-5 per hour and add 25-35 miles of range per hour.

These chargers are ideal if you happen to be near one and intend to spend at least an hour parked. In most (but certainly not all) scenarios, they are cheaper than DC Fast chargers and in many places (such as shopping centers and parks) charging is free as a convineience to visitors.

DC Fast Charging

DC Fast Charging, sometimes called "Supercharging" as Trademarked by Tesla, is the fastest way to recharge an EV and is the EV equivalent of a gas station. In fact, many gas stations are beginning to install DC Fast chargers.

DC Fast charging is what allows EVs to drive cross-country nearly as quick as a gasoline car by pushing all the power an EV battery can accept.

Many EVs can gain around 100mi (160km) of range in about 15 minutes for $10-20

The fastest charging EVs can add160-190mi (304km). As battery technology improves, the charging speeds will continue to improve.

Because this kind of charging requires specialized, high power equipment as well as extremely high demands from the electrical utility, this is typically the most expensive way to recharge an EV, typically costing $10-20 to add that 100mi to a sedan, or $15-40 to add 100mi to a truck or large SUV. DC Fast chargers are typically comparable in cost to driving on gasoline.

It is important that EV drivers understand that as their battery nears fully charged, the charging gets slower, often significantly. Many EVs take longer to charge from 80% to 100% than they take to charge from 0% to 80%. For this reason, it is recommended to stop DC Fast charging either by 80% or when there is enough range to make it to your destination. The navigation system of any EV we recommend will give an indication of how much charging is needed to make it to the next stop.

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While this overview of charging an EV may seem intimidating, a little practice makes it about as easy as getting gas with the advantage of haing a station in your home! We would be happy to guide you through your first home and public charging sessions virtually or in person.

Schedule an appointment to get started!