Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular as people shift away from cars that require traditional fuel. As more and more EVs hit the roads, more and more charging stations are being installed.
But what range of services can you expect from a turnkey EV charging station? Read on to learn more.
Levels of Service
To start, most EV charging stations offer three levels of service. Level 1 is known as "trickle charging" and is usually done with a regular 120-volt outlet. This is a slow process, so it's not ideal for quick top-offs, but it works fine if your car is plugged in overnight at home.
Level 2 charging requires a 240-volt outlet (maximum) and can deliver up to 80 miles of range per hour of charge time. Finally, level 3 chargers — or DC fast chargers — can provide up to 20 miles per minute of charge time, making them the quickest way to get your vehicle back on the road quickly.
Pricing Structure
The pricing structure for an EV charger varies depending on the location. Generally speaking, most public charging stations offer a flat fee or a pay-as-you-go option for usage fees. Private or home chargers may cost you less in terms of usage fees if they are part of a networked system that allows you to track your usage and better manage your costs over time.
Some public charging networks also offer subscription plans for frequent users that allow you to pre-purchase blocks of hours at discounted rates or even receive unlimited use for a single monthly fee.
Location Services
Another important aspect of an EV charger is its location services capabilities. Many public chargers now come equipped with GPS technology that allows them to locate nearby chargers and display their availability on wireless maps or apps so that users can easily find the nearest available charger when they need it most.
This helps reduce wasted time spent searching for empty spots at busy stations while allowing drivers to plan ahead by reserving spots in advance if necessary. It also helps drivers with limited access to private chargers find convenient locations to charge their vehicles when out and about town.
EV chargers come in all shapes and sizes, but most offer similar levels of service no matter where you go — from trickle-charging outlets at home to fast DC chargers at public stations. With these services available in strategic places, electric vehicles are becoming easier than ever before. So if you're in the market for an EV, make sure to check out what type of charging infrastructure is available.
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