EV Charging and Chargers Residential - Rural - Commercial
YOUR LOCAL ROTORUA ELECTRICAL & AIR CONDITIONING/HEAT PUMP & EV SPECIALISTS
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on Electric Vehicle (EV) charging solutions, an essential aspect of the rapidly evolving world of sustainable transportation. As the demand for electric vehicles continues to rise, understanding the various aspects of EV charging is crucial for both current and prospective EV owners. This web page aims to provide you with in-depth knowledge about EV charging, including the different types of chargers, charging networks, benefits, and tips for efficient charging.
Whether you're a homeowner, business owner, or simply curious about EVs, this guide has something for everyone.
TYPES OF EV CHARGERS
LEVEL 1. EV Charger
LEVEL 2. EV Charger
LEVEL 3 DC FAST NETWORK EV Charger
There Are Three Main of Ev Chargers
- Level 1 EV Chargers: These EV chargers use a standard household outlet and are suitable for overnight charging at home. They are the slowest option but can be convenient for daily commuting. Most vehicles come with a level 1 EV charger connection and can charge a plug-in hybrid vehicle in ten to twelve hours or a total electric vehicle in 30 to 40 hours. The charging rate is approximately 1.4 kW of power per hour
- Level 2 EV Chargers: Level 2 EV chargers operate at 240 volts and are significantly faster than Level 1 EV chargers. They are commonly found in public charging stations, workplaces, and residential settings and are usually hardwired into the electrical system providing a quicker charging solution. A level 2 EV charger can deliver up to 19.2 kw but is usually 7.4 kw of power per hour and therefore can deliver up to five times the amount of power from a level one EV charger.
- Level 3 DC Fast Network EV Chargers: DC fast EV chargers, also known as Level 3 EV chargers, offer rapid charging, replenishing an EV's battery to 80% capacity in 30 minutes or less. These chargers are typically located along highways and major travel routes, enabling long-distance travel for EV vehicle owners.
Chargers and Your EV Vehicle
When looking at chargers and how they interface with YOUR EV vehicle, in terms of the amount of charge delivered to your EV vehicle over time is dependent on 3 factors:
- The charger itself known as EV Station Equipment - EVSE. The charging station is rated in kilowatts( kW). The higher the kW numbers mean faster charging.
- The Vehicle On-board Charger – OBC. Every plug-in hybrid and full electric vehicle has an on-board battery charger (OBC)that determines the amount of charge that a vehicle’s battery can accept. For example, if a EVSE has a rating of 12 kW and the OBC for the vehicle is 7.2 kW, then the maximum rate of charge that the EV vehicle can accept is 7.2 kW.
- The car’s Battery Capacity in kWh. The Battery Capacity of the vehicle is expressed as kilo watt hours (kWh). A typical charge time is a simple matter of dividing the capacity by power delivered to the vehicle . For example, filling a 60 kWh battery at 6 watts will take about 10 hours. At 150 kW it takes about 25 minutes and at 1.4 kW it will take about 43 hours to fill.
In looking at the above charging factors the use of an analogy can be useful, such as the filling of a pool. In this analogy, the supply of water could be from a gravity water tank or from a pressurised town water supply (the EVSE), the feed could be through a normal garden hose or a large fire hose (the OBC) and the size of the pool to be filled (the Capacity).
CHARGING NETWORKS AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Private EV Charging Station
Smart Home EV charger at home or business
Public EV Charging Station
Bayfair Shopping Centre
Tauranga
EV Charging Networks - FAST EV Charger
Central Mall Rotorua
- Private EV Charging Stations: These are normally home-based charging stations such as a wall EV charger or the normal 3 pin electric plug as well a work based EV charging stations.
- Public EV Charging Stations: Public charging stations are crucial for EV owners who do not have access to home charging or need a quick top-up while on the go. Many EV charging stations are conveniently located at shopping centres, parking lots, and highway rest areas. A number of these charging stations in New Zealand are free. Both free and fee charging stations can be identified on a number of phone apps such as PlugShare.
- EV Charging Networks: There are a large number of EV charging networks operating in New Zealand which provide seamless access to EV charging stations. Many of which are DC Fast EV chargers such as those provided by ChargeNet, Z Energy,Telsa Supercharger and Openloop. Some charging networks such as ChargeNet have partnerships with power companies so that charge fees are included in your power account and use the day or night rate for power that you are charged by your power supplier. Understanding the networks and their coverage can help EV owners plan their journeys efficiently.
