Electric vehicles, or EVs, are becoming an increasingly popular choice for transportation due to their cost efficiency and environmental benefits. One of the key considerations for EV owners is understanding the various electric vehicle charging options available to them. In this blog post, we will define some of the key terms used when discussing electric vehicle charging options and how to keep your EV powered up and ready to go.

Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)

A battery electric vehicle is powered solely by an electric motor and a battery pack. These vehicles do not have a gasoline engine and do not produce any tailpipe emissions. Examples of BEVs include the Tesla Model 3 and the Nissan Leaf.

Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)

A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) uses a combination of a gasoline engine, an electric motor, and a battery pack. You can charge these vehicles by plugging them into an electric outlet, and they can run on either electricity or gasoline. For example, the Toyota Prius Prime is a PHEV.

Range

Determine an electric vehicle’s range by considering the size of its battery pack and the vehicle’s efficiency. Range refers to the distance the vehicle can travel on a single charge. For traditional gasoline vehicles, range is determined by the amount of gasoline in the tank.

Charging

To operate, electric vehicles require charging. You can charge your EV at home using a standard outlet or at a dedicated charging station. Fast charging options also exist that can charge an EV’s battery pack more quickly.

kW

kW stands for “kilowatt” and is a unit of power. It’s used to measure the rate at which energy is being used or generated at any given moment. For example, a 100 watt light bulb uses 100 watts of power when it’s turned on. If it’s on for one hour, it will have used 100 watt-hours of energy (more on watt-hours later).

kWh

kWh stands for “kilowatt-hour” and is a unit of energy. It’s used to measure the amount of energy used or generated over a period of time. For example, if that same 100-watt light bulb is on for 10 hours, it will have used 1,000 watt-hours (or 1 kWh) of energy.

Granny Charging

Slowly charging an electric vehicle (EV) using a standard 240-volt outlet, also known as Level 2 charging, is known as granny charging. The slow charging speed of this method and the potential for longer charging times gave rise to the term “granny charging.” Suitable for overnight charging or for those without access to faster options, granny charging can be a convenient and cost-effective way to keep your EV charged and ready for use.

DC Fast Charging

DC fast chargers, also known as Level 3 chargers, use direct current (DC) to charge the battery pack and can add hundreds of miles of range in a matter of minutes. Multiple vehicles can use these chargers, which are typically found at dedicated EV charging stations.

Rapid Chargers

Rapid chargers are similar to fast chargers, but they are even more powerful and can charge an EV’s battery pack even faster. They use a combination of alternating current (AC) and DC to charge the battery pack and can add up to 300 miles of range in just 30 minutes. You may typically find them at highway rest stops and other convenient locations for long-distance travel.

Infrastructure

Infrastructure refers to the network of charging stations and other facilities needed to support the use of electric vehicles. As the number of EVs on the road increases, so does the need for charging infrastructure.

In conclusion, understanding the various electric vehicle charging options is an important aspect of owning and operating an EV. From granny charging at home to fast charging at a dedicated EV station, there are a range of options available. As the technology continues to evolve, it is important to stay up-to-date on the latest developments and charging options in the world of electric transportation. Ensure that your EV is always ready to go. Making the most of the benefits of electric transportation by staying informed about your charging options.