By Sarah Lozanova, Freelance Copywriter Although there is extensive infrastructure for refueling vehicles with internal combustion engines, it’s highly likely that many of these gas stations will close in the next decade while electric vehicles (EVs) become more widespread. The range of many EV models has expanded in recent years, more and more car shoppers are going electric, and federal EV tax credits for some models make EV ownership more affordable. As EVs grow in popularity, charging networks are also scaling up, creating opportunities for clean energy professionals. A Brief Overview Of EVs And Charging Infrastructure Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) do not have internal combustion engines and are powered exclusively by the battery. So when it is fully discharged, the car won’t drive. Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) have both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor that uses energy stored in the battery. In addition, they feature regenerative braking, which helps charge the battery. The gas engine commonly turns off when it isn’t needed. As a result, HEVs usually have better fuel economy than cars with only an internal combustion engine. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) share characteristics of both HEVs and EVs. Like HEVs, they have an internal combustion engine and an electric motor, yet drivers can plug them in to charge the battery. As of September 31, 2021, there were 2,147,000 BEVs and PHEVs in the United States. Now that gas prices have climbed, there is increased interest in EVs. As a result, sales of electrified vehicles, including BEVs, PHEVs, HEVs, and fuel-cell-powered vehicles, have increased recently and now account for 12.6% of the United States auto market according to Kelley Blue Book and Cox Automotive. Yet, nearly half of United States consumers say charging the battery is a top concern with EV ownership. Therefore, building a more extensive EV charging infrastructure is critical for more car shoppers in North America to switch to EVs. Level 1 EV Charger Level 1 chargers use a standard 120-volt wall outlet. Unfortunately, these chargers are very slow and can take 24 hours for a full charge. However, they are simple to use because EV drivers can charge anywhere a cord will reach the vehicle, and Level 1 chargers come with most BEVs and PHEVs. Because of their slow charging speeds, they are rarely found in public charging stations in parking lots. Level 2 EV Charger Most residential and commercial charging stations are Level 2 and can charge vehicles fully in a few hours. Charging times depend on the charger's amperage, the discharge level of the EV battery, and the total battery capacity. For example, a 2022 Nissan Leaf may have a 40- to 62-kilowatt-hour battery, while some Tesla models may have a 100-kilowatt-hour battery. However, Level 2 chargers require 240-volt power, so an electrician usually installs them. In some cases, it might be necessary to upgrade the electrical panel if used in commercial applications, but a 200-amp panel is typically sufficient for most home EV chargers. Level 2 chargers have SAE J1772 connectors, also known as a J plug or type 1 connector. Some state or utility incentive programs offer rebates for installing Level 2 charging stations. It is helpful to know if such programs exist in your area so you can inform your clients. Level 3 EV Charger These have the fastest charging rate and are also known as Direct Current Fast Chargers, or DCFCs. Unfortunately, they are also the most expensive option to install because they use specialized equipment. A tiny fraction of public charging stations are DC Fast Chargers. They are the most convenient and the fastest charging option, especially during road trips. Among the most popular DCFCs are the Tesla Superchargers; they are Level 3 but are only compatible with Tesla vehicles. What To Look For When Choosing An EV Charger When installing an electric vehicle charging station, it’s important to consider the desired charging speed, project budget, charger warranties, vehicle compatibility, and available electrical capacity. DC fast charging equipment is usually prohibitively expensive, so most homeowners, organizations, and businesses select Level 2 electric vehicle supply equipment. The National Electrical Code requires that an electrical circuit is rated with 25% more amperage than the EV charger’s output. Therefore, a 40-amp Level 2 charger needs a circuit breaker rated for at least 50-amps. Also, it’s important to consider the charger's location to ensure convenience. This can be especially difficult if a client doesn’t have their own driveway or a dedicated parking spot. However, some states, including California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, and Oregon, have Right to Charge laws that can help increase access to EV charging infrastructure. Read more... Additional articles about electric vehicles by Sarah Lozanova: Understand the Tax Credits Before you Buy a New EV A Complete Guide: Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Levels, Explained How Far Can Electric Vehicles Go? About Sarah Lozanova, Solar Energy Writer Sarah Lozanova is a renewable energy copywriter and solar marketing specialist that uses digital marketing campaigns to drive results. She has an ability to gain media attention, boost website traffic, and engage interest on social media platforms. Lozanova connects solar energy companies to their target markets, by raising visibility, then hooking and engaging readers to request more information or take next steps.
Her renewable energy writer experience includes residential and commercial solar energy, battery energy storage systems, electric vehicles, and utility-scale wind energy, and she is the author of Humane Home: Easy Steps for Sustainable & Green Living. Sarah Lozanova holds an MBA in sustainable management from Presidio Graduate School and resides in Midcoast Maine. |