What is EV Charging & How Does It Work?

Electric Vehicles run on electric power stored in large battery packs. Battery sizes and storage capacities vary depending on the make and model, and all batteries deplete over time and must be recharged regularly to keep running.

You can charge your EV at an EV charging station, which draws current power from the electric grid. Charging stations vary in type, size, and power. They include private charging stations installed at home and public ones located at workplaces, commercial parking lots, and dedicated charging hubs.

EV charging stations are based on Alternating Current (AC) or Direct Current (DC) electric currents. However, all EV batteries can only accept DC power. To this end, a battery charger in the EV converts the AC to DC before transferring it to the battery.

EV Charging Levels Explained

EV chargers vary in type and power, just like gasoline fuels vary in type. Overall, they are categorized into the following types:

Level 1 EV Chargers

Level 1 EV chargers are the simplest and least powerful. They are compatible with the standard 120-volt power outlets, the type that you use with ordinary household electronics.

Level 1 chargers are simple because they don’t require the installation of any additional charging equipment. The electric cord and plugs are affordable, portable, and compatible with most ordinary power outlets.

However, Level 1 chargers are slow. They charge EV batteries at rates of two to five miles per hour. To this end, they are recommended for overnight charging at home. They are also mostly suitable for low-mileage drivers; most American car owners drive an average of 31 miles daily, making Level 1 chargers sufficient for many EV users.

Level 2 EV Chargers

Level 2 EV chargers are up to 15 times faster than Level 1 chargers. They are compatible with standard 240-volt residential and 208-volt commercial power outlets.

240-volt power outlets are commonly used with heavy-duty electric appliances, such as washers and dryers, making it possible to use a Level 2 charger at home. However, Level 2 EV home charging stations should only be installed by professional and certified electricians. Interestingly, Level 2 chargers are compatible with solar panel systems, making them sustainable and cost-effective.

Level 2 EV chargers recharge batteries at rates of ten to 50 miles per hour. They are fast and powerful enough to recharge high-capacity batteries from zero to full overnight or in a few hours. Most EV manufacturers have their own dedicated Level 2 EV chargers and public charging stations.

Level 3 (DCFC) EV Chargers

Level 3 EV chargers are also commonly known as DCFC or DC chargers. Level 3 charging stations draw Direct Current power directly from the power grid. The chargers then feed DC power directly into the EV battery, bypassing the need to convert AC to DC. To this end, DC charging stations are fast and can add 60 to 80 miles in as little as 20 minutes.

DC charging stations are categorized into the following three types:

• Combined Charging System (CCS)
• CHAdeMO (CHArge de MOve)
• Tesla Superchargers

Level 3 EV charging stations are not compatible with standard home-based power outlets. They require highly specialized equipment to install and maintain. To this end, DC charging stations are only used in industrial and commercial applications. They are a bit expensive but also convenient to use, especially when driving long distances.

Most EVs are compatible with Level 3 chargers, but not all. To this end, some EVs require adapters and special plugs to work with DC charging stations.

Tesla Superchargers

Tesla Superchargers are categorized as Level 3 or DC chargers, but they are exceptionally fast and powerful. On average, these charges can add from 162 to 200 miles in 15 minutes, depending on the Tesla model and battery capacity. Overall, a Tesla Supercharger can recharge an empty Tesla battery to full capacity in about 30 minutes.

Tesla has more than 25,000 dedicated superchargers across the world. However, Tesla Superchargers only work with Tesla EVs.

How to Find EV Charging Stations Near You

More EV charging stations are popping up all over the United States and worldwide as more people buy EVs. However, some locations are underserved, making it difficult to find a charging station near you. You can make your search easier by knowing where to look.

More workplace buildings are setting up EV charging stations for their employees and other users, so check if yours has one. Alternatively, you can try commercial EV charging stations; many local electric utility companies now offer free or paid EV charging services.

Driving around town looking for EV charging stations takes time. Fortunately, using EV charging station finder apps can save you time and reveal more options. The best apps include the following:

• Plugshare – Shows over 140,000 charging stations across the United States and Canada.
• ChargeHub – Shows over 3,000 charging stations across the United States.
• Department of Energy Alternative Fueling Stations App – Shows all public charging stations across the United States (currently lists over 48,000 charging stations).

Besides listing available charging stations, these apps also filter the results based on factors such as charging levels, prices, and networks. They also continually update their databases as more charging stations pop up.

