Charging Your EV

Types of Charging Stations:

EV charging stations can be broadly classified into three main types based on their charging speed and power output.

Level 1 Charging Stations

• Voltage: 120V (standard household outlet)
• Power Output: Up to 2 kW
• Charging Speed: Provides approximately 10 kilometres of range per hour of charging.
• Best Suited For: Emergency overnight charging should you not have another option or your home charging station is defective.

Level 2 Charging Stations:

• Voltage: 240V (like a household dryer or oven)
• Power Output: Typically between 7 kW and 22 kW
• Charging Speed: Provides approximately 30 and 60 km of range per hour of charging.
• Best Suited For: Home or workplace charging.

DC Fast Charging Stations:

• Voltage: 480V or higher
• Power Output: Typically between 50 kW and 350 kW
• Charging Speed: Can provide over 100 kilometres of range in just 10 minutes for the highest power outputs.
• Best Suited For: Charging while out on the road, when taking a long trip for exemple.

Types of Connectors:

Different EV models might require distinct connectors. Here are the main types of connectors you might encounter.

J1772 Connector:

• Standard connector for Level 1 and Level 2 AC charging in Canada
• Compatible with all electric vehicles except Tesla (Tesla provides an adapter).

CCS (Combined Charging System) Connector:

• Offers Level 2 and DC Fast Charging capabilities.
• Used by most automakers and allows an EV to charge at a DC fast charging station.

CHAdeMO Connector:

• Offers DC Fast Charging capabilities.
• Commonly used by Nissan LEAF and Mitsubishi i-MiEV.

Tesla Connector:

• Proprietary connector used by Tesla vehicles.
• Adapters are available to allow non-Tesla vehicles to charge at Tesla stations.

Public Charging:

Various networks operate public charging stations, each with its own access methods and pricing structures. Examples include ChargePoint, Tesla Supercharger, and FLO. Public charging stations, found at places like shopping centers and along highways, usually offer Level 2 and DC Fast Charging options. These stations are typically accessed through network-specific mobile apps, cards, or keychains. Pricing can be per kWh, per minute, or a session fee, varying by network and location.

Vehicle Features:

There are a variety of features offered in most electric vehicles that greatly facilitate charging. For example, most new EVs come with a mobile app that allows you to remotely start charging at a specific hour. Moreover, some electric vehicles offer a route planning option in the navigation system which will calculate the optimal route to reach your destination based on the location of the charging stations on your route, your EV’s range and the distance you need to cover.

Understanding the fundamentals of EV charging, from the types of charging stations and connectors to kW implications and vehicle compatibility, is crucial for a seamless EV experience. This knowledge, coupled with strategic planning and the use of technology, can help maximize the benefits of electric vehicle ownership.