Unified EV Charging in 2024

As we enter 2024, the landscape of electric vehicles or EV charging is transforming significantly. With the rapid adoption of EVs across the globe, the demand for more accessible, efficient, and unified charging solutions has never been more critical.

This blog delves into the world of EV charging! Exploring everything from the basics of EV charging to the different types of EV chargers available. We also move forward to the cost implications and the groundbreaking shift towards the unity of EV charging standards with Tesla. Join us as we navigate the electrifying path of EV charging in 2024. Unveiling the advancements that redefine the EV experience for drivers everywhere.

Key Takeaways

What Is EV Charging?

EV charging is the act of recharging the battery of an electric vehicle using electricity. The process involves multiple ways and places. Moreover, it can include charging at home and public charging stations. Furthermore, using specific EV charging equipment at workplaces is often called workplace charging.

What Is an EV Charger?

Charging an electric vehicle (EV) involves restoring the power in the EV’s battery by linking the EV to a charging station or charger. An EV charging station, Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE), provides electricity for charging EVs. Various EV chargers exist, such as level 1 chargers, level 2 chargers, and DC fast chargers. There are also bi-directional EV charging from Enphase that can make your home a power backup source.

Almost all EV models except for Tesla widely use and accept the J1772 charger. However, home chargers with a Tesla-shaped connector are also available. Tesla vehicles can quickly charge through the standard J1772 plug with the help of a clip-on adapter.

Cost to Charge

We can determine the cost of electric vehicle (EV) charging by the price of electricity, which is in cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh). The unit of measurement for EV charging economics is similar to a gallon of gasoline for a conventional gas-powered car.

If you charge your EV at home, the cost per kWh is typically the same as your regular electricity rate. The Energy Information Administration states that as of November 2023, the average electricity cost varies between 11 and 44 cents per kWh across different states. You can find the exact rate on your utility bill or your company’s website.

Generally, charging an EV is usually cheaper than fueling a gas car, but exceptions may exist.

How long does an EV charge?

On average, an electric car charging at home can add approximately 20 to 30 miles of range for every hour of charging. Ideally, leaving the car plugged in overnight will result in a fully charged battery.

If you use a regular wall outlet to charge, you can expect to gain around 4 miles of range per hour of charging. It will take several days to fully charge a long-range electric vehicle at this rate. However, it should be sufficient to provide power for a typical commute or running local errands over the weekend.

AC vs. DC power

Electric vehicle (EV) charging uses either alternating current (AC) or direct current (DC) power. Level 1 and Level 2 charging employ AC power.  Whereas Level 3 charging, also known as DC Fast Charging (DCFC), exclusively uses high-current DC power.

The EV charger must connect to either a 230VAC single-phase or a 400VAC three-phase connection for AC charging. The charging current varies depending on the charger’s capacity and the EV model. During AC charging, the conversion from AC to DC happens directly within the onboard charger installed in the EV.

On the other hand, DC charging bypasses the onboard charger, which limits the maximum current. This allows for much faster charging speeds for EVs. The conversion from AC to DC occurs at the charging station during DC charging, delivering a high current directly to the EV. Thu,s resulting in a rapid battery charge.

Different types of chargers

The rate at which an electric vehicle charges is determined by the power rate of the charger. As well as whether it is AC or DC and the charging capacity of the specific EV. It is important to note that using a high-capacity AC charger does not automatically result in the fastest Level 2 charging time. This is because the EV manufacturer limits the maximum charging capacity. The rate at which a vehicle can be charged is not solely determined by the power rate of the AC and DC charger. As well as the charging capacity specific to each electric vehicle. Consequently, it also depends on the type of charger in terms of its level.

Level 1 charger

Level 1 chargers can be connected to any standard 3-prong, 120-volt household outlet, technically called a NEMA 5-15 receptacle. These chargers consume a similar amount of power as a portable electric space heater (12 amps, 1.5 kW).

Many electric vehicles (EVs) have L1 cables, so usually, no initial expenses. You won’t need any electrical modifications if you have a regular outlet near your parking spot. You only have to pay for the electricity consumed.
However, the downside of this convenience is that L1 chargers are slow. Sometimes referred to as “trickle chargers,” they only add a few miles of range for each hour of charging. It takes approximately 12 hours to fully charge a vehicle like the Toyota Rav4 Prime, which has an electric range of just 42 miles. Charging the larger battery in a Tesla Model 3, which has a range of 341 miles, would require a couple of days using an L1 charger. (Of course, driving with a partial charge is possible if needed.)

