There are different EV charger types for different vehicles; for instance, an EV charger used in a car is much different than the one used in a mini truck. The difference lies in the power connectors or adapters, voltage, and charging capacities.
Electric Car Charger Types with Different Charging Levels
There are different electric car charger types for different vehicles, and they vary in their structures, power ratings, and charging levels. Some offer slow or medium and high-speed charging features and differ in purpose and power ratings. Therefore, they are chosen based on how they can be used for charging and their power capacities.
Level 1 Chargers (Slow Charging)
Most common electric charging types include a standard wall outlet; level 1 chargers offer up to 5 miles of range per hour and have a typical power rating of 120 volts.
Most vehicles that require level 1 chargers often come with a control box and a cord attached, which makes the charging process more accessible.
It usually takes about 8 to 12 hours of charging to reach the charging level of 100%. The charging is slow-paced but lasts longer. Level 1 chargers are ideal for low-mileage, daily driving and are usually used for overnight charging.
Level 2 Chargers (Commercial, Rapid Charging)
Usually considered standard for Asian and European vehicles, level 2 chargers are more often commercial and are used for rapid charging. The best example of a level 2 charger is an EV power station built by the highway.
Installation of level 2 charging plugs by an experienced professional is necessary. These types of car chargers are praised for their fast-charging feature; they may take up to 8 hours to fully charge but offer better mileage than regular level 1 charging.
Level 3 Chargers (DC Fast Charging)
Level 3 chargers, also recognized as DC fast charging, are the fastest option for charging electric vehicles. These chargers offer a mileage of up to 250 miles per hour and are ideal for long-distance driving. These types of chargers offer the fastest solution for EV charging.
Although depending on the charging equipment of the vehicle, level 3 chargers typically take about 20 minutes to charge 80%. Level 3 EV charger type is the most helpful in facilitating long road trips, and they have a typical power rating of 480 volts.
Types of Car Chargers For Different Charging Currents
An electric vehicle relies on its electric motor, and it is this motor that gets recharged with the help of EV chargers. There are two ways to recharge these electric motors: AC or DC chargers.
AC Connectors
AC or Alternating Current chargers come with an in-built onboard charger that connects AC to Direct Current or DC. For EV charging, it is essential to convert AC into DC because the battery of the electronic motor only accepts DC.
AC chargers are slow chargers but are also the common mode of charging. They are most commonly used for overnight charging. These types of chargers require standard outlets or the installation of dryer plugs to charge.
Some of the major perks of using AC chargers are that they are readily available, cost-efficient, and easy to install in a commercial or residential area. Their charging is slow-paced and time-consuming but is very smooth and continuous.
DC Connectors
DC or Direct Current chargers are most common among public places such as rest areas, shopping areas, electronic vehicle charging stations, etc. DC chargers are considered the fastest chargers that do not require any power conversion and have power voltage ranging from 203 to 240 volts. The charging speed range of a DC charger is generally between 50 kW to 100 kW per km/h.
Typically, DC chargers take around 20 to 30 minutes to fully charge an electric vehicle, which is why they are found mainly in public places; it helps travelers covering long-distance recharge their EVs anytime, anywhere. DC chargers are ideal for heavy vehicles that require higher mileage.
Different Types of EV Chargers for Charging Standards in Different Regions
Today, the major manufacturers of electronic vehicles are in America, Japan, China, and European countries like Germany and Italy.
Interestingly, the charging types and their purpose vary from region to region and country to country. Also, there is a difference in the standard connectors used by these countries.
Alt Text: EV Charging Station
CCS Combo 1 – Standard in North America
The CCS Combo 1, also recognized as the Combined Charging System, is a standard in North America that includes a combination of DC and AC charging. The CCS combo makes electronic vehicle charging very easy and efficient, and the vehicles get charged quickly with a single connector.
The combination of CCS includes AC charging that includes both level 1 and level 2 chargers with power ratings ranging between 120 to 240 volts and DC fast charging with a flexible power rate ranging up to 240 volts.
Mennekes – Standard Connector in Europe
Originally known as the IEC 62196 Type 2 connector, this European standard connector was named Mennekes after the company that designed and introduced the system. The Mennekes is a standard electric vehicle charging system in the European Union requiring a type 2 charging plug.
The Mennekes standard connector is applicable for hybrid and electric vehicles. They are used both for slow-charging purposes at residential areas and fast-charging public stations. This standard connector can allow a power capacity of up to 500 volts and deliver a maximum speed of not more than 43 kW.
GB/T Plug – Standard Connector in China
Among the different types of EV chargers, the GB/T plug is the standard connector used widely in China, which involves a combination of DC and AC fast charging.
Very similar to the standards of ISO (International Standard Organization), IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission), and SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers), the GB/T plug standard of China includes a combination of type 1, type 2, and DC fast charging.
CHAdeMO – Connectors Used in Japan
Developed and designed by Tepco, a Japanese utility, CHAdeMo is considered the official standard connector in the country and involves DC fast charging connectors. Precisely, all the standard connectors in Japan are DC fast chargers.
Some of the most significant manufacturers of electronic vehicles in Japan are Mitsubishi and Nissan, which are also significant promoters and users of DC chargers. This fastest-charging infrastructure followed in Japan is very different from North America. This is the reason why Japan’s technology of EV charging is so different from the standards of other major ev-manufacturing countries.
Trustworthy Provider of EV Chargers: BENY
BENY is one of those leading manufacturers who make exceptional protective components for photovoltaic systems across the globe.
With more than 30 years of experience in the electric industry, BENY has served global clients with the best manufacturing solutions that are well-researched and time-tested. With a commitment to quality, BENY takes pride in manufacturing the most safe EV charging and solar storage systems. Also, the company abides by ISO, RoHS, TUV, SAA, UL, and many other recognized regulations.
One can expect world-class services and cutting-edge EV charging solutions at BENY. We also offer cost-efficient solutions in commercial and residential renewable energy projects.
Conclusion
It is a brilliant idea to proceed with a business that manufactures the most innovative EV charging solutions.
For that, you must get in touch with a trustworthy manufacturer. If you are seeking the best EV charger solution for your business, then get in touch with BENYand get a quote. We offer budget-friendly EV charging solutions, have a low MOQ, and offer exceptional services.
