Electrical vehicles are becoming more common than ever. Therefore, understanding the different forms of charging is necessary to experience efficiency and convenience. Which battery is appropriate for a cross-country driving trip in your electrical vehicle? The answer is a combination of a DC and AC EV charger to eliminate delays and unexpected stops.
However, living in an apartment will have different needs. A portable EV charger is life-changing when you can charge the car from a standard outlet. Continue reading to explore features, pros, and limitations to make an informed decision to complement your lifestyle.
What Are AC Chargers?
An AC EV charger is an essential part of an electric vehicle that supplies alternative current to the car. The charger installed inside the vehicle will transform AC power to direct current. Consequently, the current charges the battery. Following are the two types of AC EV chargers:
Level 1
Level 1 chargers require a 120-volt domestic outlet. However, the charging rate is slow. Moreover, the charger adds two to five miles per hour on average.
Level 2
On the other hand, a Level 2 AC EV charger needs a 240-volt outlet. They are similar to the ones required by larger appliances. Level 2 batteries offer quick charging and add ten to 60 miles per hour to the driving range.
How Do AC Chargers Work?
AC chargers transport current to the electric vehicle’s charger, which charges the battery directly. However, the efficiency of AC to DC depends on the battery’s power output. Furthermore, the vehicle’s charging capacity also plays an important role. In short, the AC charger is responsible for regulating the electricity flow to ensure the battery is charged properly.
Use Cases
Home Charging
An AC EV charger is ideal for overnight consumption. The duration ensures the electric vehicle is fully charged every morning before leaving for work or other daily commutes. It offers peace of mind that you are not late to the office.
Workday Public Charging Stations
The second option is mostly convenient for employees who want to charge their vehicles while they are working. Public charging stations are usually found in huge corporate parking lots. This option is ideal if you are driving long distances after work.
Retail and Commercial Outlets
A retail AC EV charger encourages customers to charge their vehicles while they are shopping or dining. The feature improves the customer experience and increases the engagement rate because buyers are attracted to public places with charging stations.
Pros of AC Chargers
- Firstly, AC chargers are very convenient because the vehicles are charged at home or work.
- Secondly, AC batteries are cost-effective because they offer lower energy rates.
- Lastly, AC chargers are available in various locations, such as parking lots, fuel stations, and homes.
Cons of AC Chargers
- The AC chargers are slow, especially the ones in the Level 1 category.
- Also, the AC chargers require an installation which is an additional cost to burden.
- The limited range of hours of charging is a demotivating factor to purchase the charger.
What Are DC Fast Chargers?
An EV DC fast charger consumes high power to deliver direct current to an electric battery installed inside the car. In other words, the charger circumnavigates other opponents, such as a converter. DC fast chargers operate at a lot of power than AC EV batteries.
A DC fast charger’s power reading is between 50kW and 350kW. As a result, the user experiences a quicker charging time than an AC EV charger. Furthermore, DC fast chargers have an average range of 60 to 80 miles in just 20 minutes. Therefore, they are perfect for long-distance driving or for terrains that consume high usage.
How Do DC Fast Chargers Work?
DC chargers deliver the current flow directly to the EV battery without interacting with the car’s charger. They convert alternative high-voltage current sourced from the grid into DC with the help of a capacity converter. The charging station constantly communicates with the electric vehicle to identify an excellent charging rate.
DC fast chargers are popular because they are efficient and safe. The current directly reaches the battery, which leads to faster charging. Moreover, it eliminates the need for vehicular chargers to perform an AC-DC conversion.
Use Cases
Commercial Fleets
DC fast chargers are a favorite among fleet operators. The component ensures a quick turnaround time for cars. It minimizes downtime. Operations become efficient.
Highway Corridors
DC fast chargers are ideal for travelers who drive long distances. The technology allows quick charging without the need to stop repeatedly, and there are no unnecessary delays that lengthen the journey.
Urban Hubs
DC fast chargers complement dense living areas that need quick charging for multiple users. You will find such facilities in shopping centers and transit stations to aid the public.
Pros of DC Fast Chargers
- The DC chargers have reduced the charging duration significantly.
- Secondly, the chargers offer high power output perfect for traveling.
- Finally, the chargers are ideal for high-usage areas and commercial entities.
Cons of DC Fast Chargers
- The DC fast chargers are costly to install. They require a high initial investment.
- DC chargers are less common than AC chargers, adding to the inconvenience.
- The batteries connected to DC fast chargers experience faster wear and tear. Unfortunately, the battery’s lifespan decreases significantly.
What Are Portable EV Chargers?
EV charger manufacturers have invented more convenient chargers for customers. Portable EV chargers are small, non-stationary charging units intended for remote electric vehicle charging. You connect the EV charger to household outlets with a 120 or 240-voltage voltage. They are popular because the chargers are easy to use and allow electric car owners to experience more flexibility.
Portable chargers are growing in use because they are easy to access. Users do not rely on fixed charging cables or worry about finding a spot to connect their car.
How Do Portable EV Charges Work?