You can also download charging networks providers’ apps, including the following:

• EVgo
• EV Connect
• ChargePoint
• Volta
• Electrify America

However, these apps only show charging stations provided by their networks. It is also worth noting that some charging networks are not operational across all states. Overall, installing your own Level 1 or 2 charging station at home would be the most reliable solution.

Conclusion

Charging your EV is simple, but getting used to the different charging stations may take some time. You can also quickly and easily find charging stations by finding one or more apps. However, you should consider installing a personal EV charging station at home or the workplace for fast and convenient charging. 

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EVs are ideal for most road users because they meet climatic goals and improve air quality. Customers also opt for low-emission commute alternatives instead of fossil fuel vehicles that endanger our planet.   

Although EVs face many challenges, there’s hope these cars are here to stay. Their batteries continue to evolve, and the EV industry is on the front line doing the market campaign. Additionally, governments around the globe encourage the electric car industry by subsidizing and regulating its manufacturer.

The History of Electric Cars

Electric cars don’t have a specific inventor or country of origin. It was a journey of baby steps from a battery-powered vehicle to an electric one. In the 1800s, the first EV stepped on the road. The first countries to innovate on electric vehicles are the United States, Hungary and Netherlands.

It all started with a blacksmith from Vermont toying with a concept of a car powered by a battery, which gave birth to the first electric car. A British investor Robert Anderson developed an electric carriage then a half-century later, a French investor built the first electric car.

In 1980 William Morrison placed the US on the electric cars map with his six passengers’ vehicles with a top speed of 14 miles per hour. Although his car was more of an electrified wagon, it paved the way for the interest in developing electric vehicles.

It was some years after that different car makers started manufacturing electric vehicles.

What Makes Electric Vehicles’ Future Bright?

Although they were the rise and fall of electric cars, they proved never to give up. Here are the main reasons that made the electric vehicles demand hiked recently

Customer Demand

In the past decade, the demand for EVs has escalated due to increased customer interest. Customers’ interests include improved battery capacity, environmental concerns, cost of living, and superb vehicle choice.

Most drivers buying EVs are using them to protect the environment. Most people are learning the effects of carbon print on the environment and shifting to electric vehicles because of their environmental impact.

Unlike in the past, consumers now can choose from a wide range of EVs since manufacturers continue introducing a wider variety of electric vehicles. Whether you want a small or large vehicle, they are available. Recently you can get trucks and SUVs in the market, unlike before, when sedans and hatchbacks were only available.

You no longer dread running out of power with the newly evolved EVs. The batteries are improved, and you can drive safely to the following charging location. The improved EVs can go up to 234 miles before the next recharge. Technology is still advancing, and it will be better and may find them in racing sports. You can read more about these sports and how to bet on them here – casinoudendansklicens.org. 

Additionally, by using EVs, most people save money because there’s no additional cost like fueling. The cost of EVs is expected to drop more, making them more affordable and maintenance cost-saving than fueled cars.

Government Policies

Over a decade, the government has supported policies for EVs, resulting in the expansion of electric cars. The government aims to use the vehicles for climate change combat. That’s why some countries have adopted policy support for model expansions of electric vehicles to medium and heavy-duty cars.

The governments have adopted purchase subsidies and registration tax rebates to reduce the price gap with conventional vehicles. The cities have also encouraged sales of EVs in urban areas. They have achieved this by creating Strategic charging infrastructure, banning the selling of new gas-powered cars, and placing zero emission zones.

Automakers Committing to Developing EVs

Different automakers have shared strategies they will use to speed up the making of electric trucks and cars. Ev’s manufacturers plan to roll out new electric models in the next ten years. They are targeting higher EVs sales, thus ending fuel-powered vehicle production. These companies have invested billions of dollars to achieve the electrification goals, including developing new manufacturing plants in the next decade.

In order to reach the electric vehicles electrification goal, there will be the birth of new occupations like

Occupations Available in Electric Cars Transition

The electrification process is expected to open new doors in designing and developing EVs, battery production to power vehicles, and charging infrastructure. Let’s check several occupations around the electric vehicle transition.

1.  The designing and developing of electric cars

The design and development sector will employ people in engineering and computer occupations. The computer experts’ work is to create and support computer applications while engineers will design and develop the vehicle.

An electric car will require engineers from different fields, such as engineers designing mechanical parts such as car breaks. On the other hand, others will work on developing safety systems like cameras and sensors. Other types of engineers will specialize in battery technology.

The electrical engineers are responsible for designing EVs control systems like user infotainment systems for these vehicles.

