How Electric Vehicle Fast Charging Works

Buyers have dozens of reasons to be suspicious of electric vehicles, some of which are perfectly legal and some of which are untrue. Two relevant issues are concerns about range and long charging times.

This is where fast charging or fast constant currents come into play. On cars that can handle them, fast chargers can return up to 80% of the range within 30 minutes in some cases. These are impressive numbers, but it is important to understand the basics of fast charging and how it works in today's electric vehicles.

What is fast charging?

Batteries require constant or continuous power for both charging and discharging, while your power system runs on alternating or alternating current. This means that to charge the battery, the AC current must be converted to continuous. This requires a converter, either in the vehicle or in the charger itself. To increase the rate of conversion and subsequent charging, the charger and converter components need to be taller and heavier. Many cars have small chargers that do the power conversion, but they become heavier and more complex as the vehicle components get larger.

Constant current fast charging, also known as Level 3 charging, solves these problems. In electric cars that can use this technology, a fast charger charges the battery and transfers energy directly to the battery. The charging speed can be 15 times faster than other chargers, and in some cases can increase battery capacity by 75% in as little as 30 minutes. However, continuous fast chargers are large and expensive, making them impossible or impractical for most electric car buyers. Some devices can cost more than 50,000, so they are primarily for public charging stations.

Description of Charging Levels

Level one charging uses a typical home point and can only provide 5 miles per hour. Most drivers find this method of charging too slow and impractical for daily use, and consider it only as a backup solution when more powerful charging is not available. 220 V is standard in some countries, so Level 1 charging is also standard in many global markets. not used.

Level 2 chargers provide more than 200 volts and can charge many electric vehicles with much more range than Level 1. Typically, cars charged at Level 2 will restore 20-60 miles of autonomy per hour.

Level 3 charging is considered constant current or fast charging. Level 3 charging is primarily intended for public charging stations and stations located in commercial facilities because it uses much more power and requires more space than Level 2 charging. The advantage of fast charging is that it can charge a capable EV by more than 80% in about 30 minutes.

How much does it cost to install a Level 2 charger?

The cost to install a Level 2 charger in your home depends on your location and your existing electrical situation. If your garage or charging area has existing wiring or an existing 240V outlet, it may be cheaper to install. However, the average homeowner pays about 1,200 to install a charging system. Multi-vehicle installations and special installations can cost even more.