e-autos charging station in Delhi
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When And How To Use EV Charging Station For e-auto

The last few years have witnessed an increasing number of electric vehicles on Indian roads. They are environment-friendly, economical, and a practical solution to fuel-based cars. EV adoption is increasing fast, as the public is becoming conscious of growing environmental concerns. Still, many find charging their EVs a daunting experience. You may want to learn when and how to use the charging stations to charge your vehicle. 

How should you charge your vehicle on the move?

Before driving your vehicle on the city roads or highways, explore all charging options. Home charging is undoubtedly the most convenient way for day-to-day use. However, charging at public locations offers greater freedom. Fast charging stations are dotted on the busy thoroughfares of cities and towns. They are located at shopping malls, restaurants, or parking spots. 

How to locate a reliable public charging station?

Conventional fuel stations are a common sight along roads and highways. However, public EV chargers might be tucked at the side of the road or in a parking garage. You may want to know where to charge your vehicle on the route. The best solution is to download a dedicated charging station finder app. There are many of them these days offering information on charging point location, availability, amenities, costs, and power output. 

Consider your priorities

It is important when seeking a fast public charging station. Set your budget and determine how fast to charge your vehicle. Also, determine how much you can pay for the charge. Remember, fast charging is more expensive than slow charging. However, if you drive long distances, the added cost will be worth the investment. Otherwise, opt for the affordable, slow-charging AC points.

How should you pay for EV charging stations?

  • You may seek a membership account with the leading charging point operators in the country. Using a dedicated app, a fob, or a key card, you can control your charging session. Charging fees at the stations are added to your account. You may check anytime in your app. 
  • You may use your debit card, credit card, or e-wallet to make payments at the public charging stations. It offers greater flexibility as you don’t have to become a member of any service or network provider. However, non-members are charged higher rates for the convenience. Before you enter any charging station, check what payment mode they accept. 

When to use the charging station?

Ideally, an EV battery should be in excellent health, around 20 and 80 percent. It helps prolong battery life. Hence, charge as little as possible. Keep the battery below the recommended 80% and above 20%. Use fast-charging DC stations on occasion. Charging daily can degrade the battery faster. Go through the manufacturer’s manual to determine the number of times you can fast charge your EV. 

How should you use the public station to charge your vehicle?

Follow the given steps to use the EV charging station for e-auto.

  • Charging cable: Home chargers come with built-in cable. Some public charging stations have charging points to charge your EV. However, others might require you to bring your car’s charger and plug it into the socket. A suitable charging cable ensures your vehicle stays charged while driving long distances. 
  • Connect vehicle to the charger: Built-in cables to the charger require connecting it to the charging point in the car. It can be right under the badge or on either side at the front. When using the car’s cable, plug it into the AC or DC public charging station. 
  • Authenticate to initiate the charging session: Authenticate yourself to arrange payment. It requires using a dedicated app, a fob, or a key card. Some stations allow paying directly through e-wallets, credit or debit cards. After authentication, the charging session initiates. 
  • End of your vehicle’s charging session: Once you feel that your car has sufficient charge, swipe the fob or card to end the session. If using an app, click on Stop. After stopping the charging session, the cable unlocks automatically. Store the cable safely on your car’s trunk or the charger. 

Fast charge your electric vehicle

Although most EVs claim to have fast-charging capabilities, most drivers are unlikely to find fast charging an everyday experience. However, this essential piece allows drivers to take a practical approach and enjoy long drives without interruptions. Fast charging is DC or level 3 charging. DC fast charging stations deliver high-powered current to charge the vehicle in minutes and help queues. 

DC Charging – the future

These days, people lead busy lives. Many require traveling long distances for work or to spend time with their relatives or friends. Driving electric vehicles is no hassle. Fast-charging public stations are set up in busy cities, towns, and highways to cater to EVs of all models and types. It enhances flexibility and allows you to travel across the country with colleagues, friends, family, or alone.

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Ev charging stations in India
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EV Infrastructure In India: What To Expect By 2030

The government has been promoting electric vehicles in the country to curb pollution and promote greenery. However, people are skeptical about using electric vehicles due to diverse reasons. They are concerned about charging their cars while traveling long distances. EV charging infrastructure is developing. The country must achieve the set EV30@30 vision. By 2030, EVs should be part of thirty percent of new car vehicle registrations. 

