What is the difference between EV and electric car
EV charging explained: Here's all the different charger types
Charging an electric vehicle sounds simple in theory, right? Park up, plug in and recharge your battery. Job done. The reality is a little bit different, as anyone who owns or has driven an EV will doubtless agree. Its certainly not quite as straightforward as pulling into a gas station and filling up, which can all happen within the space of a few minutes.
This is because electric vehicle charging is still evolving. Our gas and diesel refuelling infrastructure has been around for years and much of the basic setup hasnt changed all that much. Pumps are slightly more advanced than they used to be and paying for your gas is certainly more straightforward.Then again it's possible to recharge an EV for free, despite some recent opposition to that concept.
But the basic principle remains unchanged. Charging an EV on the other hand can sometimes feel like a step backwards.
EV chargers are not all equal
Part of this is down to the different ways in which electric vehicles get charged. Depending on the model of car youve got, the port used to plug in and recharge varies. Its a bit like the different plug sockets you get around the globe.
Read next: How to find EV charging stations.
Thankfully, anyone heading off on vacation simply needs to pack a multi-headed travel plug, which allows them to plug in and charge their phone, shaver or hairdryer using a plug that suits the socket. Unfortunately, its not possible to do this with an electric vehicle.
Tesla has done a great job in developing its own proprietary system, which lets you quickly and easily access the arguably superior Supercharger network. These Superchargers can be found across the US, Europe and many other parts of the world, with over 30,000 individual chargers and counting.
The rapidly expanding network is also supplemented by Teslas Destination Chargers, found in hotel parking lots and other popular tourist locations. These are slow, but use the same plug and socket mechanism as the rapid-power Superchargers.
You have to know when to level-up
Following behind is everyone else. EV ports and the chargers that connect to Non-Tesla vehicles come in several variants across the U.S. You also get different levels of charging: Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3. The higher the number, the more powerful (and faster) the charging should be.
Which one you can use depends on the type of EV you want to charge and its ability to accept the power supply. The good news on that front is the car will be able to figure this out for you, so you wont inadvertently fry your battery when you plug in.
Level 1
Level 1, 120 Volt AC charging is the entry-level option, and much slower as a result. The bonus is if you dont mind adding a miserly 3 to 5 miles of range per hour is that it allows you to plug in and charge at home without having to install any specialist charging equipment. Overnight makes the most sense and lets you avoid the public charger scenario altogether.
Level 2
Level 2, which is 208 Volts to 240 Volts AC, is speedier and your options are greater, although there are still limitations. You might get up to 80 miles from an hours charge, though this could drop down to just over 10 in other cases. EV chargers that offer Level 2 charging are becoming more commonplace, however, and can often be the ones to look for at locations like fast food outlets, shopping mall complexes and hotels.
Level 3
Level 3 DC rapid charging is the most appealing in terms of speed and efficiency. The 400 Volts to 900 Volts DC rapid charge and Supercharging options can deliver up to 20 miles per minute thanks to that direct current supply and higher voltage rating.Tesla owners get to enjoy this via the Supercharger network, while other makes and models dont always get that luxury.
If you dont have a Tesla but want to be up there with the big boys, then Level 3 charging is the one to head for provided its available where you are, or where youre headed.
Different chargers have different plugs
In terms of the plugging-in part of the charging process, in North America the connectors are standardized for both Level 1 and Level 2 charging using a so-called J-Plug. This plug is also known as Type 1, with the alternate Type 2 charger being used in Europe and other parts of the world.
Level 3 comes with a trio of standardized connection options. While Tesla has its own proprietary thing going on, the majority of other auto manufacturers currently use the Combined Charging System, or CCS, which is a combination style plug. The CCS charging standard shares the same J Plug as Level 1 and Level 2 chargers, but also includes two additional DC pins at the base to support higher electrical current.
Meanwhile certain automakers, particularly Japanese automakers like Nissan and Mitsubishi, have been using the CHAdeMO charging system. This utilizes a totally separate plug and socket combination than the slower AC charging, and has slowly been supplanted by CCS in North America and Europe.
The only recent car youre likely to come across with a CHAdeMO charging is the Nissan Leaf. However since the Nissan Ariya is set to launch with a CCS charger, it looks like CHAdeMO's days are numbered.
Finding a charger is a cinch
The easiest part of the EV charging procedure is locating a compatible unit that can replenish your battery. Like everything else, theres an app for that.
In fact, there are numerous apps that can help you find a suitable charger, check its compatibility with your vehicle, tell you the availability and detail plus any costs involved. Each charging network has its own app that can guide you, while there are plenty of other options, like PlugShare or EVGo, that offer better support for multiple networks.
Alternatively, Google Maps has tools to help you search for nearby chargers, while your EV should have built-in features often as part of the infotainment system that can point your vehicle in the right direction. In some cases, if you use the built-in navigation system, the EV will automatically route you to a charging station if youre likely to run out of power mid-trip.
Of course, what you find when you arrive at the location of the charger doesnt always match that of the description youve been getting during the journey. When it works, using tech to find a suitable charger is one of the easiest ways to charge an EV. When it doesnt, well, you could find youre greeted by an incompatible charger though more likely it wont work as expected. It might be in use or, annoyingly, blocked by another non-electric vehicle.
Worst of all though, it might not be working at all. Thats why EV ownership, or rental for that matter, involves a little more thought and, ideally, a plan of action. Short hops around town are no biggie as you should be able to find at least one location where you can top up as needed.
Longer journeys, or beefy road trips, require careful planning using an app and any available in-car tech so you do at least have a fallback charging option if the location of choice is out of commission.
Which chargers are best?
