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Increasing EVs and government regulations on charging station setup

The central government has been trying to develop a robust infrastructure as urban citizens are more inclined to adopt EVs. Thus, more emphasis is being given to the electrification process on a priority basis of petrol pumps all over the country. in April 2019, the government approved FAME (Faster Adoption & Manufacturing of Electric (& Hybrid) vehicles scheme. Also, the Power Ministry had given out an official address expressing the need to launch Public Charging Stations all over the country. 

Who is eligible to set up public charging stations?

The document issued by the concerned authorities states that any entity or individual can launch a public charging station. They need to ensure that these stations meet the set protocols, performance, and technical standards. These guidelines have been set clearly by the Central Electricity Authority and Power Ministry. Although such guidelines are in place, a good number of EV owners tend to face problems arising from a lack of charging stations. 

Challenges faced by EV owners

Some society buildings have denied permission to EV owners to install charging stations, especially in their society building’s parking area. So, charging the EV scooter or car becomes a massive challenge for those living in high-rise apartments. To help such owners, it has become important to educate the mass about the urgent need to develop an EV charging infrastructure. Others can conveniently visit the nearest EV charging point in Delhi to get their vehicle charged quickly.

What should you be aware of as an Electric Vehicle owner?

As an EV owner, you need to be aware of your rights. If residing in a society building, then you should know what legal demands you can make from the society members about charging your EV vehicle. It is not always possible to take your electric scooter and charge it inside your home as there is always the risk of fire and shock. 

What you can do to charge your vehicle?

Concerning personal charge point insulation, the authorities at Smart Grid & Electric Vehicles’ had given out a statement. According to them, EV owners residing in apartment complexes can establish charging points using their existing power connections. Their officials also have been conducting camps at several apartment complexes for creating awareness among the public. The campaigns also are made for facilitating charging infrastructure.

EV charging facilities in buildings

The government has been providing EV owners with lucrative incentives and subsidies. Residential communities are also provided with certain mandates to follow. MoHUA (Housing & Urban Affairs Ministry) recently amended the 2016 MBBL (Model Building Byelaws) to accommodate EV charging provisions in buildings. Certain amendments also have been introduced to boost semi-public charging station insulation in community premises. Residential housing societies, Under Sec. 10.4 are to provide EVs with charging facilities at 20% of the total ‘vehicle parking/holding capacity at their premises. 

Other rules implemented

Besides the above, building premises also have been mandated to set up additional power loads. It should be equivalent to the power that is desired to operate simultaneously all charging points with a 1.25 safety factor. Such amendments are to be abided by all buildings. It includes both residential and commercial societies. The only exception made here is independent residences. In case you are unable to derive a solution to charge your EV battery, then you may drive to the EV charging station in Lajpat nagar.

EV battery health maintenance

In any Electric Vehicle, irrespective of its brand, the battery is undoubtedly the most vital part. It is a fully functional, fully charged battery that powers the vehicle. It is also quite expensive and has evolved over time. Hence, it is your duty as an owner to maintain it properly so that it remains functional for a long time until it is time to be replaced with a new one. 

Will it be safe to leave your EV plugged in overnight?

You may perhaps have the habit to leave your rechargeable items like iPods and phones to get charged overnight. The common issue faced with such acts is that it causes the battery to degrade fast. Will the same thing occur with your EV if you leave it in the charging position all the time? EVs are designed with systems that ensure the battery does not get overcharged. Hence, it is safe to leave them plugged in overnight!

Preserving the battery

If your EV battery is not in use, then it is your duty to ensure it is well preserved. If sources are to be believed, it is stated that keeping EVs plugged in even if not in use is a wise strategy. It will ensure that your EV stays fully charged all the time. You don’t have to worry about losing your charge only to get stranded in the middle of the road. 

How do EVs prevent their batteries from getting overcharged?

The system created in the EV is designed to detect how close the battery is to get fully charged. Once it gets the signal, the charging process starts to slow down automatically without anyone’s intervention. Moreover, the vehicle uses a special method referred to as ‘Trickle Charging’. This is to maintain intelligently a full battery charge without actually overdoing it. Then, the EVs onboard systems start to monitor as well as allocated dynamically the required charge. 