2. Battery Manufacturing

As automakers work to produce more electric vehicles, new battery manufacturing plants will pop up due to the high demand for EV batteries. These plants will open new job vacancies in battery assembling, production, supervisor, and managerial posts. The battery plants will also employ electromechanical assemblers, fabricators, and various assemblers.

3. Development and Maintenance of Charging Network

As the number of electric vehicles is rising, there is a demand for more charging infrastructure. Since drivers can charge EVs from home, most of these charging systems will be installed at their residences. There will be a need for a public charging network and one charger for every 10 -15 electric vehicles.

Conclusion

Since introducing electric cars about a century ago, their popularity has risen by the day. All electric, hybrid, and plug-in electric vehicles are in demand, and their demand will continue to grow. The EVs prices will drop, and most customers will use them and save money they use at the pump. 

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At a special event in California, which was held on March 31, 2016, the American manufacturer of electric cars Tesla Motors put on display the prototype of its “younger” model called Model 3… Almost a year and a half after the world debut, the car finally became serial – its official presentation, accompanied by the announcement of final specifications and prices, was organized at the company’s own factory, located in Fremont (California).

Externally, the Tesla Model 3 is a slightly “shrunken” copy of the Model S, but is actually a sedan rather than a hatchback. The electric car looks nice and sporty, and its identity is added by the formidable front end, completely devoid of grille, with LED headlights.

In profile the “American” shows dynamic and harmonious proportions, and the design of the rear with beautiful lights and a powerful bumper does not disappoint.

This is a sedan of the medium size category, which has the following overall dimensions: its length is 4694 mm, width is 1849 mm (with the side mirrors – 1933 mm), and height does not exceed 1443 mm. The wheelbase of the electric car has 2875 mm, and its ground clearance is 140 mm. In an equipped form four-door weighs from 1609 to 1730 kg, depending on the modification.

The Tesla Model 3 cabin is completely minimalistic – there are no customary gauges or any analog keys, and all functions (“driver” data, navigation, “microclimate” control and everything else) is controlled by a 15.4-inch screen of the infotainment system, set in the center of the front panel. There are no buttons on the three-spoke “oval” steering wheel – there are only two joysticks for thumbs, designed to engage the basic settings of the media system.

Inside the electric car exceptionally high quality materials are used, and everything is assembled in good faith. Tesla Model 3 interior is designed in such a way as to provide the maximum amount of space for five adults and provide a free landing for all occupants without exception.

The front seats are equipped with ergonomic seats with developed side support rollers, optimal firmness of the filling and sufficient adjustment range. Rear passengers are provided with a comfortable sofa with a clever profile and a folding armrest in the central part. For luggage transportation, the electric car has two cargo compartments at once – in the front and in the rear. Their total volume is 435 liters according to the American EPA methodology.

Specifications:
Several rear-wheel drive modifications are announced for the Tesla Model 3 to choose from (all-wheel drive versions will also appear in the future):

The standard sedan is equipped with a 235 horsepower electric motor and a 60 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. This car takes 5.6 seconds to hit the second ‘hundred’, reaches a maximum speed of 209 km/h and can overcome at least 354 km on a single charge. In an hour the batteries are recharged from a regular outlet for 48 km, and from the Supercharger terminal for half an hour – for 209 km.

The electric car with the Long Range package boasts batteries of increased volume – 85 kW (although this information is still preliminary). This four-door can go from a place to 97 km/h in 5.1 seconds, pick up 225 km/h at the limit, and with a fully “filled tank” can cover a distance of 499 km. “Saturation” of the batteries from the household network is done at a speed of 59 km per hour, and from the Supercharger station – 274 km in half an hour.

Like the “older Esca”, this car is designed around a flat storage unit made of aluminum, to which the body and subframes made of steel and “winged metal” are attached.

The chassis of the Tesla Model 3 is completely independent: there is a double wishbone architecture in the front, and a “multi-lever” in the back. An air suspension will be offered for an extra charge for the electric car. “The electric sedan comes with ventilated disc brakes, a steering system with rack-and-pinion steering and electric power steering with variable characteristics.

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The Audi RS Q8 made its world debut in November 2019 on the stands of the international Los Angeles Auto Show, and even before its official release, the crossover managed to set a record time on the Nürburgring circuit, becoming the fastest of the production SUVs.

