Types of EV Chargers (Public Use and Personal Use) 

EV chargers are powering the future of clean transportation, one charge at a time. Read this comprehensive guide and learn more.

As the demand for electric vehicles rises, the need for efficient and convenient EV chargers becomes increasingly evident. For instance, in the past five years, Tesla has produced 4.7 million models.

Studies show that Europe’s electricity grid can support over 100 million electric vehicles underscores the feasibility of widespread EV adoption.

Also, about 6.8 million public charging points are required by 2030 to reach the proposed 55% CO2 reduction for passenger cars.

The purpose of this blog is to inform readers about different types of EV chargers for public and personal use, including installation tips and an overview of the best chargers in the market.

What is an EV Charger

An electric vehicle (EV) charger is a device used to recharge an electric vehicle’s battery.

EV chargers are paramount in providing the EV charging infrastructure necessary for electric vehicles, contributing to the overall development of a robust EV charging ecosystem.

EV chargers can be installed in homes, public charging stations, or workplaces for convenient access to electric vehicle owners.

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Different Types of EV Chargers

EV chargers come in various types, each with different charging speeds and compatibility, catering to the diverse needs of electric vehicle users.

There are three main types of EV chargers:

• Level 1 (Slow Charging)
• Level 2 (Fast Charging)
• Level 3 (Rapid Charging)

Level 1 (Slow Charging)

Level 1 EV chargers operate at 120 volts AC and deliver power at 15-20 amps. Charging an EV using Level 1 typically takes 8 to 12 hours, making it suitable for overnight charging.

Level 2 chargers provide a higher charging speed than Level 1. They operate at 240 volts AC and deliver power ranging from 30 to 80 amps.

Charging an EV with a Level 2 EV charger takes approximately 3 to 6 hours for a full charge, depending on the specific charger’s power output and the EV’s battery capacity.

EV charger Level 2 is an excellent choice for public EV charge stations, workplace installations, and residential setups.

Level 3 (Rapid Charging)

Level 3 EV chargers, or DC fast chargers, deliver high-power DC electricity directly to the EV’s battery. They are super-fast and can provide an 80% charge in as little as 20-30 minutes.

Level 3 chargers are strategically placed along highways and urban areas, making them ideal for on-the-go charging during long journeys or limited time.

AC Chargers

AC chargers use alternating current to charge electric vehicles. Level 1 and Level 2 chargers are AC chargers.

AC charging is the most common form due to the availability of AC EV charging points and ease of installation.

Smart EV Charging: Unlocking Its Full Potential

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AC chargers can be installed at home or are readily available in charging stations.

Depending on the electric vehicle’s capacity, charging the car fully can take a few hours or overnight.

Pros of AC Chargers:

• It is convenient for daily use since you can charge your electric vehicle at home overnight, which will be fully charged in the morning.
• AC charging infrastructure is well-established and widely available, making it easy for EV owners to find charging stations.
• AC chargers are compatible with most electric vehicles on the market.
• Installation and charging costs are generally lower than EV fast chargers, making them accessible for home installations.

Cons of AC Chargers:

• AC chargers are slow, which can be a limitation for long trips.
• The need to have access to a dedicated charging station limits your charging options on the road.

DC Chargers

DC chargers, or faster chargers, use direct current to charge electric vehicles.

Level 3 chargers are DC chargers majorly used in EV fast charging stations.

The charging speed is high.

Pros of DC Chargers:

• DC chargers offer rapid charging, making them ideal for long-distance trips and reducing downtime.
• They provide a high voltage and high amperage output that ensures efficient and rapid charging
• They are well-suited for quick top-ups and emergencies, making it convenient to add a substantial range in a short time.

Cons of DC Chargers:

• Require specialized high-voltage DC power sources, which can be expensive to install, especially at home.
• Not all electric vehicles are compatible with DC fast chargers.
• Higher electricity costs per kWh than charging at home or with AC chargers, as they offer faster charging speeds.
• DC fast charging stations are not as widespread as AC charging stations, which can limit your charging options in some areas.

In the table below we show the differences between AC and DC chargers:

EV Charger Types for Personal Use

Charging electric vehicles at home is convenient, and various EV charger types are designed for personal use.

These chargers cater to different needs and charging speeds.

They offer flexibility to users based on their preferences and requirements.

Portable EV Charger

Even though traditional charging stations are the primary means of recharging an EV for many, there are some situations where access to the charging outlets is limited or inconvenient. This is where a portable EV charger comes to the rescue.

A portable EV charger is a device that allows you to charge your electric car or plug-in hybrid at different locations. They are compact, lightweight, and easy to transport.

As electric mobility expands, portable chargers will make EV ownership a seamless and convenient experience.

Pros of Portable EV Chargers:

• It is compact, lightweight, and can be easily carried in the trunk of your EV.
• These chargers have different plug types to match your EV’s charging port, ensuring compatibility across various makes and models.
• Offer both Level 1 and Level 2 charging options.
• It is equipped with safety features like overcurrent protection, overvoltage protection, and temperature monitoring for a safe and reliable charging process.
• Portable chargers come at various prices; hence, EV owners can choose a model that fits their budget.

