Introduction

EVs are a very hot topic right now, its growing popularity has caused its demand to increase significantly, with the demand increasing it has also been noticed that most prospective customers have a common concern i.e. charging time and availability of charging stations.

Due to the lack of proper infrastructure, this concern has also become a reason for them not buying EVs.  It is highly important to understand the charging mechanism of these vehicles and also about the different types of charging so that it is easier for EV users to anticipate when to charge the batteries and decrease overall range anxiety.

Types of Electric Vehicle Charging

Level 1 Charging

This level of charging refers to 120 volt charging which uses a household outlet. It can be used on every electric vehicle and also on hybrid can be charged on level 1 by plugging the charger/charging equipment into a normal wall outlet. This is the slowest way of charging and only adds around 2-5 miles of range every hour. This way is optimal for people who charge their batteries overnight. This way of charging is recommended to use only in cases of emergency.

Level 2 Charging

This level of charging refers to 208-240 volt charging, These can be installed at home, offices or public locations. These are commonly used to charge EVs and not hybrid vehicles. These can add a range of up to 12-80 miles per hour. These provide multiple benefits including faster charging and increased charging efficiency. These chargers are also a lot safer than the chargers used in houses as they have a higher voltage.

The time taken to charge an EV on a level 2 charger depends on various factors and the model of the EV. On an average a level 2 charger takes 4-8 hours to fully charge a battery.

DC fast charging 

This is also known as level 3 charging, is a very high-powered charging method for EVs. Unlike level 1 and level 2 chargers which use alternating current (AC) this level of charging uses direct current (DC) to charge the vehicles battery. 

DC charging stations are equipped with high level charging equipment which is capable of delivering a much higher charging rate compared to the other levels. These typically provide electricity at 400 volts or higher allowing for rapid charging speeds.

This can charge the battery up to 80% within 30 minutes or less depending on the battery capacity of the model of the EV in question. These charging stations make long distance travels convenient for EV drivers as they won’t have to halt for a long time when the EV battery needs to be charged.

It is also to be noted that not all EVs are compatible with these charging stations. While DC charging stations are efficient and convenient they can have an impact on the overall health and longevity of the battery.

Factors affecting charging time

There are various factors that affect the charging time of an EV. They have been explained below.

1. Battery capacity: The size of the EV’s battery pack plays a very crucial role in charging time. Usually, larger battery capacities take longer to charge when compared to smaller batteries.

2. Type of chargers used: As explained before different types of chargers provide different benefits and also different charging times. 

3. Temperature: The temperature of the battery also impacts the charging time, for example, Charging an EV in extremely hot or cold conditions can decreasing the efficiency of chargers and also of batteries. Some EVs have a built-in thermal management system to regulate the battery’s temperature and to optimize charging.

4. Charging habits: Charging habits and preferences can also influence the time taken to charge an EV. For instance, choosing to charge an EV during peak hours when the demand of electricity is higher can increase the charging time and vice-versa.

In conclusion, The charging time of an EV depends on various factors from the type of charger used to the charging habits of a consumer. Understanding these factors can allow the EV users to use their vehicles to their full potential and also can help them to plan their charging strategies more efficiently. As EV technology and charging infrastructure continue to evolve, it is important for EV owners to stay informed about the latest developments and advancements in charging capabilities.

Bibliography

1. https://www.forbes.com/wheels/advice/ev-charging-levels/

2. https://www.cars.com/articles/what-is-level-1-2-3-charging-437766/

3. https://evsafecharge.com/dc-fast-charging-explained/

4. https://www.saveonenergy.com/ev/charging-speed-tips/#:~:text=The%20average%20EV%20battery%20size,if%20it%20is%20half%2Dfull.