EV Charger Types
By Captain Cook Electrical|December 15, 2021
In New South Wales, electric vehicle (EV) usage is gaining popularity. However, one of the most persistent questions is what type of EV charger types you’ll need to power your vehicle. The answer depends on several factors, including what type of EV you own, what range you will need, the different types of chargers versus the charging levels, and the installation of an EV charging station.
All of these questions can be answered by a qualified electrician, so it’s best to call an electrician to install your EV chargers.
But let’s look at the variety of EV chargers---from Level 1-3---on the market and understand two key pieces of terminology. Charging levels—from 1 to 3—is the power at which you can charge your electric vehicle, and charging types are the physical plug connector type that plugs into your electric vehicle.
Level 1 EV charging-portable EVSE is usually found in a standalone family home in which your EV is plugged into the same electrical outlet as your computer or phone. It provides 10-15 Amp single phase through a specialized cable the EV manufacturer provides. A Level 1 charge will provide between 10 and 20km of range per hour, but it will not fully recharge a typical EV overnight. Level 1 is recommended for small battery sizes and if you drive under 4000km a year.
A Level 2 charger is the way to go for a faster charge and additional range. Here, a qualified electrician will connect your EV to an electrical network via a plug and specific socket and a dedicated circuit. It is typically found in homes and apartment complexes as a dedicated AC EV charger providing up to 7kW or 32Amp single phase. Homeowners who require range and a fully-charged vehicle adopt a Level 2 because it provides up to 40km of range per hour if plugged in all the way up to 19.2 kilowatts. Level 2 charging is speedier because it is performed at higher amperage and voltage. Homeowners need to know that a Level 2 does require more robust wiring and more rugged equipment to handle the generated heat from the extra electrons.
At the top of the speed list is the Level 3 chargers, but they are not usually recommended for homes. Here’s why. With this type of dedicated DC fast charger, you’ll be gaining power levels from 25kW to 350kW (40-500 Amp, three phase). This will super-speed your EV, giving you nearly 150km of range per hour plugged in up to fully recharging an EV in 10-15 minutes.
As Australia continues to move into more and more electric vehicles, homeowners will have questions about what type of charger to use and how it should be connected to their existing home. A well-qualified electrician can answer those questions and provide the best guidance for their particular situation.
All of these questions can be answered by a qualified electrician, so it’s best to call an electrician to install your EV chargers.
But let’s look at the variety of EV chargers---from Level 1-3---on the market and understand two key pieces of terminology. Charging levels—from 1 to 3—is the power at which you can charge your electric vehicle, and charging types are the physical plug connector type that plugs into your electric vehicle.
Level 1 EV charging-portable EVSE is usually found in a standalone family home in which your EV is plugged into the same electrical outlet as your computer or phone. It provides 10-15 Amp single phase through a specialized cable the EV manufacturer provides. A Level 1 charge will provide between 10 and 20km of range per hour, but it will not fully recharge a typical EV overnight. Level 1 is recommended for small battery sizes and if you drive under 4000km a year.
A Level 2 charger is the way to go for a faster charge and additional range. Here, a qualified electrician will connect your EV to an electrical network via a plug and specific socket and a dedicated circuit. It is typically found in homes and apartment complexes as a dedicated AC EV charger providing up to 7kW or 32Amp single phase. Homeowners who require range and a fully-charged vehicle adopt a Level 2 because it provides up to 40km of range per hour if plugged in all the way up to 19.2 kilowatts. Level 2 charging is speedier because it is performed at higher amperage and voltage. Homeowners need to know that a Level 2 does require more robust wiring and more rugged equipment to handle the generated heat from the extra electrons.
At the top of the speed list is the Level 3 chargers, but they are not usually recommended for homes. Here’s why. With this type of dedicated DC fast charger, you’ll be gaining power levels from 25kW to 350kW (40-500 Amp, three phase). This will super-speed your EV, giving you nearly 150km of range per hour plugged in up to fully recharging an EV in 10-15 minutes.
As Australia continues to move into more and more electric vehicles, homeowners will have questions about what type of charger to use and how it should be connected to their existing home. A well-qualified electrician can answer those questions and provide the best guidance for their particular situation.
