EV charging stations are the new gas stations. Unlike gas stations, EV charging varies with 3 things:
- The size of the EV battery pack
- The power source
- The charger used
Plug in Hybrids, for instance, have small battery packs compared to the Tesla Roadster or the Coda sedan. The Chevy Volt is somewhere in between. Power sources vary from 110 volts to 440 volts or more, and there are many types of chargers on the market. What do they have in common? Charging levels.
EV Charging Levels
In the US, there are currently 3 levels of charging. These levels are roughly equal to those used in Europe as well.
Level One - This is a standard household outlet at about 110-120 volts and 15 amps maximum, generally regarded as a 1500 watt power source. Check the calculator on the next page to see level one charge time estimates. Level 1 chargers may be simple plugged in, one per circuit.
Level Two - Level 2 power comes from a 220/240-volt circuit similar to a household dryer line. However, an EV charger installed on a 220 volt line requires a dedicated new circuit and charger to be installed. This installation needs to be done by an electrician. Check the calculator on the next page to see Level 2 charge time estimates.
Level 3 - Level 3 charging is at 440 volts or more and beyond household circuitry. These are commercial chargers found at public and private charging facilities. A subclass of the Level 3 charger is the Fast Charger, which can be configured to fill an EV battery pack to 80% full in as few as 15 minutes.
Regarding plugs: The standard Level 1 and 2 EV plug is the J1772 plug. This 5-pin plug is intelligent for data purposes.
Other Considerations for Charge Station Installment
Follow the code, permit, and inspection process the same way you would for any construction project. Check with a licensed electrical contractor for a cost estimates and basic circuit requirements as well.
Permits: Check your local codes and CCRs before charge station installation. Get required permits prior to electrical work.
Inspections: You may need an inspection before work starts, as well as one during construction, and a final inspection. Check your local codes.
One of the latest charging stations in the works uses inductive charging. Inductive charging uses the electromagnetic field to transfer energy between two objects. The new chargers will be a loop placed on your garage floor. The EV owner just drives over the loop and switches on the power. It can be operated by phone if needed.
Standardization in Charging
Eight major auto makers have agreed to a single charging standard. Audi, BMW, Chrysler, Daimler, Ford, General Motors, Porsche and Volkswagen are on the same page to support the gear that will provide 15 - 20 minute battery pack charges.
The new system called CCS (combined charge system) allows the EV driver to charge at a Level 1,2,or 3 charge station for fast to slow charging. The CCS is backwards compatible with J1722 and IEC 62196 connectors.