Requirements

The country requires thirty-nine lakh semi-public and public charging stations to cater to this growing demand. The global average ratio is one station for twenty vehicles. This ratio is higher than the current ratio of one station per one hundred and thirty-five vehicles. The central government has implemented multiple incentives and policies to promote EV charging infrastructure. 

Measures taken

Range anxiety is a primary deterrent against electric vehicle adoption. Hence, the government has taken several measures to develop a robust charging network. It allows convenient and quick charging and supports EV adoption. EV charging stations are set up under flagship policies, like FAME. It boosts E V charging growth. The other initiative taken is NEMMP to boost EV purchases. 

Private and government collaboration

A vast network is required. Hence, the government has asked private companies and investors to join the revolution. SMBs, RWA (Residential Welfare Associations), charging providers, and EV automakers are contributing their bit to develop charging infrastructure. Smart charging and battery swapping are convenient and affordable for potential owners. 

Factors that hinder EV infrastructure development in the country

Lack of Infrastructure to support public charging

By 2030, the BEE (Energy Efficiency Bureau) expects to set up approximately 46,397 public stations across nine cities. Currently, there are only 5,234 stations spread around the country. This is due to a lack of awareness concerning the benefits and high EV station installation costs. Besides this, many small businesses and RWAs are reluctant to invest in such infrastructure. 

Inadequate power grid

Power is increasing in demand throughout the country. The power grid is already under strain. An increasing number of electric vehicles will only strain the grid and cause frequent power cuts. Rural areas and small towns are vulnerable to power cuts. People might lose confidence in the vehicle’s recharging capabilities and stop switching to EVs. Such situations discourage private investors from refraining from making investments in EV charging stations in India 

Geographical diversity

India is a vast country and is known for its geographical diversity. Hence, installing EV stations, especially in different terrains, is challenging. For example, areas that experience high rainfall require water-resistant infrastructure. Besides this, differing travel patterns and population densities make charging station installation and maintenance in rural and remote regions difficult and expensive. The government is taking adequate steps to address such challenges. The objective is to create an efficient and sustainable EV charging network.

Viable solutions

  • Integrate renewable energy: Favorable wind patterns, flowing rivers, and ample sunshine in the country create opportunities to promote renewable energy. By 2030, renewable energy generation is expected to increase to 500 GW. It represents half of the country’s total energy needs. This increase, if realized, can help provide uninterrupted power to charge EVs and reduce pollution. 
  • Increase infrastructure to support public charging: The heavy Industries Ministry has recently sanctioned the construction of 2,877 charging stations in different states. Besides this, 1,576 stations are to be set up across nine expressways and 16 highways to cover approximately 10,275km. EESL Ministry is encouraging private investors to construct 810 public EV charging stations. 
  • Boost private sector investment: Government incentives boost private sector investment in EV infrastructure. Oil companies, for example, are provided with Rs. 800 crore under the FAME Scheme to develop charging stations. 100% FDI in EV infrastructure will encourage growth. 
  • Develop fast-charging technology: Fast charging points take less time to charge a vehicle, unlike slow chargers, which take approximately 1-5 hours. It helps alleviate range anxiety among long-distance travelers. The government offers subsidized fast-charging infrastructure installation facilities while private companies invest in developing improved fast-charging technology. 

Impact of developing EV infrastructure on India’s future

Increased renewable energy usage

Power Ministry had implemented the 2022 Open Access Rules that enabled owners to contact producers to buy green energy without third-party intervention. This move helped boost renewable energy and EV charging infrastructure. 

Reduced greenhouse gas emissions

Increasing EVs on Indian roads can help reduce a significant amount of greenhouse gas emissions. They can convert sixty percent of grid-based electrical energy compared to 17-21 percent of fuel conversion by fossil fuel-based vehicles. Reduced GHG emissions help enhance air quality, boost public health, and reduce healthcare expenses. 

Economic growth

Switching to renewable energy sources and EVs can help reduce the country’s dependence on fossil fuel imports. The government can use the saved money to create new job opportunities and promote self-sustainment. By 2030, the EV industry can create fifty million indirect and ten million direct jobs. Thus, the objective is all set to achieve a $10 trillion economy.

