What Are the Various Types of Chargers Used in Electric Vehicles

How long does it take to charge electric vehicles? What are the various types of chargers used in electric vehicles? Can you use your mobile charger with your electric vehicle? Are there any myths about charging electric vehicles? These questions will be answered in this article along with several other aspects related to these vehicles. Charging electric vehicles can be confusing if you’re new to the idea. Here are some of the most common queries about what to do at each step of the process.

How fast do chargers charge an electric vehicle?

Chargers-Used-in-Electric-Cars
Chargers Used in Electric Cars

It depends on which charger you use and how much power it can provide. The NEMA 14-50 is typically used to charge cars with larger batteries, such as Tesla Model S vehicles. It can deliver up to 50 kilowatts—enough to fully charge a car in less than six hours. Some newer chargers use DC fast charging technology that can charge an electric vehicle’s battery up to 80 percent capacity within 30 minutes or so. These types of chargers aren’t necessarily compatible with all EVs, but they do help EV owners avoid having to wait hours for their vehicle’s battery to recharge. In fact, fast charging stations are one way automakers are trying to help drivers mitigate range anxiety.

Type 1 – 120 VAC Level 1 chargers Used In Electric Vehicles:

Level 1 chargers are also known as trickle chargers because they supply a continuous low current to vehicles, which is sometimes called trickle charge. Level 1 charging has historically been used for overnight charging from a dedicated outlet and is one way to recharge electric vehicles. Because it supplies power at a slow rate, it can take up to 24 hours to fully charge an EV that’s completely discharged. Examples include 120-volt, 15-amp outlets (typical for older homes) and special 240-volt 40-amp Level 1 charging stations that supply less than 10 miles of range per hour.

DC Fast Charger (DCFC):

According to a report from Navigant Research, DCFC chargers will be used for public charging because they charge vehicles much faster than AC-based options. The downside is that these charging stations are more expensive to build and maintain. Navigant says that by 2024, there will be 72,000 DCFC units on global highways and streets. A few key models include Tesla’s Supercharger (pictured above), CHAdeMO (by Nissan) and IONITY (developed by Volkswagen). In addition to DCFC, there are also different connectors: Type 1 (using J1772), Type 2 (using Mennekes) and Combo Charging System (CCS) using both SAE standard J1772 & Type 2 connectors.

NEMA 14-50 Receptacle Chargers Used In Electric Vehicles:

The NEMA 14-50 Receptacle Charger is one of two commonly used EV chargers for most public charging stations. The plugs are a two-prong grounded configuration that runs at 32 amps or 50 amps with power up to 80 amps. In general, a 32 amp charger will recharge an EV with 25 miles range per hour, while a 50 amp charger will recharge an EV with 20 miles range per hour. This charger can be used indoors or outdoors.

CHAdeMO Chargers Used In Electric Vehicles:

CHAdeMO is an abbreviation for CHArge de MOve, which translates to charge for moving. It was created by Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) and licensed to companies such as Nissan, Mitsubishi, Toyota, Kia, and more. CHAdeMO is an open standard that anyone can use without paying a royalty or licensing fee. CHAdeMO supports up to 500 volts (400V at 50kW or 250V at 100kW). The connector type used is called CHAdeMO – its physical appearance is different from other charging standards such as SAE J1772. CHAdeMO charger installations will have a clear indication of what voltage level they are capable of providing and be marked accordingly.

The Basics of Charging Times and Ranges:

If you’re considering buying an electric vehicle (EV), one of your first questions is likely going to be: How long does it take to charge a car, and how far can I go on a single charge? It depends. The range will vary depending on your vehicle type and size, as well as on traffic conditions, route selection and weather conditions. On average, though—and subject to any setbacks—charging times are around 10 minutes for most EVs with Fast Charging technology. You’ll get 120 miles for every hour that you’re charging your car. And some stations are able to replenish half-charged batteries to 80 percent capacity within 20 minutes or less.

Full Charge Times (in Minutes):

  • 6-8 hours: Level 1, 240V
  • 7-10 hours: Level 2, 240V
  • 10-15 hours: Level 3 (DC Fast Charging)
  • 2 minutes: DC Fast Charging (Source)

Range (in Miles):

The range is exactly what it sounds like—how far your car can travel on a single charge. This will vary wildly based on how fast you drive, terrain, and other factors. The best part about electric vehicles is that you’ll never have to worry about running out of gas (or paying extra money to fill up), as long as you plug into an outlet. Although some EVs come with gasoline engines so you can extend your range when all batteries are drained, they’re usually inefficient and reduce fuel economy by 30%. But all-electric models boast up to 200 miles per charge! If that isn’t enough to get around town or across the country, then a gas-powered vehicle may be better for you.