Portable EV chargers are connected to a common electrical outlet. Subsequently, it converts AC power to direct current with the help of the car charger that powers the battery. The EV charger has a cable that is plugged into the electric vehicle.
As a result, you can charge the car easily. The EV chargers do not weigh a lot, so the users can easily carry and use them as necessary.
Use Cases
Emergency Charging
Portable EV chargers are helpful in emergencies if the car runs out of power and you are not near a charging station. They will provide temporary relief until you find a permanent solution.
Traveling
You must take a portable EV charger with you when going on long trips. Unfortunately, the traveler does not know the locations of all charging stations. Portable chargers ensure you have power anywhere.
Domestic Convenience
Portable EV chargers are helpful for apartment residents or lessees who do not have a permanent charging spot. The charging option is flexible regardless of the time of the day.
Portable EV Charger Pros
- The chargers are easy to use, carry, and flexible in use.
- Secondly, the chargers do not require installation, which saves time.
- The chargers are lifesavers during emergencies when the individual needs to call for help.
Portable EV Charger Cons
- Portable EV chargers are very slow. The standard outlet limits the exchange of power.
- The lower power output leads to a longer charging time.
- The EV charger’s performance depends on the availability of an electrical outlet.
AC vs. DC vs. Portable EV Charging
The following table discusses AC vs DC EV charging for better comprehension:
| Particulars | AC chargers | DC Fast Charging | Portable EV charging |
| Power Source | Alternative current | Direct current | Alternative current |
| Charging Speed | Slow to medium Level 1: 2 to 5 miles per hour Level 2: 10 to 60 miles per hour | Fast 60 to 80 miles in 20 minutes | Slow, depends on the electrical outlet. Two to five miles per hour. |
| Requirements | Fixed outlets | High-power cable and connectors | Standard electrical outlets. No fixed installation is needed. |
| Usage | Homes, offices, and public charging stations | Highways, urban centers, commercial buildings | Emergency use, long-distance traveling, apartment use |
| Cost | Moderate | High | Low |
| Impact on Battery | Charging is less dangerous to the battery | Rapid charging shrinks the battery life | Minimal damage because of AC to DC conversion |
| Availability | Easily available | Limited | Transport-friendly, slow |
Choosing the Best EV Charging Option!
Charging Speed
The charging speed will influence your decision about which EV charging option to pick.
- DC fast chargers are perfect for quick results, with 60 to 80 miles of range in 20 minutes. You can choose DC chargers for long trips or commercial usage.
- AC Level 2 chargers offer medium speed, making them ideal for daily home use and at-office charging.
- Portable EV chargers are convenient but offer the slowest charging speed.
Location
Location is also a determining factor. AC chargers, level 1 and level 2, are best for home or professional environments because they are easy to install.
In contrast, DC chargers are placed in urban centers due to long-distance driving. They are preferred for areas that demand high-volume charging.
Portable EV chargers are flexible, allowing drivers to charge their cars with minimum interruptions. Thus, they are reserved for traveling and emergency circumstances.
Budget
AC chargers, especially Level 2 chargers, are budget-friendly. They are also accessible on a wide scale, making them the go-to option for homes. However, Level 2 chargers are costly because they offer faster charging and added convenience.
DC fast chargers are the costliest on the list when installation and usage are factored into the expenses. Lastly, portable EV chargers are quite affordable because they do not need installation.
Vehicle Compatibility
Vehicle compatibility is a crucial element in picking the compatible electric vehicle charging option. Most cars already come with AC level 1 and 2 charging for houses and workplaces. Unfortunately, not all electric vehicles work with DC fast charging because they require specific ports. CCS or CHAdeMO are some of the examples.
Lastly, portable EV charging works with standard connectors found in most electric vehicles. Travelers and outdoor explorers must have an EV charger in their kit.
Final Thoughts
AC, DC, EV chargers have their benefits and letdowns. Therefore, car owners must understand the car charging forms to match their specific needs. For home charging, users look for convenience and budget-friendly options. On the other hand, the requirements for a long trip are completely different.
You will also need to account for emergency circumstances. After choosing the right charging method, electric car owners can significantly improve their driving experience. Their vehicles are always prepared for the road ahead.
FAQs
Is there a limit to AC EV charging?
Electrical vehicles at the lower end of the price spectrum have a charging speed of 50kW. High-end cars charging speed is at 350kW. The car owner can have a quick meal or go to the bathroom while the charger adds hundreds of kilometers to the vehicle.
What is the average lifetime of an AC EV charger?
Most AC electric vehicle chargers will last for two to five years. After the time has passed, the owner will need to recharge them. However, the chargers can last longer if the system does not leak or the car suffers from significant damage from an accident.
What are some electric vehicle practices to follow?
One of the most common practices for EV charging is maintaining the battery between 25% and 75%. The car owner must also remember other factors such as the charging rate, battery size, fullness of the EV battery, and environmental components.
Are portable EV chargers reliable?
Portable EV chargers are powerful. However, their battery size may limit the subsequent use. Smaller charges have less power. Thus, reducing the range per charge for the driver. The larger portable EV chargers offer more power and a faster charging speed.
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