Level 2 charger

An L2 charger operates on a 240-volt circuit, similar to the ones used by most electric stoves and clothes dryers. This results in a charging speed at least twice as fast as an L1 charger and often even quicker.

The issue is that approximately 75% of individuals will require the assistance of an electrician to install an L2 charger. This usually entails the need for new wiring, the addition of a new circuit on your electrical panel, and, in many cases, the installation of a new four-prong outlet. Occasionally, an upgrade to your electrical panel may also be necessary.
There is a significant amount of variability regarding Level 2 chargers.

Specific inexpensive cables only provide a maximum of 16 amps (equivalent to 3.8 kW at 240 volts). Charging a Toyota Rav4 Prime using these cords will take approximately 4 hours while charging a Tesla Model 3 Long Range will take around 18 hours.

On the other hand, numerous highly rated and popular models offer 32 amps (equivalent to 7.7 kW at 240 volts). With this setup, the Rav4 Prime can now be fully charged in approximately two and a half hours, while the Model 3 Long Range will be fully charged in about 10 hours.

Some trucks, such as the high-end versions of the Ford F-150 Lightning, can handle a substantial 80 amps (equivalent to 19.2 kW at 240 volts). Although it is still classified as Level 2 charging due to the 240-volt system, it is considerably faster than the slowest Level 2 option, being five times as quick. Only a few electric vehicles are compatible with such a rapid Level 2 charger. It is possible that your electrical panel needs an upgrade to support it.

Level 3 charging station (DC fast charger)

Level 3 chargers, also called DC Fast Chargers or Tesla Superchargers, are even faster than Level 2 chargers. The specific charging speeds may differ, and certain plug-in hybrid EVs do not support Level 3 charging. However, the general idea is that these chargers can provide an 80% charge in approximately 30 minutes, give or take. When embarking on a long road trip, this charge is usually sufficient for several hours of driving, potentially until the next bathroom break.

Furthermore, installing Level 3 chargers at home is highly impractical. Not only is the charging equipment quite costly, but the main obstacle is that most residential properties lack the necessary electrical supply (480 volts, 400 amps). Utility companies struggle to easily add this supply to homes in residential neighborhoods. It would be akin to installing a gas pump on your own property.

Fast chargers can solely be found in public spaces, specifically along highways, close to major shopping centers, and may occasionally be available in some public parking lots.

EV charger adopts to Tesla adopter.

Starting next year, select models of electric vehicles from Stellantis brands, such as Dodge and Chrysler, will be equipped with the NACS connector. Stellantis will also provide an adapter for their existing vehicles, allowing drivers to use the NACS or Combined Charging System (CCS) ports.

In 2022, Tesla made their EV charging connector available for public use. They named it the North American Charging Standard (NACS) and emphasized its superiority to competing chargers. Boasting about its smaller size, lack of moving parts, and greater power output.
This approach proved successful, prompting other automakers like Volkswagen, GM, Volvo, Polestar, Mercedes, Honda, BMW, and Lucid to adopt the NACS connector. Stellantis remains committed to working alongside these car manufacturers to establish a network of over 30,000 fast charging stations. This is across North American highways and urban areas by 2030, all of which will be compatible with NACS and CCS.

Difference between CCS and NACS

Electric cars can be charged in two primary ways: the Combined Charging System and the North American Charging Standard. The NACS was initially created by Tesla in 2012, and in 2022, it announced its availability for other car brands.

What sets CCS and NACS apart are their technical features. Regarding the NACS, Tesla’s connector is smaller in size, and the cable is lighter, making it more convenient to plug in and charge your vehicle. On the other hand, CCS chargers provide a power output of 350 kilowatts, while Tesla Superchargers offer 250kW.

However, the most significant difference lies in the number of available charging ports. The US currently has approximately 19,000 ports compatible with NACS connectors. Only around 10,000 ports are compatible with CCS connectors.