It is noteworthy, but this car was actually a “disguise”, slightly simplified and not so insanely expensive Lamborghini Urus, as in technical terms they are twins. Outwardly it is not difficult to recognize Audi Q8 RS-version comparing to “civil” model – extreme essence of coupe-crossover is more aggressive perimeter of the body, grille with honeycomb pattern, oval exhaust system, aerodynamic spoiler on the roof edge and the original wheels of 23 inch. The high-performance SUV has a length of 5012 mm, its width fits in 1998 mm, and height does not exceed 1694 mm. The wheelbase of the five-door extends to 2998 mm, and its ground clearance is 164 to 254 mm (due to the presence of pneumatic suspension).

Interior of Audi RS Q8 as a whole repeats the standard “brother” and the design and workmanship, but still differs from it with sports details – “charged” car can be recognized by RS-graphics virtual instruments with pronounced horizontal lines, steering wheel with truncated rim, front bucket seats and specific RS-decor. The extreme coupe-crossover is practical: its interior can accommodate a driver and four passengers, and the trunk is designed to carry from 605 to 1755 liters of luggage (depending on the position of the rear sofa backrest).

Technical Specifications
The Audi RS Q8 is powered by a 4.0 liter eight-cylinder gasoline engine with V-shaped architecture, aluminum block, two Twin Scroll turbochargers, variable inlet and outlet timing, variable capacity pump and electronically controlled valves, generating 600 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 800 Nm of torque at 2200-4500 rpm. This crossover is also a so-called moderate hybrid, equipped with a starter-generator, 48-volt grid and brake energy recovery technology, which together allow the main “heart” to work more efficiently.

By default, the car is equipped with 8-band hydromechanical “automatic” ZF and a permanent four-wheel drive quattro with asymmetric self-locking interwheel differential Torsen (normal traction is distributed in the ratio “40:60”, but up to 70% of torque can go forward, and up to 87% – back, depending on conditions), as well as the active rear differential, which can control the traction vector.

Dynamics, speed and consumption From a place up to 100 km / h extreme coupe-crossover “shot” after 3.8 seconds, and acceleration to 200 km / h it fits in 13.7 seconds. In the “base” maximum possibilities of a five-door are limited at the level of 250 km/h, but for extra charge “an electronic collar” can move either up to 280 km/h, or even up to 305 km/h. As for consumption, the passport car requires an average of 12.1 liters of fuel for each combined “hundred” of mileage.

Constructional peculiarities
In general, from a structural point of view Audi RS Q8 repeats the “civilian” model – modular platform MLB second generation in the basis, supporting a body with the widest application of high-strength steel and aluminum, independent double wishbone in front and multilever behind, steering mechanism with active electric ZF booster, as well as ventilated disc brakes on all wheels. In this case, the standard RS-crossover can boast adaptive air suspension, anti-roll bars technology with active roll stabilizers, fully controlled chassis with steering rear wheels and front brakes with 10-piston calipers, and as an option it relies on a braking system with carbon-ceramic devices.

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The BMW iX1 was officially unveiled to the general public on June 1, 2022, during a virtual presentation, simultaneously with the third-generation BMW X1 crossover. This car was the first purely electric compact model in the history of the brand.

Outside, the BMW iX1 looks attractive, dynamic and well-proportioned, but he almost does not differ from the standard “brother” – recognize the electric SUV can only be a colorful decoration on the bumpers and sills and name badge.

In length, width and height electric crossover reaches 4500 mm, 1845 mm and 1642 mm respectively. Wheelbase of the car is 2692 mm, and its standard ground clearance amounts to 205 mm (with M-suspension – 190 mm).

Interior
The interior of the BMW iX1 is exactly the same as that of the “third” X1 – with two widescreen displays under a single glass without a visor. Inside, the electric car is designed to accommodate the driver and his four companions (at least according to the passport). The trunk of the five-door has a regular shape, and its volume is 490 liters in normal form. The second row of seats folds in the ratio “40:20:40”, due to which the potential cargo compartment increases to 1,495 liters.

Specifications
BMW iX1 has only one version – xDrive30, which is powered by two electric motors (one on each axle), generating 313 horsepower and 494 Nm of torque. But it’s worth noting that this is the maximum output available for only a short time, while the system’s rated potential is 272 hp.

Capacity, range and speed
The electric crossover is equipped with a 64.7 kW∙h lithium-ion traction battery located under the floor, providing a “range” of 413-438 km on a single charge. The car accelerates from a standing start to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds and its top speed is electronically limited to 180 km/h.

Design features
Structurally, BMW iX1 as a whole repeats the X1 third generation – modular platform UKL, independent front and rear suspensions (MacPherson struts and multilever, respectively) with conventional shock absorbers, rack-and-pinion steering with electric booster, as well as disc brakes on all wheels (ventilated on the front).

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