Everything You Should Know About Electric Vehicle Charging [2024 update]

Increasing pollution and reducing fossil fuels have compelled governments to look for alternative solutions. An effective method to reduce carbon emissions and derive a sustainable future is to adopt electric vehicles (EVs). The EV market is evolving fast and offers benefits to everyone concerned. In 2022, the global annual growth rate was approximately 22%. Every country, including India, is making progress to adopt e-mobility.

Benefits of owning EVs

Electric Vehicles offer a myriad of benefits. It helps provide superior performance and save on costs. It is environmentally friendly and has a smaller carbon footprint. It does not depend on fossil fuels to move on the roads. Instead, it is battery-powered. Its efficient electric motor requires spending less money and energy on maintenance. It makes less noise and has renewable EV tariffs. 

Switch to EVs

Transitioning from ICE-based vehicles to an EV may be a significant change. However, potential owners may have doubts about its long-range driving ability. What if the car stops midway due to lack of charge? Charging stations are mushrooming all over the country. Still, public charging stations are in their nascent stage. Not every place has a charging station. Fortunately, dedicated apps show the whereabouts of the nearest EV charging points. 

Price factor

Is charging an EV more affordable than filling up a fossil-fuel vehicle? This is a question that most buyers would like to know. The fact is it is cheaper to charge an EV battery. Whatever the number of sessions, most people charge their vehicle overnight at home using their slow chargers, thus saving more money. Research and know about the charging price rates to save money.

Where to locate EV charging stations?

Fossil-fuel-based cars are charged only at petrol stations. However, you may charge your EV anywhere, like at the workplace, house, a restaurant, a shopping mall, or a public charging station. It offers plenty of charging options. While your car charges, you may do your personal or official work. 

Factors affecting charging duration

Charging duration depends on the charger and battery size. Most outlets in public spaces and homes have Level 2 chargers. However, some public places offer DC fast-charging services. Other factors might affect charging speed. It includes the vehicle’s charging capacity, battery size, DC charging curve, charging station’s output, prevailing weather conditions, and charge state. 

Time to charge!

EV charging from scratch takes approximately 40 hours to a mere 20 minutes. The average EV with a 60kWh empty battery takes about 8 hours to fill with a 7kW charging station. Topping off at a reputed e-autos charging station in Delhi is a better idea than charging the vehicle from empty. A 50kW quick charger helps increase EV charging range by approximately 100 miles in 35 minutes. 

Charger types

Three primary charging levels are:

• 120V Level 1 charger: It requires a standard home outlet with a 120V AC source. They are slow in charging and provide an hour charging range of 3-5 miles. They suit overnight home charging or extended parking station stays. Battery EVs may take approximately 40-50 hours to complete charge from empty, while plug-in hybrid EVs may take 5-6 hours of charging time.
• 208-240V Level 2 charger: They are found at public charging stations, workplaces, and even homes. They provide faster charging with a 240V AC source and a per-hour charging range of 10-30 miles. It depends on the charger and vehicle specifications. Battery EVs may take 4-10 hours to charge from empty while PHEV takes about 1-2 hours. 
• DCFC or DC Fast Charging or Level 3 charger: It is the fastest EV charging type. It offers high-powered direct current charging and bypasses the onboard charger. They provide a 60-100-mile range in 20-30 minutes, thus being an ideal choice for quick recharges and long-distance travel. However, installation and usage are expensive and available only at public stations. 

Charging costs

The time to charge the EV’s battery and charging price structure depends on diverse factors. It includes the vehicle model, where the vehicle is charged, and the charger level type used for the purpose. Moreover, charging costs vary with providers. 

• Standard outlet charging: This type requires home charging and is an affordable option. It adds approximately 3 to 5 miles of range an hour. 
• Wall box charging: Although costly to install, it charges 6-10 times faster. Moreover, the cost when spread over a period makes charging more affordable. 
• DC fast charging: They are available at public charging stations. They take approximately 20-45 minutes to fill up your EV from scratch to 80% capacity. However, it depends on your vehicle model. They save time, energy, and money.

Make wise decisions

Knowing the latest updates on electric vehicle charging types and available stations can help make correct decisions. Research the topic on the net or talk to industry professionals for guidance. They will suggest the most appropriate method suited to your EV type. Public charging stations are also an excellent way to charge your vehicle quickly.