On GRIDSERVE chargers, simply tap your contactless card again to stop the charge. Your car operates by using its fuel cells to drive a motor, which then spins the wheels after it has been charged. And once charged, the range of your EV is determined by its features. While having a larger battery increases power, it also adds weight, which strains the engine. While having a smaller battery makes the vehicle lighter, the shorter range and slow recharge make it unsuitable for long trips. As for the price, a 240-volt (Level 2) recharge could cost you anywhere from zero dollars to a fixed hourly rate.
One other point to get out of the way; the cable is sold as a separate item. So don’t get too excited when you see the ChargePoint Home 25 advertised for, say, $523 because that does not include the cable. By separately selling the EVSE and the cable, the manufacturer reduces the number of SKUs (Stock Keeping Units), which simplifies inventory. A small magnet in the cable assembly confirms to the main circuit board that the cable is both installed and not flipped left/right. Keeping the cable as a user serviceable item has a potential advantage that upgrading from an 18’ to a 25’ cord is easy, as is replacing the cord if it ever gets damaged. It will likely only cost slightly more, but will save you significant money in the future if you end up with a future electric car that can charge at a higher rate than today’s offerings. If you’re not sure what the best choice is for your needs, consider the charging speed, compatibility with your EV, and installation requirements of each option.
Benefits of Electric Cars
Each type of charger will have its nuances, whether you plug in before or after starting a charge and how you pay for it. We’ve equipped all GRIDSERVE chargers with contactless payment capability and zero membership sign up for complete, seamless charging. An electric vehicle’s range is the distance you can travel on a single charge. It varies between electric vehicle models and years, but most new EVs launching can get anywhere from 200 to 400 miles on a single charge. The EPA offers a range estimate for each vehicle based on highway and city tests, which you can learn more about here. When an electronic device is turned on—like a phone or an electric vehicle—electrons move from the negative side of the battery through the load to the positive side, creating an electric current. Read more about Electric car chargers here. To charge a battery, the electrons are moved from the positive side back to the negative side using a charger.
Charging habits
It is worth noting that some EVs have larger batteries and will take longer to charge. Also, the charging speed may vary depending on temperature and battery condition. Once you connect the cable to your car, the charging station should automatically start charging your car. If it doesn’t, check the charging station’s instructions or seek help from an attendant. You can also monitor the charging progress using your car’s dashboard or the charging station’s display. There are different levels of chargers — some of which charge faster than others. Finally, don’t worry that your chosen charger can deliver more power than your EV can accept.
It also features LED indicator lights that tell you when the charger is connected properly, and it supports a charging speed of up to 1.92kW, which is faster than many of the other portable EV chargers out there. All in all, it becomes evident that the time needed to charge an electric car depends on a plethora of factors, such as the battery size, the charging station type and the time of charging. This type of charging schedule takes about 4 to 6 hours for most electric cars, as it usually charges from nearly empty to essentially full. While it is possible to do this at a public charger (typically at a parking lot) it is not very common. In cold weather, both the charging stations and the electric cars become less efficient at the time of giving, receiving and spending energy. Another key difference between gas stations and charging stations is the payment infrastructure.
How much does it cost to charge an electric car at home?
Plan ahead before driving your new EV and especially before embarking on a long trip. Just as charging a mobile phone has become an essential part of life for most of us, charging an EV will become a habit you ease into.