Home EV Charger

A home EV charger is a dedicated home EV charging station.

EV home chargers are generally categorized as Level 1 and Level 2 chargers.

Charging speed for home EV chargers depends on power rating, in kilowatts (kW), and can go up to 19 kW. The higher the power rating, the faster the charging.

Installing a home EV charger, especially a Level 2 charger, requires the services of a qualified electrician. They will ensure your charger is safely connected to a dedicated 240-volt circuit, meeting all safety standards and local regulations.

Pros of Home EV Chargers:

• It provides the convenience of charging at home overnight
• It is more cost-effective compared to using public charging stations.
• Some home EV chargers have features such as Wi-Fi connectivity smartphone apps that can help monitor and schedule charging, control the charging speed, and even track your charging costs.

Smart EV Charger

Smart EV charger is a device designed to charge electric vehicles intelligently.

Smart EV chargers help optimize the charging process by considering energy cost, grid demand, user preferences, and vehicle capabilities.

Since the legacy home EV chargers are generally slow, smart EV chargers have a ‘boost’ functionally to improve the charging speed.

The quickest approach to drastically lower your EV’s operating expenses is using a smart charger.

How Does Smart EV Charging Work?

Smart EV charging is where the charger ‘communicates’ with the car, the grid, and the utility company through data connections to optimize charging.

In fact, the EV industry is witnessing a growing trend in smart technologies.
📖 Related read: EV charging industry trends.

That’s a smart charging process (step-by-step):

1. EV owners can use a smartphone app or a web interface to tell the charger when they want their car fully charged. The smart charger comes with an app that you can use to control the time and speed of the charge.
2. The charger checks electricity prices and only charges the car when rates are lower, saving the owner money. It gives the EV owner more visibility and control over electric car charging.
3. Smart chargers communicate with the electricity grid to avoid charging during peak demand, helping to keep the grid stable.
4. If plans change, users can remotely start, stop, or adjust the charging process to fit their needs.
5. Charging data is collected for billing and analysis, ensuring efficient and cost-effective EV charging.

Connector Types for EV Charging

EV charging connectors come in various types, each designed for specific regions and charging levels.

These connectors are crucial in ensuring compatibility between charging stations and EVs:

SAE J1772 (Level 1 and Level 2)

The SAE J1772 connector is used for Level 1 (slower) and Level 2 (faster) charging. This connector has a distinctive “J” shape.

J1772 connector with five pins for AC charging with supply input of 120V or 240V AC.

It is mostly used in North America.

CSS (Combined Charing System)

CCS is a fast-charging standard that combines the traditional J1772 connector with two additional DC pins for fast charging, making it versatile for various EVs.

CCS connector comes with DC pins (Type 1) and AC pins (Type 2).

It is mostly used in North America, Europe, and other regions.

CHAdeMO

CHAdeMO is a fast-charging standard. It features a unique connector design and is common in Japan, South Korea, and some parts of the United States and Europe.

CHAdeMO connector has multiple pins for DC fast charging.

Tesla Supercharger

Tesla uses its proprietary connector for its Supercharger network. While Teslas come with a Tesla-specific plug, adapters can connect to other charging standards.

Tesla-specific connector has multiple pins for DC fast charging.

GB/T (Guobiao Standard)

The GB/T connector has a unique design that accommodates EVs with AC and DC charging capabilities.

GB/T connector has multiple pins for AC and DC charging.

Tesla Destination Charger

For slower AC charging at destinations like hotels or parking lots, Tesla uses its own connector for Tesla-specific chargers.

Tesla-specific connector has multiple pins for AC charging.

It is common in the United States.

Best EV Charger (Manufacturers)

We’ve identified the following top-performing EV chargers after thorough research, expert consultations, and careful evaluation of unique features, reliability, and adaptability.

Wallbox EV Charger

Wallbox is a global EV charging company. Wallbox is known for its innovative and sleek electric EV chargers.

Their products offer a blend of modern design and high efficiency, making them a popular choice for residential and commercial users.

Key points:

• Wallbox chargers have dynamic load balancing that efficiently manages the available power to prevent overloads.
• Some Wallbox chargers, like Quasar 2, support bidirectional charging that enables EV owners to use their EV battery to power their homes or sell excess energy back to the grid.
• Wallbox Pulsar Plus is an easy-to-install EV charger that can charge any electric car on the market, including Tesla using the Tesla-provided adapter.

ChargePoint EV Charger

ChargePoint is a leading electric charging network for businesses, fleets, and drivers.  ChargePoint offers an all-in-one software, hardware, and professional services solution for EV charging.

