How to use a public electric vehicle (EV) charger.

Electric vehicles have become an important part of our journey towards a greener and more sustainable future. With more and more people shifting from traditional fuel to electric vehicles, there are surge increase the need for public charging infrastructure. People need efficient EV solutions to help them alleviate range anxiety. So in this blog, we’ll dive into public chargers, illustrating how available and effectively utilizing public EV chargers?

What are public EV charging stations?

When your electric vehicle battery is running low, especially when you’re traveling beyond your regular route, having an electric vehicle charger becomes indispensable. These charging stations along the roads, as well as destination chargers, are referred to as public EV chargers and provide charging services to all EV drivers. For electric vehicle owners, public electric vehicle charging solutions bring them great convenience. The widely used public electric vehicle charging stations ensure that drivers can find reliable power wherever they go.

For those keen to adopt renewable energy solutions, public chargers are an important 

infrastructure for sustainable development and help reduce their carbon footprint. In addition, Both residential and public EV chargers complement the public charging infrastructure, creating a comprehensive EV charging network to support the increasingly growing EV ownership.

How many types of public chargers?

Public chargers are divided into two major types: Level 2 EV chargers (AC EV chargers) and Level 3 EV chargers (DC EV chargers). Level 2 chargers are widely used in public and are known for their versatility. They provide reliable AC power and are more cost-effective than level 3 electric vehicle chargers. Therefore, in addition to being used as public electric vehicle chargers, they are also used as residential EV chargers. However, level 2 electric vehicle charging needs to take several hours, so level 2 EV chargers are suitable for overnight charging at home or longer stays at public charging stations.

On the other hand, Level 3 chargers, also known as DC Fast Chargers (DCFC), are designed for a faster charging experience. These chargers greatly reduce charging time, making them ideal for busy people who need to top up quickly. Generally speaking, level 3 EV chargers are expensive and require a larger input voltage. Usually, Level 3 electric vehicles are used by electric vehicle charger companies in commercial electric vehicle charging solutions, such as gas station charging solutions, commercial parking lot charging solutions, and electric vehicle fleet charging solutions.

How to find a public EV charging station?

Thanks to the ever-expanding network of charging stations and advances in technology, it is easier than ever to find a public electric vehicle charger by using the Internet. Charging stations can be conveniently located using a variety of methods. A simple search for Google or the use of an app specifically designed for this purpose can quickly locate nearby public charging stations. You can find nearly electric vehicle charging stations through Google Maps and apps such as Plug Share. 

These apps are usually developed by EV charger manufacturers or charging network operators. Apps typically provide real-time information about the availability and status of charging stations and are a great way for EV drivers to better plan their trips and ensure that they are never left stranded with a depleted battery.

How can I charge my EV by using a public EV charger?

Charging an electric vehicle in public is a simple process. Once you find a public place to charge, please follow these steps:

Connecting electric vehicles:

Connect your electric vehicle to the charging post using the appropriate charging cable. There are various types of EV charging plug adapters, Type 1 (SAE J1772), Type 2, CHAdeMO standard. ccs (Combined Charging System), Supercharger. Therefore, choose the correct charging plug adapter to be compatible with the charging post before starting your EV charger.

Start charging:

After connecting, it may be necessary to manually start the charging process using the app or the control panel on the charging station. Some charging stations will start charging automatically without manual intervention.

Monitoring charging progress:

Stay informed about the progress of your charging via the charging station’s display or your mobile app. This helps you plan your charging time so you can take out your electric vehicle when you need it.

Completed charging:

Once charging is complete, use the control panel on the app or charging station to stop charging and disconnect. You will need to retrieve the charging cable to avoid it being damaged or posing a hazard.

Payment:

Public EV chargers usually require payment for electricity. This can be accomplished in multiple ways, such as paying with a mobile app, paying through a method linked to your account, or using a contactless payment card or other accepted payment method. Google Support, Apple Pay, credit card payments, and more.

How long does it take to charge at a public EV charging station?

Charging speeds at public EV charging stations vary depending on the type of charger and the battery capacity of the EV. level 2 chargers typically offer a moderate charging speed suitable for long stops, while level 3 chargers have DC fast charging capabilities that can significantly reduce charging time.

Conclusion

The widespread use of electric vehicles has changed the landscape of sustainable transportation. More and more public EV chargers are out in shopping malls, hospitals, workplaces, fleets, and other places. Public EV chargers offer great convenience to EV owners and help them alleviate range anxiety. With the continuous development of technology, public EV charging solutions will bring a more practical and environmentally friendly charging experience.