What is an EV charger? 

An EV charger HK, an EV charging point, or a charge point is a piece of equipment that supplies electrical power for charging plug-in vehicles. These vehicles typically include buses, cars, trucks, and bikes, to name a few. EV charging points can be free-standing or wall-mounted, untethered or tethered. They also come in a range of power outputs include 3 kW, 4 kW, 7 kW, and 22 kW. The size, type and power rating of these charging points depends on whether a user is charging their electric vehicle at home, or on the public network. 

How is charging an EV different from filling up a car? 

Time

Compared to refilling a gasoline-powered vehicle, charging an electric vehicle from near empty to full tends to take more time. That said, with the advance of technology, the time difference is shrinking. Electric vehicles are now becoming more versatile. Instead of simply being charged at home or at work over a period of several hours, EV drivers have the option to charge on the go, as they do other things such as shop for groceries, grab a coffee, or pick up a prescription. 

 

The process

Charging electric vehicles is very similar to charging an electronic device, like a phone. EV drivers, therefore, have various habits for charging their vehicles. The good news is that there are plenty of options for how to charge an electric vehicle.

 

Price

Charging an electric vehicle tends to cost less than filling up a gasoline vehicle. This is because the price of gasoline can depend on several factors such as the cost of crude oil, taxes, and world demand and supply. The price of electricity on the other hand, generally depends on how many people are using it. When more people are using electricity, it strains the grid, which can increase the cost of a charge. That said, as electric vehicles and charging industries are evolving rapidly, new innovations are now being created to make charging less expensive and faster.

 

EVs are better for the environment

Most people already know that fossil fuels are not permanent resources. Fossil fuel consumption also produces greenhouse gases, smog, and other pollutants that can be harmful to the environment. However, electric vehicles do not produce local emissions. The grids that power them can also source their energy from renewable sources, making it more environmentally friendly.

What affects charging speed? 

Charging system

Different electric vehicles have different capacities for charging speeds. Charging stations also have various capacities, and the maximum rate of a charging session is determined by whichever one is lower. It is worth remembering that higher capable vehicles can charge at lower capable stations, but they are just limited to what the station can provide to them.

 

The vehicle

It is important to remember that different vehicle manufacturers design different batteries. Because the battery is typically the most expensive part of a vehicle, every other part is designed to maximise its health, safety, and longevity. Therefore, when a vehicle charges, the vehicle decided the power it draws from the charger in order to maximise its longevity.

 

Outside temperature

Electric vehicle batteries do not like to be too cold or too hot. When a battery is being charged, it generates heat. This is where the battery management system comes in to protect the battery from overheating. So, when the battery gets too hot, the management system will slow down charging, which is how it affects charging speed. 

Pros of home charging

Fully charged battery in a few hours

Buyers can easily maximise the use of their electric vehicles and reduce stops to charge at public charging stations. This allows users to make the most out of driving their electric vehicles, especially when they have a limited time to charge. 

 

Save big on costs

Another advantage to home charging is the low costs of residential electricity compared to the cost of gas and the cost of public charging stations. This means users can potentially save more money if they charge their electric vehicles at home.

 

Start day fully charged

Home charging is typically done in the morning and at night. This means users are likely to have a fully charged battery the next morning. Most of the time, this means users no longer need to stop at public chargers for charging when they are travelling.

Pros of workplace charging

Longer electric range

When combined with home charging, workplace charging can help to double the daily electric range. This is particularly interesting for plug-in hybrids, as users can use the electric motor for longer distances and therefore save more money on fuel.

 

Government incentives for chargers

In order to encourage employers to install charging stations for their employees, many governments may put programs in place to reduce installation and purchasing costs. There may also be different advantages for the employers as well. 

 

Large savings on transportation costs

The electricity cost of workplace charging is usually taken on by the employer. This means employees can charge at work for free. In some other cases, the employer charges a fee to the employees, but the cost is generally lower when compared to using a public charger.