Go through the owner’s manual

When buying an Electric Vehicle, you are sure to be provided with an Owner’s Manual. You are strongly recommended to go through it sincerely and understand how to use and maintain the vehicle as well as the battery. Different vehicles are created in diverse ways. Hence, they could warrant different treatment. You need to know how to maintain your EV battery, thus ensuring you enjoy driving your EV whenever and wherever you desire to.

Charging the EV

You may choose to charge your Electric Vehicle at your home as mentioned above. But then the benefits offered by EV charging stations near the south ex market are many. You just need to take your vehicle to the nearest charging point. Although you have to wait for a few minutes for your vehicle to get fully charged, you can be assured of driving without any hiccups through the busy Indian roads.

Choose a reliable charging station

If you have finalized taking your EV to a charging station, then make sure it is reliable and fits perfectly the ‘charging’ needs of your type of vehicle. Being compliant will mean, you can be free from unwanted hassles. Simply check the app to find out a charging point close to your office, home, or wherever you travel!

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Why AC household charge using Wallbox is favored over the Trickle charge method?

The Trickle Charge method is known to use domestic household electricity to charge the EV. There might be problems related to electrical loads and electrical bills. Hence, this particular charging solution is better used with extreme caution. Also, it will be wise to discuss with the electricity provider prior to its use. To ensure peace of mind and optimum reliability, you are recommended to install In-Cable Control Box (ICCB). Otherwise, opt for an AC household charge using Wallbox to charge your EV!

1. Public Charging Stations

In today’s ever-growing network, these stations are located conveniently and spread across urban centers. Thus, if you own an EV, then you don’t have to search high and low to charge it. You may simply download an app on your smartphone and find the nearest charging station to top up your car’s battery quickly. You can even smartly travel longer distances without much trouble. Generally, public charging offers DC Fast Charging or AC Charging using wallbox. 

Which option should you choose?

Both DC Fast Charging and AC Charging using wallbox offer quick charging facilities when compared to charging at your home. Based on your EV’ AC charger handling capacity and charging station output, ACP Public Charging is found to be around 3-10 times much faster when compared to AC Household Charging. According to industry experts, all DC-based charging stations can be termed to be superfast in charging Electric Vehicles. 

DC Fast Chargers 
  • It is considered to be presently the fastest way for charging your EV car.
  • Its charging capacity in 40 minutes time is from 20% to 80%!
  • Charging power offered through 450V+ is above 50kkiW and current to about 125A.
  • DC Charge use is to be kept to the bare minimum. Doing so helps prolong the life of the high-voltage battery.
  • It uses Combo DC – CCS (Combined Charging System)
DC Vs. AC Charging – What you need to know

In India, Alternating Current (AC) is what the national grid supplies. However, for battery charge purposes, electric cars require using DC charging. 

  • DC fast charger is found to bypass the onboard charging device. Thus, the EV battery gets a direct power supply. DC Charger is found to be external to the vehicle. Hence it is neither constrained in cost nor size. This effectively means that it offers faster charging. 
  • AC Charger, on the other hand, supplies the onboard charger of the EV. AC power is then converted to DC, thereby ensuring proper battery charge. However, onboard charging device size is said to be limited by space. For this reason, the power that the battery can derive from AC Charger is quite low. It also means charging is very slow.
Which connector to choose for what kind of charging type?

Do you need to invest in an adapter that can work on different charging types and methods perfectly? The truth is that currently, no universal connector exists for all chargers and all EVs. However, there are different types of connectors that correspond with varying charging levels, thus allowing EV owners and drivers to enjoy fast charging of their EV cars in less time.

  • DC Charging Connectors: SAE and CHAdeMO are considered to be the commonly used conductors. However, they both are not interchangeable. You cannot charge an SAE Combo plug using a CHAdeMO port or vice versa. You may be planning to drive your electric car to the nearest EV charging stations in Delhi. But before that get to know your vehicle’s compatibility level with that of the available connectors. 
  • AC Charging Connectors: For AC Household Charging, the commonly availed AC sockets are Type 1 and 2 connectors. Generally, when you purchase an EV vehicle, be it a scooter or car, the company will provide you with a charge. But with AC chargers, charging time will be very high. You can reduce this time by visiting a charging station close to your home or office. 
How do EV chargers prove to be useful to make cities resilient and equitable?

