How to choose an EV charging station
Choosing any equipment is a responsible task. And choosing EVSE is even more so. In this post, we briefly discuss how to choose an EV charging station, so that it meets your needs. In short, the aspects to consider include:
- Charge power your EV can support
- Your EV charge port type
- The number of vehicles to charge simultaneously
The power output you need
To understand the power output you need, find your EV battery capacity and its charge input power. In other words, if you use an EV charger of the same power output, you will get the shortest possible charging time. With lower power output, it takes a longer time to feed your car. However, higher power output does not shorten the charging time.
Many electric cars support 11 kWh AC as the maximum. So, an EV charger with a power output of 11 kWh AC is enough for these cars. However, some cars (for example, Renau Zoe) can receive 22 kWh AC. In this case, a 22-kWh station is the best to cover your charging needs.
The connector you need
To understand which connector you need, check the charge port type your electric vehicle has.
Typically, most electric cars are equipped with a Type 2 port. In this case, you need an EV charging station with a Type 2 connector. But if you have a Type 1 port in your vehicle, choose a station with a Type 1 connector.
Typically, most electric cars are equipped with a Type 2 port. In this case, you need an EV charging station with a Type 2 connector. But if you have a Type 1 port in your vehicle, choose a station with a Type 1 connector.
How many vehicles you need to feed simultaneously
On the market, you can find EV chargers that are equipped with one, two, three, and even more plugs and ports.
If you have just one EV, you can choose an EV charger with just one charging port. However, if you know that you need to feed, for example, two cars, it is better to have an EV station that supports feeding two cars simultaneously.
To conclude, we recommend not only considering your current charging needs but thinking about your possible future needs as well. And choose an EV charging station while taking into account these future needs.
If you have just one EV, you can choose an EV charger with just one charging port. However, if you know that you need to feed, for example, two cars, it is better to have an EV station that supports feeding two cars simultaneously.
To conclude, we recommend not only considering your current charging needs but thinking about your possible future needs as well. And choose an EV charging station while taking into account these future needs.