How do I choose an electric car charger? Expert answers to common questions
When buying or planning to buy an electric vehicle (EV), one of the biggest concerns is how to charge it conveniently and economically. Many people take advantage of public support to install charging stations in their homes: this ensures that they do not have to worry about finding a convenient place to charge their EV.
But having a personal charging station is not enough. Quality charging equipment is just as important. The EVlaidai team shares the answers to the most frequently asked questions about EV chargers and their selection.
1. What is the difference between AC and DC chargers?
Direct current (DC) chargers provide faster vehicle charging. They are larger and more powerful, and are recommended for users where charging speed is important. However, DC chargers are more expensive than the alternative, which is why they are more often used at public charging stations.
Cheaper alternating current (AC) chargers are also ideal for home use. This new generation of device will still charge your car quickly enough, taking around 5 to 6 hours, making it ideal for charging when you return from work.
2. How do I know how much power I will need?
Electrical outlets for domestic use are usually single-phase or three-phase. They should be chosen according to the power of the charging station. Currently, the most popular solutions for home use are 11 kW or 22 kW stations.
An 11 kW station will require 16 amperes (A) of current or a single-phase input. A 22 kW station uses 32 A current and a three-phase input. The more amperes, the faster the charging will be. You can also charge an electric car with a lower power input, but the process will take much longer.
3. Does the charging time depend only on the charger?
While the charger is important, other factors such as the condition and balance of the battery, the temperature of the air, and the capacity of your home's power supply also determine the time.
Another important factor is the ability of the electric vehicle itself to draw power from the device. This depends on the vehicle's internal current converter and other technical parameters.
4. How do I know if the charger is really compatible with my EV?
Make sure the charger is compatible with your vehicle's charging port. Most new EVs rolling out in Lithuania and across the EU have Type 2 charging leads, but it is very important to check the specifications of your car. This type of cable is suitable for slower, alternating current (AC) charging.
Type 2 is a European standard plug type. It has a seven-pin connector on both ends, which makes it easy to connect to any home charging station.
5. How much will the charging equipment cost?
There is no one right answer, and the cost of equipment varies from one to the other: there are both very economical and very luxurious options on the market.
When choosing charging equipment, it is important to weigh up costs, needs and financial possibilities. The latest high-end chargers with smart features such as WIFI, Bluetooth and energy monitoring can cost between €800 and €1,500, while many standard models can be purchased for as little as €400. Take into account the additional installation costs, which typically range from €200 to €600 depending on the wiring in your home.
It is also worth bearing in mind that, thanks to financial support from the Lithuanian government, it will be much cheaper to buy a high-quality EV charging system that suits your needs.
Free consultation and high quality equipment!
We hope you found the answers to your important questions useful, and if you have any further questions, the experienced EVchargers team is here to help.
We invite you to contact us for a free consultation: we will help you find the right charging equipment for you. Charging cords, charging stations, accessories, cable holders and much more are available in our online shop. We guarantee excellent value for money!
