A Charging System for Your Electric Vehicle
Electric vehicles, part of a growing trend in consumer conscience, are here to stay. Preservation of non-renewable fuel resources, a commitment to reducing pollution, and overall lower repair bills are just a few of the reasons drivers are buying electric vehicles,
But, an electric car does require some planning to ensure it always has the power it needs. Electric vehicle service equipment, or EVSE, is an essential part of managing electric vehicle operation.
Private recharging
An electric car will need an electric car charging station at the location where it is primarily garaged. These units, once expensive (over $1000), have come down in price as electric vehicles have become more popular. A highly adequate 240-volt home charger can be had for right around $400. Regardless of the price, the best thing is to get one with the features that fit your needs.
Because it’s 240-volt, the EVSE should be installed by a professional, and the wiring should be located where the unit can easily be connected to the car. In most cases, the majority of recharging will be done at home, so the process should be as streamlined as possible, including the ability to plug the car into the charging unit in under a minute.
Charging details
For those who aren’t in their forever home and plan on purchasing an electric vehicle or keeping their electric car in future homes, the EVSE shouldn’t be hardwired, so it can be unplugged and taken during a move. Also, if the EVSE needs to be accessed by more than one vehicle, it will have to be located in such a way as to make that possible, and it should be a 240-volt unit.
A smaller 120-volt charger takes approximately ten hours to charge a hybrid fully, and twenty hours to fully charge an electric vehicle. In contrast, a 240-volt EVSE requires four hours for a hybrid and eight hours to fully charge an electric car. A partially charged battery will take less time to charge fully. While many electric vehicle owners start with a 120-volt unit, their plan is often to upgrade to a 240-volt model.
The network is growing
Not only is the network of public EVSE stations growing, but the popularity of these vehicles will continue to grow mainly as the federal government has mandated more electric vehicles be made available in the future.
For those who already own an electric vehicle, knowing the location of EVSE stations in the neighborhood is a wise idea. Some places have a monthly all-you-can-use rate, while others are free. This website can help, as it shows the location of public EVSE in map form.
A.B.T. Electric is a licensed residential and commercial electrical contractor in Anthem, Az. We are committed to continuing expertise, safety, and customer satisfaction. Call (623) 521-3939 today!