SHOPSMART AUTOS – CUSTOMER INFORMATION – DECEMBER 16, 2020
SHOPSMART AUTOS – CUSTOMER INFORMATION – DECEMBER 16, 2020 We’ve covered the basics of EV charging speeds in the past, but as EVs gain longer range and fast charging technology advances, I’m seeing more organizations interested in DC fast charging. As EVs are expected to make up 58% of new passenger vehicle sales (and 31% of the whole vehicle fleet!) by 2040, every organization must figure out a way to serve EV drivers. In this post, I explain the differences between Level 2 AC charging and DC fast charging, and give tips on how to tell whether DC fast charging will work for your business. In later posts, I’ll address how you can plan ahead for success with DC fast charging (if you need it at your location). The Gas Station Model Is Over (Think Mobile Instead) Before you can understand the different EV charging speeds, you need to know that the way EVs are fueled differs from how gas cars are fueled. EV drivers like me rarely make a separate trip to fuel their cars. Instead, we plug in wherever we are and go about our lives, whether that means charging overnight at home (my go-to), in the parking lot during the workday or while out for a shopping trip. I think of it kind of like the transition from landlines to mobile phones. Mobile phones started by people asking, Why do I have to go somewhere to make a call? Why can’t I do that anywhere? The same is true for EV charging. Why do I have to go somewhere special? We should expect to charge wherever we park. EV charging means I don’t have to go somewhere else to fuel as the norm.Typically, EV drivers use Level 2 AC charging, which adds about 25 miles of Range Per Hour of charging. While charging may take longer than filling up with gas, that’s okay—most cars spend more than 90% of the time parked, so there’s ample opportunity to charge. This means DC fast charging is not the primary method of fueling for most EVs. Where Fast Charging Fits In Though it’s not the primary way EV drivers charge, DC fast charging offers a convenient option for EV drivers when parked for a short amount of time, whether making a long trip or visiting quick-stop retail or fast food restaurants. It can also be an important component of the charging mix for light, medium or heavy-duty fleets that need to stay charged up for their routes. So how do AC and DC charging differ, and how do you know whether fast charging is right for your site? The Difference Between AC and DC Charging Power outlets deliver AC (alternating current) power to devices, but batteries need DC (direct current) power to charge. AC charging relies on an “on-board charger” inside the vehicle to convert AC to DC to charge the battery. The AC charging speeds available (“Level 1” or “Level 2”) vary depending on the voltage of the AC outlet and the vehicle’s on-board charger speed. DC fast stations convert AC power to DC within the station, delivering DC power directly to batteries and enabling a much faster charge. DC charging speed varies based on many factors, including the battery’s current state of charge, the power level of the charger and the vehicle battery’s capacity to take in power. You might have noticed that your mobile phone charges more slowly when it’s almost full. Vehicle batteries are similar, but with much more power involved. END OF PART ONE Make It A Champion Day!
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