Every vehicle needs fuel to run. That implies petrol or diesel in the traditional sense. But with the rise in the popularity of electric vehicles, it has got a new meaning. It refers to charging the automobile battery. These days, more and more drivers are opting for electric vehicles (EVs). So, it is a good idea to learn about their charging solutions beforehand.
As this is a growing industry, many models of EV chargers have been released. Each Zappi car charger is suited to the different needs of the vehicles and their drivers. In this article, we will try to cover the most significant information about electric vehicle chargers.
Private EV Charging:
For internal combustion (IC) engine vehicles, going to a petrol pump for a refill is your only option. So, if you ever run out of fuel, you will have to spend your precious time and money filling up your tank. But with electric vehicles, a power-up is possible right from your home. You have to set up a charging station, which you can access 24/7. The chargers in these home stations can charge your vehicle at either a slow or a fast pace. The former type gives an output of 3 kW, taking about 6 to 7 hours to charge the battery completely. The latter type, on the other hand, operating at 7 to 22 kW of power, requires only 3 to 4 hours to do the same. Slow home chargers are excellent for overnight charging, while fast ones are best at rush hours.
To install a home charging station, you need to have the appropriate supply line in your garage or driveway. If you do not have it already, you might have to invest some money in it. Aside from that, an installation costs somewhere around £1,000. It sounds like a lot, and it is. However, government grants and other rebates bring down the price significantly. After the setup is complete, a small electricity fee will be incurred in your home electricity bill each month. So, you will end up saving a lot of money and time.
Public EV Charging:
The benefits of home charging are undeniable. But what happens if your vehicle runs out of power on the road? Thus, you should have an alternative solution. And this comes in the form of public charging, which comes in handy even when there is no emergency. Residences that are unfit for a charging station installation can utilise this service. Besides, for low-mileage drivers, public charging saves them quite a bit of money.
Many drivers have picked up on the advantages of public charging. This rise in popularity has led to the establishment of various charging facilities across the nation. By paying a tariff, you can power your electric vehicle at any one of these places. This amount varies depending on the type of charger you use – slow, fast, or quick.
As their name suggests, slow chargers take a long time to charge your vehicle. This period is around 12 hours when operating at 3.0 kW. Fast chargers use a seven-pin plug, which is unlike the three-pin one found in slow chargers. Their power output can vary between 3.6, 7, 11, and 22 kWs. This higher wattage reduces their charging duration to anywhere between 1 to 6 hours. This efficiency makes them perfect for offices, shopping centres, hotels, et cetera. But if you are in an emergency, they will not be able to deliver the necessary results. That is why we need rapid chargers, operating at 20 to 50 kW, for DC, and 43 kW, for AC. Among them, the direct current (DC) variant is far more common.
If you opt for public charging, you first have to sign up with an EV charging provider. Once your account is ready, you can access this service at your nearest location. The rate is set by the company and varies from time to time. Now every time you charge your vehicle, you have to pay accordingly.
In current times, electric vehicle charging solutions are not arduous to come by. You only have to find the one that is suitable for you. Once you figure out the best electric van charging point, you can power your vehicle as and when needed. While doing so, always abide by the safety precautions put in place by the authorities. That will help keep you and your car secure during the rides you take.