Its not so much which charger is best, as much as what will be compatible with your EV. The best thing about charging connectors and their respective ports is that they only fit if theyre compatible with each other.
If youre new to charging, or just in a state of minor panic due to a battery thats nearly empty, it can be easy to overlook this point. However, a deep breath and quick examination of the connector head and port is all thats needed to check one will mate happily with the other.
Assuming youve got that figured out, the next thing is the speed factor. Chargers are, generally speaking, getting faster and more efficient. However, there are factors that can slow things down, such as the electricity infrastructure where youre charging along, the number of other vehicles being charged in close proximity, your current battery level and the car itself.
In fact, all sorts of dull, contributory factors can slow a charge. And, as if that isnt bad enough, cold conditions will help to slow down any charge being added to your battery. Tedious, huh?
EV charging has an exciting future
If youre already a fan of wireless charging your smartphone youll be glad to hear that you might be able to rejuice your EV in the not-too-distant future using the same technology.
This inductive charging process is still in its infancy though, with the likes of BMW and Genesis working on how best to make it a practical solution for EV owners. Not having any cables to plug in or charging ports to fathom sounds like a brilliant idea to us.
In the meantime, however, youll just need to familiarize yourself with your EVs port and charging compatibility, plug in and put up with the time youll need to pass while the thing recharges.
In many cases, electric vehicle chargers are getting higher powered and faster as a result, although this depends on many factors such as the location, the infrastructure of the area youre in and, of course, the vehicles ability to accept the right amount of charge.
Things are getting better and EV chargers are becoming more commonplace, but were a long way off gas station convenience levels yet. At least some of the better EV charging locations are situated in places you want to be, such as the parking lot of your local shopping mall, so you can go and enjoy some retail therapy or grab a bite to eat while you wait for the battery to be rejuvenated.
Alternatively, investigate the home charging options available where you live. There are plenty of domestic EV charging solutions, but these are only as good as the power source you have available in your locality. You may well be able to install a Level 2 home charger without too much hassle, but youll want to consult an electrical expert to ensure thats going to be possible.
Unlike filling up with good old gasoline, the situation is not quite as black and white as it could be. But charging at home does mean you wont spend a small fortune over time on needless tat, unwanted purchases and fast food while you wait for a public charger to get the job done.
Then theres the whole issue of how much charging will cost you, which is another thing altogether. Most likely your home energy plan will charge you less on a kWh by kWh basis than a charging station, but it pays to double check.
The quick and easy route to take on this front brings us back to the humble app. Pick the right one and prices should be updated dynamically. That should allow you a quick reference check on how your next charge is gonna look when it comes time to pay the bills.
Is There a Difference Between a Regular Car Battery and Electric Car Battery?
Is There a Difference Between a Regular Car Battery and Electric Car Battery?
Many drivers are confused about the difference between the batteries used in an electric vehicle (EV) and a regular car battery.
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Many drivers are confused about the difference between the batteries used in an electric vehicle (EV) and a regular car battery required for traditional internal combustion. An EV utilizes two types of batteries that serve distinct purposes.
- Lithium-ion batteries: Typically found underneath the interior carriage, a series of these batteries generate the required energy to operate its induction motor.
- Deep cycle battery: This battery serves as a secondary power source to operate accessories, like the radio and windshield wipers. It resembles a traditional vehicles lead-acid battery, but there are two major internal differences.
A tale of two lead-acid batteries
Both the gas-fueled and electric vehicles utilize a lead-acid battery that uses the same chemistry to operate. The difference is in their internal designs.
Designed for the gas engine, a traditional internal combustion battery requires a short burst of high energy to crank the engine and start the car. Once running, the vehicles alternator takes over as the power supply. By contrast, an electric vehicle deep-cycle battery is designed to continually discharge energy while the vehicle runs.
The power of a 12V lead-acid battery
Commonly referred to as a 12V battery, the lead-acid car battery technically produces 12.6V of energy. It consists of six cells, and each makes 2.1 volts. A lead-acid battery stores electrical energy in chemical form. In other words, it converts chemical energy into electrical energy. The electrical current is produced as a result of a chemical reaction between the plates and sulfuric acid solution in which theyre submerged.
An internal investigation of lead-acid batteries
- Cold-cranking amps (CCAs): The amount of current a battery can provide at 0F for 30 seconds.
- Reserve Capacity (RC): The amount of time a battery can provide 25 amps while keeping voltage above 10.5V.
A deep-cycle battery provides only about one-half to three-quarters of the CCAs that a gasoline-fueled battery will. It does, however, deliver two to three times the RC energy.
Conventional gasoline engine 12V lead-acid battery
A 12V lead-acid battery that powers a gas engine requires thin plates. The thinner material allows the electrons to move more quickly through the system during startup. Its designed solely for a quick powerful burst of energy.
Electric vehicle 12V lead-acid battery
Designed to repeatedly discharge energy, an electric vehicles 12V lead-acid battery requires much thicker plates than its gasoline-fueled predecessor. So, while it doesnt have the same power at startup, its designed to provide sustained energy.
A new tide of vehicles
As the efficiency of EVs continues to improve and prices become more affordable, a new generation of cars is poised for the collective embrace of the car-buying public. Their economic and environmental benefits alone warrant a change in consciousness. In fact, there may be little reason to mourn a V8s power in the not-too-distant future.
California-based Electric GT is developing an electric V8 for conversions on older gas engine vehicles. The basic motor delivers an impressive 140 hp with 240 lb-ft of torque. The company is currently working on an electric conversion of the Toyota FJ. Designed to fit right into the existing vehicles structure, the engine substitution allows for the retention of both the original transmission and drivetrain.
A future that includes environmentally-responsible travel and independence from oil-producing nations is indeed a new tide in the industrial revolution.