WE will carry out a NO OBLIGATION, FREE COMPREHENSIVE ONSITE ASSESSMENT and in discussions with you, ensure that YOU have a full understanding of your proposed Smart Home EV Charger Installation, YOUR investment costs should you proceed with a clear and comprehensive QUOTE, OUR installation process and timetable and at installation completion- that YOU are competent in the use of apps, YOUR charger and, finally issuance of YOUR Electrical Compliance Certificate.
BENEFITS OF EV CHARGING
- Environmental Benefits: EVs produce zero tailpipe emissions, reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. By opting for electric vehicles, you contribute to a cleaner environment and combat climate change.
- Cost Savings: Charging an EV is very much cheaper than fueling a traditional vehicle, leading to significant cost savings in the long run. Additionally, some power companies offer reduced electricity rates for EV owners.
- Convenience: Charging at home provides the convenience of waking up to a fully charged vehicle every morning. Public charging stations and charging networks enhance the flexibility of EV ownership, allowing for longer journeys.
These benefits are magnified if you have a Smart Level 2 EV Charger at home. We recommend and install the Smart EV Chargers NZ range of products.
Tips for Efficient EV Charging
Plan Ahead: Utilize mobile apps and online maps to locate nearby charging stations and plan your route accordingly. This helps avoid range anxiety and ensures a stress-free journey . Charge During Off-Peak Hours: If you're charging at home, consider charging during off-peak hours when electricity rates are lower. This can significantly reduce your charging costs Be mindful of Battery Health: Avoid charging your EV battery to 100% frequently, as it can put stress on the battery. Try to keep your charging to 80-90% for daily use/reserve full charges for long trips.
Using Level 3 EV charging Stations: Use Level 3 EV chargers only on trips and charge upto 80%. The last 20% takes longer to charge as the On-Board Charger in your vehicle slows charging down to protect the battery. Embracing electric vehicles and understanding the nuances of EV charging are pivotal steps toward a sustainable future. By familiarizing yourself with the types of EV chargers, EV charging networks, EV charging benefits, and efficient EV charging practices, you can make the most out of your electric vehicle experience. Whether you're a current EV owner or considering making the switch, the knowledge shared in this guide empowers you to navigate the world of EV charging with confidence and ease. Most EV drivers need access to a Level 2 EV charger, whether it’s at home, work, school, or some other place. Home is the best place for an Level 2 EV charger which can charge your vehicle in 8 hours. WE will carry out a NO OBLIGATION, FREE COMPREHENSIVE ONSITE ASSESSMENT and in discussions with you, ensure that YOU have a full understanding of your proposed Smart Home EV Charger Installation,. YOUR investment costs, should you proceed, are detailed in OUR clear and comprehensive QUOTE which also includes information on our Installation process and timetable. At installation completion - we ensure that YOU are competent in the use of apps, YOUR EV charger and, finally we will issue YOUR Electrical Compliance Certificate. Contact us for a free site assessment and quote to suit YOUR charging needs by clicking here.
Using Level 3 EV charging Stations: Use Level 3 EV chargers only on trips and charge upto 80%. The last 20% takes longer to charge as the On-Board Charger in your vehicle slows charging down to protect the battery. Embracing electric vehicles and understanding the nuances of EV charging are pivotal steps toward a sustainable future. By familiarizing yourself with the types of EV chargers, EV charging networks, EV charging benefits, and efficient EV charging practices, you can make the most out of your electric vehicle experience. Whether you're a current EV owner or considering making the switch, the knowledge shared in this guide empowers you to navigate the world of EV charging with confidence and ease. Most EV drivers need access to a Level 2 EV charger, whether it’s at home, work, school, or some other place. Home is the best place for an Level 2 EV charger which can charge your vehicle in 8 hours. WE will carry out a NO OBLIGATION, FREE COMPREHENSIVE ONSITE ASSESSMENT and in discussions with you, ensure that YOU have a full understanding of your proposed Smart Home EV Charger Installation,. YOUR investment costs, should you proceed, are detailed in OUR clear and comprehensive QUOTE which also includes information on our Installation process and timetable. At installation completion - we ensure that YOU are competent in the use of apps, YOUR EV charger and, finally we will issue YOUR Electrical Compliance Certificate. Contact us for a free site assessment and quote to suit YOUR charging needs by clicking here.