With the price of gas hovering around the four dollar a gallon mark, consumer demand for electric vehicles is at an all time high. Manufactures are responding to this demand with a range of energy efficient, low emissions electric powered vehicles. Projections estimate that by 2012, twenty new models will be available to the public and that by the year 2015 there will be over three million electric vehicles on the road worldwide. Combine that with the do it yourselfers converting vehicles to electric and you have a huge demand for EV charging stations emerging. The questions that keep popping up are what are the different methods to charge my electric vehicle? and where can I recharge? After all what good is an electric vehicle if you have no place to charge it.
The infrastructure for EV charging is in its infancy but is starting to grow rapidly. This new wave of electric vehicles entering the market has created consumer demand for charging stations where consumers work, eat, shop and play. Municipalities are starting to add EV charging locations to their city owned buildings and parking garages. Retailers are starting to add EV charging stations to help draw and retain customers. Over time this supply should catch up to the demand.
There are three types of charging methods available. Below is an outline of what they are and how they work.
Level 1 Charging
-This is the most basic EV charging station and is done with the use of a regular household electrical socket with 120 volts at 15 or 20 amps. This is the slowest charging method providing about 4 miles of charge per hour. Typically this would be used for an overnight charge or in the case of an emergency. Using this method to recharge a full size electric vehicle like the Nissan Leaf would take about 16 to 20 hours.
Level 2 Charging
-Level 2 charging stations recharge faster than level 1 charging stations because they use a 240 volt circuit at 16 to 70 amps, similar to that used to power an electric stove or dryer. This charging station would typically be used at home and at public ev charging locations. Level 2 chargers can recharge a full size electric vehicle in 3 to 8 hours.
Level 3 Charging
-Level 3 charging stations, sometimes referred to as DC fast charge, or DC quick charge operate at 480 voltsDC and 125 amps. This is the fastest method available to date and will charge a full size electric vehicle to 80% in 28 minutes, with a full charge taking slightly longer. Public level 3 charging stations are rare, in part because of their huge cost; a level 3 charger can cost over $100,000 compared to a $3000.00 level 2 charger. Level 3 chargers will recharge a vehicles battery quickly, however repeated use will degrade the batteries and so it is not intended to replace overnight charging at home. It should be used to supplement level 2 charging for longer trips.
If you are looking to locate ev charging locations or ev charging stations please visit http://www.evcharginglocations.com/ Interactive maps show you where they are located. If you want to save money on gas by converting your car to electricity we also offer an easy do it yourself guide. Thanks
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