FAQ

How does it work?

Chargers are formally called Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE or EV Charging Equipment) and are more commonly referred to as EV Chargers — not unlike your cellphone charger. The unit merely connects the power used to charge the car and then relays information back and forth from your car charger to the charger network. Every battery system and the acceptance rate is different. All battery charging is done in the electric vehicle itself with variations between car manufacturers and models.

Is it safe?

Yes, with UL Listed approval for all size units. This means that: Underwriters Laboratories has tested representative samples of a product and determined that the product meets specific, defined requirements. These requirements are often based on UL’s published and nationally recognized Standards for Safety.

Can I charge at home?

Yes, there are Level one and Level two units specifically designed for residential use.  If you have an EV as an everyday driver, the preferred means is a level two charging unit. This will provide approximately a full charge overnight. The great thing about EV Home Charging is fewer trips to the gas station which will save you time and money.

How long does it take?

This varies on several factors: EVSE capability, Car Acceptance Rate, Battery size; are the most common. Level two home chargers average between 35 and 50 miles per hour charged, with some high amperage units as high as 60 miles per hour charged. DC fast chargers (DCFC) for commercial use will on average completely charge a battery in thirty minutes or less. 

Will my electric bill increase?

The U.S. Department of Energy estimates on average an electric vehicle will cost around $9.00 in electric cost for every 200 miles. That’s at least a third of the cost of a gas vehicle, plus no more oil changes and state emissions tests.  

When I’m not home, where can I charge?

There are cellphone apps like PlugShare, Amped, and most EV chargers manufacturers have their own network as well, which can help you locate commercial chargers in the map type function. Right now there are not enough EV Chargers. It does take some effort and planning to charge outside your home or business, but the government, electric companies and Kilocharge are actively attempting to make commercial charging more accessible.

What’s the range?

This will depend on the vehicle and the battery size, load, weather, and driving style. It is best to become familiar with your range before planning any long trips. Then be sure to have a charging app installed on your mobile phone to be sure not to miss any charging opportunities.

How long do the batteries last?

Consumer Reports estimates the average EV battery pack’s lifespan to be at around 200,000 miles, which is nearly 17 years of use if driven 12,000 miles per year. (per Consumer Reports)

Terminology

EVSE

Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment

EVSE Charging Port

An EVSE port provides power to charge only one vehicle at a time even though it may have multiple connectors. The unit that houses EVSE ports is sometimes called a charging port, which can have one or more EVSE ports. Connector:

Connector

A connector is what is plugged into a vehicle to charge it.

Level one AC

charging stations function more as a trickle charge for electric vehicles and are typically provided by auto manufacturers and are primarily used in homes. Charge times are 3- 15 miles/hour charged.

Level two AC

charging stations provide much more flexibility with output ranges and charge times are 25 – 76 miles/hours charged and are currently the most widely installed of all levels.

Levels one & two – DC Fast Charging DC FC

stations have the most output ranging from a max of 48kW (level one) to as high as 400kW, with charge times as fast as 15 minutes. DCFC chargers provide these levels of speed at a price. However, that price can be offset by the increased rate as a surcharge for that speed.

Kilowatt

This unit is typically used to express the output power of engines and the power of electric motors, tools, machines, and heaters. It is also a common unit used to express the electromagnetic power output of broadcast radio and television transmitters. The kilowatt (kW) is equal to one thousand (1000) watts.

Kilowatt Hour

kWh is a unit of energy equal to one kilowatt of power sustained for one hour or 3600 kilojoules (3.6 megajoules). It is commonly used as a billing unit for energy delivered to consumers by electric utilities.

EV Charging Connector Types and Speeds

A guide covering the different types of electric vehicle connectors and charging speeds. The type of connector you need varies by vehicle and the power rating (“speed”) of the charge point. Electric vehicles either have a Type 1 or Type 2 socket for slow/fast charging and CHAdeMO or CCS for DC rapid charging. Most slow/fast charge points have a Type 2 socket. Occasionally they will have a cable attached. All DC rapid charging stations have a cable attached, commonly with a CHAdeMO and a CCS connector.

SAE J1772

Combined Charging System with a Combo Coupler variant of the J 17722009 connector with additional pins (Combo 1) to accommodate fast DC charging at 200-450

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

A charging station, also called an EV charger or electric vehicle supply equipment, is a piece of equipment that supplies electric power for charging plug-in electric vehicles.  

Stay in the loop: