Electric vehicles are gaining a larger share of the automotive market while becoming more affordable. Environmental awareness has become a key driving force in the adoption of electric vehicles among consumers, and companies are realizing they can attract these drivers by offering electric vehicle charging stations. Some government programs, such as California's Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) rule, require automakers to offer more environmentally friendly vehicles.
The emissions reduction potential of EVs is significant because they can run on electricity generated by wind turbines or solar panels. Even if an EV depends on an electrical grid where most of the electricity comes from fossil fuels, there is a reduction in emissions: power plants use fossil fuels much more efficiently than automobile combustion engines.
Electric vehicles and charging time
Plug-in electric vehicles (PEVs) obtain most or all of their power from electricity supplied by the electrical grid. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) offer 3-4 miles per kWh of charge as a general rule, although this can vary depending on driving habits. There are two main factors that influence battery charging time:
- Charging capacity , typically measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). It typically ranges from 4 to 90 kWh, depending on the type of vehicle.
- Charging station features: charging capacity and speed limit.
The rate at which the car can accept charge is measured in kilowatts (kW). Each vehicle has its own maximum rate based on its internal charging capacity and may or may not have a separate DC charging port.
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Electric vehicle charging stations
EV charging stations can be classified into three types based on the charging method:
- Level 1 Loading
- Level 2 Charging
- DC fast charging
Level 1 charging uses the standard 120V AC power supply and provides 2 to 5 miles of range per hour (RPH). Depending on car and battery specs, it takes 8 to 20 hours to add 40 miles of range. Level 1 charging typically uses a three-prong NEMA 5-15 standard household plug.
Level 2 charging uses a 208-240V residential or commercial power supply and the vehicle's onboard charger, offering 10 to 30 miles of range per hour. Level 2 charging is characterized by protecting the user from electrified components : commercial units are wired and free from exposed sockets, establishing electrical current only when connected to the vehicle. These stations can be installed as a standalone system or in a network configuration.
DC fast charging was previously called Level 3 charging, requiring 208-480V three-phase power. The charger converts the power input to DC and supplies it directly to the battery. DC fast charging offers up to 100 to 200 miles of range per hour and takes 15 to 45 minutes to charge from 0 to 80 percent, depending on the vehicle.
The following table summarizes some typical applications of each charging method:
|
CHARGING TYPE |
FORMS |
|
Level 1 Loading Level 2 Charging DC fast charging (Level 3) |
Only various restricted uses Parking spaces with charging stations. Residential, commercial and public billing. Commercial and public places. Charging during long-distance travel. |
|
Level 2 Charging |
Parking spaces with charging station Residential, commercial and public billing |
|
DC fast charging (Level 3) |
Commercial, public Charging during long distance travel. |
Level 2 charging works best when parking time is more than one hour, which includes overnight charging at homes or hotels, workplace charging, or fleet charging. Level 2 charging is also viable during dining, sports, recreation and shopping.
DC fast charging best suits businesses and locations where the average customer parking time is less than an hour. It can be used to supplement Level 2 charging. However, take note of the consequences of using the wrong type of charger: an LV2 charger offers a poor user experience during a short period of parking, and using DC fast chargers where vehicles they will be parked for a long time represents a waste of resources.
Codes and Regulations
In New York City, the following provisions apply to charging electric vehicles in garages and parking lots:
- Conduit and solar panel capacity for up to 20% of newly created parking spaces. This applies to garages and parking lots.
- Fixture plugs, EV connectors and inputs must be labeled according to their intended purpose.
- EV power equipment must be provided with an interlock.
- Overcurrent protection for feeders and branch circuits that power EVs must have a rating of at least 125% of maximum load.
- The EV power equipment must be located to allow direct connection to the vehicle itself.
Conclusion
Level 1 and 2 AC charging provides AC power to the vehicle, where the vehicle's onboard charger converts the AC power to DC power needed to charge the batteries. Planning, including site evaluation and selection considerations, and the assessment of electrical needs and availability, is critical for functional, aesthetically pleasing, and cost-effective installations that can meet present and future needs.
