Do All Electric Cars Use the Same Charger?
Reputable companies like Tesla are leading the growth of electric vehicle manufacturing and sales. If you're looking to join the long list of owners, it's crucial to understand the vehicle charging dynamics. A common question from long-term EV users is whether electric cars use the same charger.
Well, the answer can be yes or no, depending on your 'charger' definition. Apart from Tesla, all vehicle types use the same charging systems/technology. They only differ regarding their input/plugs and charging types. Meanwhile, the Elon Musk vehicle uses the Tesla Supercharger.
So, what factors define universal chargers, and how do they compare with the Tesla supercharger? We shall look at the charger types, how they differ, and which you should use for your vehicle. Continue reading for a walkthrough on the future of EV charging stations.
Types of Electric Vehicle Chargers
You must have noticed that your nearest station has different booths. Most stations in the U.S have Levels 1 to 3, each with a different wattage and plug types.
Here are more details on these EV charger types:
Level 1 is your answer if you're looking for a readily accessible charging option. However, there's a catch! The EV charger has a 120-volt output, a slow charging capacity (2 to 5 miles RPH), and is only suitable for short-distance traveling vehicles.
A low battery capacity typically takes overnight to charge. Electric cars with such batteries include the Toyota Rav4 Prime, Hyundai Kona Electric, and Renault Zoe.
Fortunately, you can install 120 - Volt as a home appliance. You'll easily charge overnight and wake up to a fully charged vehicle.
Level 2 has a 240-volt capacity and offers a faster charging speed (around 10 - 20 miles RPH). You only need a couple of hours to charge your vehicle, which explains why it's mostly used at public EV stations.
Like the Level 1 type, you can install it at home or workplace parking spaces. Additionally, the 240-Volts is effective for charging long-distance electric cars like the Ford Capri SUV and Volkswagen ID.4.
Level 3 Charger
Also known as the DC faster charger, the Level 3 charger outshines the Alternate Current (AC) options. If you're new to the DC charging concept, it involves direct charging of the EV battery instead of the power flowing directly to the charger.
With 400 - 1000 Volt plugs, an EV only takes 20 to 1 hour to charge fully. Unfortunately, you can't install the DC type at home due to its large power consumption.
Electric Car Charger Plug Types
Plug types have evolved with technology, with old EVs like the old RAV4 EV using the Magne Charge inductive option. Nowadays, AC (Levels 1 & 2) and DC (Level 3) have varying types.
You'll note that each has double connectors to accommodate different vehicle brands or charging specifications. Continue reading for more information:
SAE J1772 Type for AC Chargers
The J1772 is common in North America and has a five-pin connector for Level 1 and 2 charging. However, the plug wall differs between the two levels. The J1772 is slightly different from the Mennekes, a seven-pin connector capable. The Mennekes type is commonly used in Europe and can handle higher power levels.
DC Plug Types
With time, DC plugs were introduced to offer faster charging modes. They included the following:
- CHAdeMo: CHAdeMo is a Japanese fast charger commonly used in older EV models like the Mitsubishi i-MiEV, Nissan Leaf, and the Honda Fit EV. It delivers a high power output of up to 400kW.
- CCS (Combined Charging System): Things got better with the introduction of CCS, which offered better charging time and power. It covers CHAdeMo shortcomings through its type 1 and 2 connectors. Also, it combines both AC and DC capabilities into a single connector, making it compatible with various electric vehicles.
Tesla's NACS (J3400)
Like the modern CCS connector, Tesla's NACS connector can accommodate all types of charging. It is smaller than the J1772 plugs and features a squarish oval connector with five holes. Over time it has been available in Level 2 and 3 charging types.
How EV Chargers Will Improve in the Future?
If you’re a new EV owner, you’ll mostly use Level 1 and 2 outlets. However, you have a better chance using the 240-Volt Level 2 charger for its fast charging, and convenience for long distance traveling vehicles.
Nonetheless, the increasing adoption of NACS is revolutionizing EV charging dynamics. A change we can expect is the creation of a universal charging solution through the combination of the J1772 plug with DC fast charging capability. It aims to incorporate CCS tech to enable a single system to power all-electric cars. Yes, including Teslas!
True to that, major automakers like Ford, General Motors, and Chrysler pledged to adopt the CCS standard. This means that by 2025 and beyond, there'll be a significant shift towards a single charging system, making it easier and more convenient to own and operate an electric car.
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