CatalinaAny new technology usually comes with a slew of new lingo to learn, forcing users to wade through the initial downpour of new information with a sense of befuddlement. Most drivers are familiar with the ins and outs of gasoline-powered vehicles, but with the introduction of electric vehicles (EVs), there is a whole new type of vehicle, as well as an altogether new operating system, to learn.
Charging speed, as well as the distinction between AC and DC charging, are a common source of confusion. Unfortunately, it isn’t as evident as the distinction between diesel and gasoline.
An EV Portable Charger allows drivers to charge their vehicles without the use of a traditional charging station. The Omni, as a portable charger, from JUCER Charge On allows drivers to charge even on a standard charging outlet. EV owners can now drive with confidence that their journey will not be halted when they are trying to reach their destination.
Difference between AC trickle, fast, and DC charging
- AC Trickle Chargers:
- These are also known as level 1 chargers.
- The automobile is plugged into a conventional 240-volt AC (alternating current) outlet which is easily available in homes.
- It is the same outlet that is used for basic home charging.
- It is the most easily available technique, but it is also the slowest, providing around 2.0kW of power through a standard 10-amp plug.
- Based on the battery size of your electric vehicle, it can take anywhere from 36-48 hours for a complete charge.
- For example, the 40kW battery in the Nissan Leaf requires 20 hours to charge while 36 hours are required to charge the Mercedes EQC 400 80kW battery.
- AC fast chargers:
- If you own a plug-in hybrid, Level 1 is sufficient for your use.
- However, a full battery-electric vehicle (BEV) with a considerably larger battery requires something faster.
- Here steps in a Level 2 (wall-box) charger which doubles the charging power to 7.2kW and is a faster home charging option.
- You’ll receive a 7.2km range for every 10 minutes of charging, which is more than enough for the average Aussie daily life commute.
- It will charge your Mercedes-Benz ECQ in about 11 hours which is a lot quicker than a Level 1 charger.
- DC rapid chargers:
- These chargers are used in public spaces getting 480-volt/direct current.
- Tesla Superchargers is one such DC charger that can make EVs viable for long-distance driving with minimal charging downtime.
- A quick charger’s charging capacity spans from 50kW and above, whereas an ultra-rapid charger’s capability is 350kW.
- However, the downside is that many models of plug-in hybrids will only take up 50kW power even when connected with 350kW.
- Also, many PHEV models are not yet upgraded to be connected to DC charging points.
The major problem is when you are traveling interstate, finding a charging station can cause a lot of worries, However, in Australia, you can use one of the many smartphone apps that can help you in locating a suitable charger for your type of vehicle. However, you must be aware of the maximum charge your vehicle can handle.
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