Although India is a developing country, the government is found to be fully committed to reducing pollution considerably. It has passed out several norms, rules, and regulations for industries to use and manufacture equipment and items that produce less pollution in whatever form. EV vehicles are indeed a boon to the global environment and so are charging stations. To promote Electric Vehicles of all sizes and shapes, the government has been offering subsidies to customers. 

The need to reduce the impact of climate change

It is found that in decades of using fossil fuels, the level of pollution has increased considerably. This, in turn, has led to global warming which is only getting serious with each passing day. Changing weather patterns combined with increasing natural disasters the world over including in developed countries is sufficient proof that pollution needs to be minimized to the greatest possible extent to ensure the sustainability of the human race. 

Worsening air pollution in cities

A good number of cities in the country have been experiencing increasing pollution of which Delhi, the national capital tops the list. The condition is only found to become more severe during winter. The city environment has rather become dangerous and is impacted disproportionately by climate change. Ineffective air quality controls and underinvestment in infrastructure are found to make the situation worse. The installation of electriva charging stations across the different cities of the country is found to be a savior. 

Overcoming pollution and public transit issues

In a densely populated city like Delhi or other cities of the country, it is not just possible to phase away vehicles using fossil fuel. Without proper access to viable and cheap public transportation options, it is quite natural for communities to get barred from health, employment, and education opportunities. This puzzle can be solved by promoting electric vehicles and EV charging stations in Delhi. 

Promoting Electric Vehicles and Charging Stations

EV vehicles are undoubtedly a wonderful option to curb increasing pollution and to complement public transportation network expansion. To ensure this, it becomes essential to ensure equitable distribution of chargers. Electrification is found to protect health and clean local air. EVs also enable owners to save on maintenance and fuel costs. Thus, as an EV owner, you as the owner as well as the entire community can gain huge. At the same time, you will be doing your bit to control pollution. 

Affordable EVs

The fact is EVs using the latest technology and high-end battery for smooth operation have always been expensive. Even a decade ago, not many found it to be beneficial. However, evolving battery technology, better mileage, and more savings, combined with government subsidies have helped EVs to become a popular choice. With each passing day, you can find a good number of EVs on the road. 

Installation of Charging Stations

An increasing number of EVs in almost all cities of the country has prompted reputed companies to set up charging stations at accessible points. These stations are found to offer quick and affordable charges to EVs of all sizes, unlike private charging options. The government has also been supporting setting up such charging stations at different points to enable EV owners to get their vehicles charged without having to travel a long distance. 

Smart technology

The standalone charging stations is found to be both smart and ubiquitous. Distributed public charging helps tackle expensive charging costs, local air pollution, and transit deserts! New smart technologies are found to allow networks to serve communities in a better way. 

Cheaper charging options

Software used in the charging stations combined with longer parking sessions can help derive affordable electricity. Software in managed charging integrations controls charging speed and load. Prioritizing off-peak hours can ensure reduced power demands. Managing charging projects is found to reduce power demand by 45%. This helps diminish costs significantly and ensures reliability. Managing charging also helps clean air and incentivizes renewable generation. 

Community safety net

The newly developed technology allows parked EVs to save the community if there is experienced a blackout. EV batteries enabled with V2G (Vehicle-to-Grid) technologies have the power to send back power to the grid via bidirectional charging. Some places face the risk of climate disasters. In such conditions distributed V2G charger network can enable local vehicles to act as backup generators. Thus the community can be offered a safety net during any crisis. 

Other benefits of V2G technology

V2G similar to managed charging offers vehicle owners financial incentives. You can earn passive income by providing energy to the grid during peak costly hours. You may resort to using power during low cost times. A bidirectional charger project can help save a good amount of money every month when charging your fleet of vehicles. Thus, you can get paid for parking your EVs, thereby alleviating the cost burdens involved with owning EVs. 

Smart charging stations

These days, there is being launched smart EV charging stations across the country. EV charger in Delhi has been set up with the objective to help fast charge EVs thus saving owners precious money and time. These stations can help improve air quality considerably. EVs are no more a sci-fi dream, but an equitable and resilient technology that exists in reality. Thus, cities that are currently facing pollution caused by fuel-based vehicles can convert to greener ones by promoting EVs.

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What different methods are adopted to charge EVs?

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.

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