Key points:

• ChargePoint offers a waitlist feature that allows users to join a virtual queue when a charging station is used. The waitlist helps to manage charging station access efficiently.
• Some ChargePoint chargers offer integration with Amazon Alexa. This exciting integration enables users to control and monitor charging using voice commands.
• ChargePoint Home Flex, a smart EV charger, allows drivers to schedule charging, set reminders to plug in, track all home and public charging activity, and more, all in one place

Tesla Supercharger

Tesla’s Supercharger network is renowned for its exceptional charging speed and exclusivity to Tesla owners. These chargers provide a fast and convenient recharge, particularly during long-distance travel.

Key points:

• Tesla Superchargers use a proprietary connector that provides a more secure and efficient charging experience for Tesla vehicles.
• It has a Trip Planner where you can enter your destination and automatically calculate your route with Superchargers, considering driving style, elevation, outside temperature, traffic, stall availability, and more.
• Tesla Superchargers can deliver high charging power, up to 200 miles of range, in just 15 minutes.

Blink (CarCharging)

Blink EV charging, owned by CarCharging, offers a range of EV charging solutions, including residential and commercial options. Blink chargers are known for their user-friendliness and flexibility, with various charging options, such as Level 2 chargers and DC fast chargers, available to meet diverse needs.

Key points:

• Some Blink chargers have solar canopy options to harness solar energy to charge electric vehicles.
• Users can use Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) cards or mobile apps for convenient access and payment.

ABB EV Charging

ABB is a global technology company that provides various charging infrastructure solutions for electric vehicles. Their chargers are recognized for their reliability and advanced technology.

They are a popular choice for commercial installations and fleet charging.

Key points:

• ABB chargers support various charging standards, including CCS (Combo), CHAdeMO, and AC charging, providing flexibility for multiple EVs.
• ABB chargers often incorporate grid-balancing features, contributing to grid stability and reducing infrastructure costs for grid operators.

Tritium EV Charger

Tritium creates proprietary hardware and software to develop advanced and reliable DC fast chargers for electric vehicles.

Tritium chargers are often chosen for their efficiency and ability to deliver quick charging sessions.

Key points:

• Use liquid-cooled charging cables to maintain high charging efficiency and reliability during extended use.
• Tritium chargers can be configured to provide various power outputs, allowing for flexible charging solutions.

Schneider Electric

Schneider Electric offers various EV charging solutions designed to cater to residential and commercial users, emphasizing intelligent grid integration and energy management.

Key points:

• Schneider Electric offers charging solutions with energy storage integration, allowing users to store excess energy for later use or grid support.
• Schneider Electric chargers are often certified for environmental sustainability, meeting stringent energy efficiency and eco-friendly standards.

EV Charger Installation Process

The following are the six steps in installing an EV charger:

1. Prepare the Installation Area: Determine a suitable location close to your electrical panel and ensure the area has proper ventilation and weather protection. Also, check local regulations for permission and specific installation requirements, such as ground clearance.
2. Select the Right Charger: Choose the charger that meets your EV model requirements. Consider charger type (Level 1, Level 2, or DC fast charger), power output, and compatibility with your electric vehicle.
3. Assess the Electrical Panel: Assess your electrical panel’s capacity to determine if it can support the additional load of the EV charger. You may need to upgrade the panel or install a dedicated circuit to handle the charger’s power requirements.
4. Install the Charger: Mount the charger securely to a wall or charging stand using appropriate hardware. Position it at a height of about 3-4 feet for easy cable management and to prevent cable wear. Correctly connect your charger and ensure it is protected against electrical faults.
5. Test the EV Charger: Verify that the EV charge is working. Test the charger with an electric vehicle to confirm it charges at the expected rate.
6. EV Charger Maintenance: Regularly inspect the charger for physical damage, such as cable wear or corrosion. Clean connectors and cables are needed to maintain good electrical contact.

EV charging station installation presents challenges for public Charge Point Operators (CPOs) and private EV users.

What are Installation Challenges for Public CPOs?

• Building and maintaining charging stations can be very costly.
• CPOs need to adhere to complex and evolving regulations. Adhering to these regulations while offering a user-friendly experience can be challenging.
• Integrating charging stations with the electrical grid requires careful planning. CPOs must collaborate with utility companies and consider the impact of charging infrastructure on local power distribution, especially in areas with high EV adoption.
• The lack of standardization and interoperability between charging stations and networks can be a significant challenge. CPOs must work to ensure that EV users can access their charging stations without encountering compatibility issues.

What are Installation Challenges for Private EV Users?

• High upfront costs, including chargers, electrical upgrades, and installation, can deter private EV users.
• Dealing with local regulations, building codes, and HOA restrictions can add complexity and expenses for homeowners.
• Charger compatibility varies by make and model, making selection confusing for EV users.
• Upgrading home electrical infrastructure for faster charging may be necessary and costly.

Conclusion

Tridens’ EV charger software provides a unique solution in EV charging technology. We provide solutions to over 50,000 charging stations, guaranteeing compatibility with over 25 charger models. We also hold a certification for Charge Point Protocols.

The software also has EV charge billing and monetization systems that offer white-label solutions for EV charging businesses.

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