As electric cars rise in popularity, people are wondering are all electric car chargers the same? The world is going greener and so should you with your home and car. To help protect the environment, the Low Emissions Vehicles Taskforce concluded that petrol and diesel vehicles should be discontinued. The aim is to use battery electric vehicles (BEVs) instead.
Electric car charger installations are on the rise in public locations as well as domestic and commercial properties. To help electric car owners prepare for the inevitable changes, electrical contractors such as JKS who are based in Cork are jumping onboard. They offer services in renewable energy, both Solar Panel and EV charger installations in both homes and businesses. We will look at the different types of charging modes.
Different charging modes
The type of connector used affects the speed of charging. The compatibility with various charging modes is dependent on the power of the car’s onboard electronics. Below are the different charging modes you can use for your electric vehicle.
Mode 1
This is the basic mode of charging and it is used for supplemental charging. It involves using a normal grounded outlet to charge your vehicle but it lacks a dedicated circuit. This limits charging since the power tops out at 2.3 kW. It takes between 10 to 30 hours for your vehicle to fully recharge and is dependent on the battery capacity.
Mode 2
This mode is used for slow home charging and it avoids abrupt power cuts by using a circuit breaker. Mode 2 increases the amount of power provided. Charging with mode 2 is much faster and safer when compared to mode 1.
Mode 3
It is the ideal home charging setup and it provides the safest option. This model comes with a Wallbox which is an electronic unit that controls all the elements of charging. Mode 3 charging comes with a dedicated electrical circuit that delivers twice the power of a standard domestic socket. For this reason, this EV charger installation must be handled by a professional.
Mode 4
This mode allows for rapid charging and it is mostly found in public places, rest stops and car parks. It delivers a high-powered direct current and charges vehicles much faster. Public charging stations are normally equipped with mode 3 and mode 4 charging. However, rapid charging stations are costly to install and the cost of charging tends to be expensive.
The running cost of electric vehicles
When compared to diesel or petrol engines, the maintenance of electric vehicles is much simpler and have fewer mechanical parts. The maintenance and servicing of these vehicles are far less expensive and the travelling cost is also reduced. It is estimated that electric vehicles use 40% less the cost of petrol/diesel vehicles. The rechargeable battery of an electric vehicle usually has a warranty of eight years and depending on how you use your vehicle, it should last longer.
Electric car charger home installation
Charging an electric vehicle at home is growing in popularity. The intention of these is usually to provide a full long overnight charge. At night there are advantageous electricity rates. ”Though you can charge your electric car using a standard domestic socket, it is highly recommended you install a Wallbox”, comments charger installer, Anthony Bolter. It is much faster, safer and more economical.
Are all electric car chargers the same?
There are a variety of electric car chargers and stations. Each charger is different regarding the time taken to get a full charge on your EV. The charger determines which connector will be used and not all cars have the same type of charging connectors. You need to consider two connectors; the one that plugs into your car and the one that plugs into the power. The connector that plugs into the car is the bigger concern.
Can I get an electric car charger grant in Ireland?
Yes, you can. The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) allows Irish residents to reduce the cost of chargers installed at their business or home. You can also get a grant for purchasing an Electric Vehicle. The minimum grant available is €2000 and the maximum is €5000 depending on the value of the vehicle.
SEAI also provides a €600 grant to electric car owners for an EV Charger as long as your car is parked off the street.
FAQ
How much is a charger for an electric car?
The cost of an EV charger costs around €XXX. However, the price does not have a huge difference between brands since electric charges comprise of the plugs and the cable.
How much is it to install electric car charger at home?
The costs vary depending on the level of the charging system, where you live and if the station is hardwired to your home or portable. The national average cost varies between and €XXX. The cheapest way to charge your EV is at home, though you may incur some added costs in installation to make the station more efficient. EV charger installation requires the services of an electrician to ensure safety. With a home charging station, you will not have to worry whether are all electric car chargers the same because they will be specifically designed for your needs.
Are electric car chargers universal?
All electric vehicles use the same standard plugs for Level 1 and 2 charging. Though standards for DC charging may vary among regions and manufacturers. There are three different categories into which electric cars can be categorized, these include the power outputs, charging speed and accessibility to charging an electric car.
How much electricity does a car battery charger use?
The power used by electric vehicles is measured in kilowatts. Electricity is measured in the same unit and these batteries have a capacity that ranges from 17-100 kWh. To get the cost of a full charge, you must multiply the capacity of your car’s battery with how much you pay for the electricity.
What size cable do you use for an electric car charger?
Choosing the size of the charger cable depends on your preference and situation. If you need a cable that can stretch around your house then you might require a longer cable such as 15m or 20m. If the distance is short between your charging station and your car, then a 3m or 5m charging cable will do.
Charging into the future
The electric vehicle revolution is continuing and it is important to know that technology related to EVs is always improving. Hence, for your EV charger installation, you need an electrical contractor who will provide quality and efficiency.
JKS is your go-to option for your electrical services throughout Cork. With over 35 years of experience in all areas of electrical works and a long line of satisfied clients both domestically and commercially setting.
Also, our electricians are fully trained, certified and registered to carry out EV Charger installations. If you own a home or business and need a charger to be installed for electric vehicles, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us today.