e- scooter charging station

Are you serious about showing your responsibility toward the environment? Do you love driving? When these two questions have the same answer, a huge ‘yes’, it is time to focus on buying an electric vehicle. However, charging stations are still scarce in India. You can’t charge it in a conventional petrol pump. Happily, matters are changing. With more and more public chargers developing, locating a charging point nearby is getting less complicated. 

Why You Need a Charging Station Locator

The most critical and logical reason is you never want to get stuck in the middle of the road. Electric vehicles need well-defined charging stations, and not all stations are compatible with each model. That’s where a charging station locator comes in. It enables you to locate the closest, most suitable charger, so you don’t have to remain stranded.

Where to locate the Charging Stations in India

Charging infrastructure in India is developing, but it’s nonetheless not as common as petrol pumps. But, top metro cities have witnessed a surge in public charging points. Most charging stations are located in workplace complexes, petrol pumps, and along highways. If you live in a metro, there are good chances you’ll discover EV charging stations in India within some kilometers. But in case you’re in a smaller town or traveling to a remote place, making plans in advance is crucial.

First-class Apps and websites to locate 

Thanks to technology, you don’t need to manually hunt for a charging point. Several apps and web sites now provide actual-time places of EV chargers in India. Apps like Electriva, Tata energy EZ rate, Ploughshare, Static, ChargeGrid, and also Google Maps can show you charging stations near you, their availability, and even consumer reviews. These apps additionally let you know what type of charger is there (rapid or slow) and whether it’s well suited to your EV.

Kinds of Chargers and What You ought to recognize

It is essential to know, and it is also obvious that there are different charges in the competitive market. The chargers are usually fast and slow. Slow chargers (AC) are not unusual in domestic charging setups and take several hours to power a vehicle. Fast chargers (DC) can juice up your vehicle in multiple hours, whilst speedy chargers can get you back to the street in under an hour. The charging velocity also depends on your automobile’s battery capability and the kind of connector it supports.

A way to Use a Charging Station

The use of a public EV charger isn’t as complex as you imagine. When you visit a charging station, park your car inside the special spot. If the charger is operated through an app, open the app, choose the charger, and begin the session. If it’s a guide station, you may want to swipe a card or enter a PIN. Join the charging cable in your vehicle, await the price to complete, and as soon as finished, take away the cable and proceed with payment. A few chargers are free, but most charge consistent with the unit of energy fed on.

Charging expenses in India

The cost of charging relies upon several factors, including the place, kind of charger, and the carrier company. On average, charging at home is cheaper than the usage of a public charger. Quick chargers commonly cost more than slow chargers. In cities like Delhi, some stations provide quite subsidized costs, making public charging an affordable choice. Many apps also display the predicted value before you start charging so that you can plan the budget.

Highway Charging

A crucial issue for electric vehicle owners is taking lengthy road journeys. Earlier than hitting the road, check your direction on a charging locator app and mark the stations wherein you can stop your vehicle. Bring a backup charging cable and have a plan B in case a charger is occupied or out of order.

Charging Station Etiquette

As the popularity of electric vehicles grows, it’s crucial to comply with a few primary etiquettes relevant to the usage of public chargers. First, in no way occupy a charging spot if your car isn’t charging. Once your vehicle is sufficiently charged, drive your car so others can use the charger. Keep away from unplugging someone else’s car, and if the station has a queue, wait patiently. If you use a paid charger, clear your fee right away to keep away from unnecessary delays.

Future of Charging in India

The EV landscape in India is evolving. With government projects, private investments, and more and more customers, you can expect new charging stations in the following couple of years. Many real estate projects, workplaces, and residential societies are already putting in place charging stations. Battery-swapping technology is likewise gaining traction, which can reduce charging time significantly. Within the coming years, charging an electric vehicle in India ought to become as smooth as refueling a petrol car.

Why Charging Station Locators Are a Game-Changer

Without a proper locator, locating a charging station could be like searching for a needle in a haystack. Those locators not only save time but also reduce range anxiety – the concern of running out of battery before reaching a charger. They also help you select a satisfactory charger primarily based on your location, automobile model, and price range. With more companies entering the electric vehicle charging space, we are able to count on even better locator apps with real-time updates and smart functions.

Final thoughts

Electric vehicles are the future of mobility, and India is shifting on the right course by boosting its charging infrastructure. In case you own an electric vehicle or are planning to buy a vehicle, familiarizing yourself with charging locators will make your lifestyle much less difficult. The key is to devise in advance, use technology for your gain, and take into account charging station etiquette. As charging networks keep growing, quickly, the fear of locating a charger could be a component of the past. Happy charging and safe driving!

Before purchasing an electric vehicle for personal or business use, it will be wise to know the charging types used in India. EVs are similar to mobile phones as they require charging to optimum function. They also have different chargers for public and personal use. Knowing them ensures you make wise decisions. 

