THE LOW DOWN ON EV CHARGING

Charging your electric car at home: What you need to know
Antony Ingram, August 17, 2010 (AllCarsElectric via Reuters)

"One of the most important aspects of electric-car ownership might not be how they drive, or how far you’ll go on a charge, but how you’ll actually charge it…[M]any potential EV owners [are] waiting for a public charging network to appear so they can be sure they’ll have somewhere to recharge…

"…[H]ome charging…[is] the place [where] the majority of charging will occur…There will be three levels of charging…[L]evel 1…will be the typical 120-volt home system that doesn’t necessarily require any special hardware. In essence, your EV can be plugged straight into a normal three-prong wall outlet using a special charging cord."

AeroVironment is making the fast charging station for the Nissan Leaf. (click to enlarge)

"Every home will have access to such an outlet and it won’t need any special installation, nor any electrical safety check. You can hook up your EV and go…[It won’t be] a particularly fast charge. The typical estimate for a car like the 2011 Nissan Leaf is around 8 to 12 hours, which may just about give you 100-percent recharge if you plug in directly after work…[It] may not be sufficient for more frequent journeys, unless you’re using your EV exclusively as a second car and only going on short trips…[T]he range-extended 2011 Chevy Volt will be less compromised by the slower charge times…

"…Level 2 runs at 240 volts and around 30 amps, cutting the level 1 charge time in half…[and many potential EV owners probably want the faster charge]. A 4-6 hour charge time becomes suitable for a great many more applications…[A home] charging system [must be permitted and] installed by a professional, and the installation will then need to be [inspected and] tested for electrical safety…Residential level 2 chargers will all be wall-mounted – inside your garage or car port…[Early adapters could get free installation. They] retail at $1,195…"

Fast charging requires a heavy-duty plug. (click to enlarge)

"…The quickest charge available at the moment is through a level 3 fast charger. These will largely be used in locations where a quick charge time is of the essence, such as gas stations, rest stops and malls…[R]unning on 50 to 500 Volt DC current at over 100 Amperes…[they will provide an] 80 percent charge in as little as 15-30 minutes…[allowing] a longer journey with minimum disruption…Most current EVs will be fast-charge compatible…[It will be]…more than the cost of a level 2 charger…

"Everyone has access to a level 1 charger, but…[only short], infrequent trips won’t be hindered by the long charge times…Most EV buyers are more likely going to upgrade to level 2…The 4-6 hour charge time is [cost-effective and ] easily quick enough for [a 100%] overnight charge… [With a charger at work, the battery can be] 100% by the end of the working day, too…[Though] inconvenient for longer trips…[the level 2 charger works for uses] less than the [EV’s] 100-mile range…[L]evel 3 chargers [will be publicly available]…[W]ith improvements in the technology of both chargers and batteries, the short charging times may soon be more accessible…"