Companies making the Switch

1. Subaru: Starting in 2025, new vehicles will feature NACS charging ports. Along with an adapter for access to Tesla Superchargers provided until then.
2. Toyota and Lexus: Certain Toyota and Lexus EVs will include Tesla charging ports from 2025. Moreover, this is added with adapters for CCS-equipped vehicles available for NACS charging.
3. Ford: Ford will introduce a hardware adapter in early 2024 for compatibility with Tesla Superchargers, and from 2025. New EVs will have built-in Tesla ports.
4. Honda: Honda’s EVs from 2025 will come with Tesla charging ports. Earlier models with CCS ports will also be adaptable for NACS.
5. GM (Chevrolet, GMC, Cadillac, Buick): GM will integrate NACS connectors in its EVs from 2025. Thus offering an interim adapter for Tesla’s Supercharger Network in 2024.
6. Nissan: Nissan will provide a NACS adapter for its Ariya model in 2024. From 2025, new EVs in the US and Canada will have Tesla ports.
7. Hyundai, Kia, Genesis: These sister brands will equip their EVs with built-in Tesla ports in the US. Starting in the fourth quarter of 2024, with adapters available until then.
8. BMW (including Mini and Rolls-Royce): From early 2025, BMW, Mini, and Rolls-Royce EVs will feature NACS ports. There is also an adapter solution in development.
9. Jaguar: Jaguar will launch its next-generation EVs with Tesla connectors in 2025. They offer adapters for existing models and home chargers.
10. Mercedes-Benz: Mercedes-Benz plans to offer an adapter in the summer of 2024 for charging at Tesla stations. While, new vehicles will feature NACS ports from 2025.

EV Charging Stations

A charge point or electric vehicle supply equipment is a specialized device created to supply electric power for recharging plug-in electric vehicles. These stations are electric vehicle (EV) charging stations. There are two main types of charging stations: AC stations and DC stations. The main goal of these stations is to offer a convenient and effective way for EV owners to recharge their vehicles, guaranteeing that they have adequate power for their everyday or long trips.

Know Where to Charge Your EV

Before going to the charging station, it is essential to be aware of the details about your electric vehicle (EV), including if it is equipped with the ability to fast-charge using DC. Even being aware of essential information, such as the position of the charge port door, can prevent wasting time and experiencing inconvenience.
For drives in familiar local areas, even individuals new to owning an electric car will quickly become acquainted with the locations of nearby charging stations and the number of available plug-in points. However, when traveling to unfamiliar regions, preparing and making arrangements ahead of time is wise.

Utilizing the navigation system of an electric vehicle is a fast and effortless approach to locating charging stations when embarking on long journeys. Additionally, there are applications provided by EV charging networks such as EVgo, ChargePoint, and Electrify America that can guide individuals to compatible charging points. These same techniques can be employed to discover the nearest Supercharger station for owners of Tesla vehicles and other electric vehicles with access to the Tesla Supercharger network.

There are also EV incentives for 2024

Check out our comprehensive video on the new EV Tax Credit in 2024:

Conclusion

The year 2024 marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of electric vehicle charging infrastructure. With the move towards a unified charging standard and the continuous expansion of charging networks, the barriers to EV adoption are rapidly diminishing. The advancements in EV charging technology not only promise enhanced convenience and efficiency but also underscore the automotive industry’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. As we embrace these changes, the future of electric mobility looks brighter than ever, promising a seamless and integrated charging experience for EV owners.

Ready to Go Solar?
Are you ready to be part of the electric revolution? Whether you’re a current EV owner or considering making the switch, staying informed about the latest in EV charging is crucial. Dive deeper into the world of electric vehicles, explore charging options that best fit your lifestyle, and join the movement towards a greener, more sustainable future. Let’s drive into the future together—charged, connected, and ready to go.

FAQ

1. What is DC fast charging?

DC fast charging, also known as Level 3 charging, is a high-powered charging method that allows electric vehicles to be charged much quicker than conventional Level 2 charging. It uses direct current (DC) to rapidly recharge the vehicle’s battery.

2. What is a home charging?

Home charging refers to the act of charging an electric vehicle at home. It involves installing a charging station or using a portable charger to conveniently recharge the EV’s battery within the owner’s residence.

3. What is a charging network?

A charging network is a collection of charging stations that are interconnected and accessible to electric vehicle owners. These networks often offer membership programs or payment options that allow EV owners to conveniently charge their vehicles at various locations.

4. What is public charging?

Public charging refers to the availability of charging stations for electric vehicles in public spaces. These stations are accessible to the general public and are usually located in parking lots, shopping centers, airports, and other public areas.