Different methods can be adopted to charge the battery pack of your electric vehicle. First-time, new EV owners are likely to find this situation quite overwhelming. This is because of the presence of different types of connectors, fast charging, and normal charging methods. Which one will be found to be more suitable to their cause? But the answer is quite straightforward and not as complex as it is assumed to be. 

Things to consider

There are two main considerations to be taken into account. The first is the location where the owner decides to charge his/her vehicle. The second is how fast to charge the vehicle! Both are undoubtedly interconnected with one another. Moreover, charging speed is likely to be dependent upon the type of EV owned. Also should be understood the vehicle’s battery capacity as well as the type of charging system used. 

Know the charging types
  • DC Charge: It boosts quick EV charging. There has been installed DC fast charging having power of 50kW+ at public places. Using this technique, the battery can be topped up to 80% from a mere 20% within 40 minutes or so. Ultra-fast EV charging point in Delhi offers over 150kW thus, enabling fast charging EVs.
  • AC Charge: It comes installed in a wall box and allows charging 3 to 4 times faster with AC household charging. Also are available AC Public charging! These are also reliable chargers and can be counted upon not charging EVs of any type, size, and battery capacity. 
  • Trickle Charge: It is perhaps the slowest method to charge EVs in the home setting. 220V standard 3-prong plug is used for the purpose. However, it is better used by practicing extreme caution after consulting the electricity providers and only in urgent cases. 
Terminology to know

Charging stations are known by different terms, something you need to be aware of. However, all of the terms used to mean the same. Some of the commonly used terms are EV Supply Equipment (EVSE), charging outlet, charging station, charging port, charging plug, and charger. It will be essential to know more about EV charging systems to ensure deriving the best results and getting your electric vehicle charged quickly and efficiently. 

Public vs. Home Charging

You are provided with two options to charge your favorite EV. The first choice is to use one of the EV charging stations in Lajpat nagar or any other place in Delhi. It is indeed a wise choice made as it enables you to get your EV charged superfast, thus saving precious waiting time and energy. The second option is to charge your vehicle at home with a charger that is generally provided with the vehicle. 

Charging types and speed
  1. Home charging

Approximately 80 percent of charging EVs is done in the home setting. This is done mostly at night while you sleep, thus deriving a fully-charged battery the following morning. The charge availed is sufficient for average owners to meet their daily travel needs. Home charging is generally available in two types. These are AC household charges using the installed wallbox and the other Trickle charge with the domestic currency. You need to understand the key differences between them.

  • AC household charge using Wallbox:
    • Considered the most recommended and commonly used home charging option. 
    • Charging is done through a 230V outlet. It is 3-4 times much faster when compared to Trickle Charge based on the charger and your specific model’s acceptance rate. 
    • Proves to be useful if EV is charged overnight. Charging a fully 40kiWh battery vehicle takes approximately 6 hours. 
    • Found ideal if you own a driveway or a garage where it can be comfortably positioned. Find out if your local administration offers financial incentives to reduce purchase as well as installation costs. 
    • Dedicated Electric Vehicle charging wallbox installation necessary. Only a trained electrician should do its fitting to ensure optimum results and enhance safety. 
  • Trickle Charge: 
    • 3 prong, standard, 220V plug is used to charge the EV vehicle. It is generally offered with your vehicle. Plug directly the other end into your EV to start charging it. 
    • Any extra charging equipment is not desired. You simply charge your EV with the provided charger. 
    • Per-hour charging assures to deliver a range of approximately 13-16 km. 
    • The charging speed is 14 hours for approx. 200 km and in 5 hours for approx. 65 km. Charging is better done overnight. 

However, this type of charging is best recommended only in urgent cases if there is a low battery charge. It is advisable to use it only if you don’t have home installed AC wallbox or do not have enough battery charge to reach the nearest EV charging station near the south ex market.