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Dc fast charging station
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Everything You Need To Know About DC Fast Charging Station

You may have planned to purchase a new electric vehicle or have already bought one. Sophisticated machinery and improved lithium-ion batteries enable EVs to cover more distances than before. Increasing number of quick charging networks helps promote these vehicles and support the environment. Learn about the charging stations installed on highways, main thoroughfares, malls, and other premises. 

DC public charging stations

You may take your EV to the nearest DC public charging station to charge its battery. These stations provide rapid charging facilities compared to earlier generations. They are more widespread and reliable. You can use dedicated apps and other advanced tools to locate those stations wherever you drive in the country. Learning about them ensures you enjoy uninterrupted driving. 

Your vehicle’s connector type

Go through the manufacturer’s manual and learn about the connector type that your EV uses. It determines the type of charging stations you should access. Non-Tesla owners should seek a CCS port or Combined Charging System to connect to networks. On the other hand, Tesla cars use dedicated charging ports. These ports work with a specially designed supercharger network. 

How fast does your vehicle charge?

Learn about your EV’s onboard charger and what charging rate it supports. Remember, every vehicle has some electronic speed limit measured in kilowatts. It determines the speed pack absorbs power from the DC fast charging station. However, it is not a constant for the entire charge. Instead, it is a charging curve, which varies depending on diverse factors. This theoretical max charging speed dictates the stations that deliver the optimum charging experience. 

Charging speed of your vehicle

Most electric vehicles sold in the market are in the range of 120-150kW. These vehicles can visit any of the DC charging stations in the country to get fully charged. However, some cheaper or older vehicles might charge more slowly as they lack the advanced technology that the latest vehicles have. Such vehicles will not benefit from the faster 350kW plug. 

How much should you charge your EV?

Charging time can be 10% to 80% instead of 0 to 100%. The reason is that your vehicle might not have a flat battery while entering a charging station. Besides this, charging rates vary for most electric cars. Hence, charging outside the 10% to 80% spot is slower. The vehicle that takes half an hour to charge 80% might take approximately an hour more to achieve full charge. Station operators and automakers recommend stopping the charge at 80% and using your vehicle.

Where should you charge your vehicle?

First, learn about the connector type your car uses and the charging speed to seek. The next task is to search for a reliable charging station Delhi on your route. Your EV’s dashboard might have built-in software that suggests and plans routes automatically based on your driving habits and destination. They offer live information on the charger’s availability and current status.

Dedicated apps

Many established charging networks have launched dedicated apps you can download on your smartphone. Be familiar with them. It helps find charging stations on your routes. Some apps aggregate station data and provide accurate locations for multi-charging networks. You may require accessing each network’s dedicated app to authenticate and initiate your charging session. These apps offer knowledge on availability, charging rates, etc. 

Cost

New electric vehicles include subsidized or discounted charging plans. It might require accessing the supported network. You can enjoy charging your car. But what if your vehicle fails to qualify free charging networks? Charging networks might charge by kW per hour or by the minute. Rates might vary by time of day, network, or region. Early bird, off-peak, and on-peak periods might have varying prices. Learn about them to save precious money.

What else to know about the rates?

Some charging networks might charge a flat fee at the beginning of the session. They might charge an idling fee if you leave behind your vehicle plugged into the charging point for an extended period. However, you might not avail of this facility at charging stations that are located in busy cities or highways or have fewer charging points. Hence, plan your schedule accordingly. 

Use DC fast charging stations sparingly!

DC fast charging rates are higher than Level 2 charging. The reason is that they provide higher power. Their installation and operation expenses are high. Although station owners get government subsidies, they pass on some of the costs to drivers. Hence, use fast charging stations wisely. It also helps protect your EV’s battery from harm. 

Make the correct choice!

Now that you have learned all about DC fast charging stations, select the most appropriate connector type for your car. You can fast charge your vehicle on the route and continue your work uninterruptedly. Remember, DC charging stations are still new in the country and are not present everywhere. Hence, plan your route and charge accordingly to enjoy a hassle-free drive. 

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