You’ve probably seen electric charging stations at some stores and gas stations, but unless you drive a hybrid car, you probably don’t understand how they work. Even if you do drive an electric car, you likely don’t have an intimate understanding of the mechanics. Understanding electric vehicle charging — or EV — can provide some useful insight into the future of the automotive industry. If you’ve ever wondered how an EV charger works, consider the information contained in this beginner’s guide — and consider investing in an electric car, too! This technology is affordable and eco-friendly, and it’s poised to dominate the future of transportation around the world.
Find the Charger That’s Right for Your Car
Drivers of electric cars already know that EV chargers are not one-size-fits-all. On the contrary, a Lectron EV charger is suited to vehicles such as most Tesla model cars and accessories, but there are some EV products that it’s incompatible with. Generally, EV chargers are divided into four different types of sockets and four different charging speeds. There are two AC socket types — simply called either Type 1 or Type 2 — and two socket types for DC connections — CCS and CHAdeMo. Each of these is compatible with different types of electric vehicles, so you need to check your car’s manual to see which socket types will work.
The four speeds — slow and fast, or rapid and ultrarapid — are further divided into AC and DC categories, too. Which of these is right for your car largely depends on the manufacturer and how old it is. Most of the first electric vehicles were designed to only use a Type 1 charger that provided only a slow or fast charge speed. Newer EV models are far more advanced, though, and typically offer compatibility with several different charger types.
How Does an EV Charger Work?
Just as there are several different types of EV chargers, there are several different processes that can be used to charge an electric car. Generally, though, EV chargers utilize relatively simple technology to complete a somewhat complex task. They start by pulling an electrical current from a source that’s either hardwired via a power grid or from an outlet that provides 240v power. The charger can then deliver this power to the EV’s battery, where it is stored until the user drives the car. Driving will deplete the charge, at which point the user can plug into the power source and begin the process over again.
Models like the Lectron EV charger are notable for several unique features. In addition to a NEMA 14-50 Plug, this charger offers 32 Amps of power and Level 2 charging capability This makes it ideal for at-home charging sessions, and it can easily be mounted to the wall so that power is readily available. It also uses the standard J1772 — also commonly called the J plug — so that it’s compatible with a wide range of electric cars. Enjoy a durable and versatile EV charger at an affordable price point.