EV Charging

Charging EVs requires some basic knowledge. AC and DC are the two types used to charge these vehicles. AC offers two subtypes, namely, fast or slow charging. On the other hand, DC ensures rapid charging. The charger type determines charging times. Hybrid vehicles may be traditional regenerative or plug-in hybrids. This, in turn, determines the need for external charging devices. 

EV Charger types

There are three types, namely, Level One or slow charging, Level Two or fast charging, and Level Three or Rapid Charging. The first and second levels are AC types, while the third one is a DC charger. With the increase in charging levels, charging speed reduces. A rise in EV charging power reduces charging time. The charging cable is equipped with two ports – the first for the charge point and the other for the vehicle.

Know the charger types in detail!

• Level-One chargers: They are slow chargers and are used in households. Using them, you can recharge your EV conveniently at your home. You don’t have to go anywhere. However, being slow, it takes more time to fully charge the vehicle. You have to leave the car at the charge point at night and it stops automatically on acquiring a full charge. It is safe and useful.
• Level-Two chargers: They are fast chargers. You can find them in public places, like malls, petrol pumps, parks, etc. You can charge your PHEV or any EV using this charger type. It ensures you charge your vehicles quickly, while you shop, relax, or do other errands. It saves precious time and allows you to drive long distances without worrying about charging needs.
• Level-Three charger: These are DC chargers and offer a super fast charging experience. They convert AC charge into DC before charging the vehicle. They take less than 20 minutes to charge up to 80%. Within an hour, you can fully charge your EV and enjoy driving it without interruptions. You can find these chargers at corporate complexes and public stations.

AC Chargers

As mentioned above, they are Level One and Level Two chargers. The charging station supplies AC to the onboard charger and converts it to DC. Domestic AC supply provides a maximum of 7kW power. Hence, they charge the vehicle slowly and take time to ensure full charge. You can manage this charger using an AC charger controller.

• Level One AC Charger: It is a slow charger and caters to most of the EV car charging points in India. It supplies power to chargers with power output between 3 and 6kW. Charging time is approximately 8 to 12 hours depending on battery capacity. Essential features are:
  • Charging units are provided with untethered or tethered charging cables.
  • It favors all AC connectors.
  • It is meant for home charging. 
  • It functions as the mains charger or specialist charger.

• Level Two AC Charger: It is a fast charger and functions to the optimum between 7 and 22 kW. They are mostly found in EV charging stations in India that cater to different types of EVs. Charging rate and speed depend on EV type or per-hour unit speed. Essential features are:
  • Battery charged at 7kW on either of the three connectors.
  • Battery charged at 22kW on either of the three connectors.
  • Charging cables include untethered and tethered.
  • Tesla enjoys fast charging at 11kW.

DC Chargers

They are Level Three or Type-Three chargers. They provide maximum power capacity and are the fastest chargers. The single or double-gun charger enables one or more EVs to enjoy rapid charging simultaneously. Rapid chargers provide 50kW while ultra-rapid chargers support over 100kW. Essential features are:

• Rapid units support tethered cables.
• 43kW AC charging for one connector type.
• 100+kW on any of the connectors.
• 50kW rapid charging for two DC connectors.

Why EV’s are the best choice for the Indian economy?

Vehicle emissions are among the primary threats in India that increase pollution levels. The target is to reduce emissions by the end of 2030. Hence, alternative methods are implemented to fulfill this objective. Besides this, the Indian automobile sector is the world’s biggest and is expected to occupy the third spot in a decade. E-vehicles are the perfect alternative to fuel-based conventional vehicles. 

Increasing charging points

Two-wheeler, three-wheeler, and four-wheeler electric vehicle sales are growing fast. Private and public companies are joining hands and installing EV chargers in big and small cities and towns to meet the growing demand. They are installing DC and AC charging points to cater to vehicles of all sizes and meet all speed requirements. 

Target set

Beyond 2030, EVs are expected to increase significantly and exceed conventional fuel-based vehicles. The country saves on oil imports, while EV owners save thousands of rupees for every thousand kilometers driven. They enjoy a significant reduction in energy per kilometer. Furthermore, electrification contributes to reducing automotive emissions and increasing the country’s GDP. Besides this, the EV battery market is anticipated to enjoy further expansion at 30% CAGR.

EV is the future

The fact is electric vehicles are gaining popularity and so are batteries. Knowing them in detail ensures making well-informed choices. The correct choice can make you happy and satisfied as an individual or an entrepreneur. You should know how to charge your vehicle or vehicles conveniently without losing downtime. The vehicle should always be in operational mode and the battery fully charged. It ensures uninterrupted movement on the roads.

Enjoy driving your EV

Manufacturers offer different types and brands of electric vehicles. Remember, not all EVs have the same battery, capacity, or charging requirements. Each one is unique and has diverse requirements. Determine your EV’s needs and choose the most appropriate charger and charging point. It ensures a pleasurable charging experience.