How do Electric Vehicle Chargers work |Types of EV Chargers
As we have observed, the world’s temperature is increasing because carbon emissions and pollution are growing daily. So, to reduce the impact, it is essential to focus on renewable energy. Even in November 2021, at the COP26 climate summit in Glasgow, there were at least six significant automakers, such as Ford, Mercedes-Benz, General Motors, and Volvo, along with 30 national governments that pledged to phase out gasoline-powered vehicles by 2040 worldwide and by 2035 in “leading markets. So, all these things are making the future EV trends to the sinking market.
So far, the world is moving towards a sustainable future; electric vehicles are trending worldwide because they are eco-friendly and unlike gas or oil-based vehicles. However, the demand relies on innovation from the source providers and convenient availability for the regions. So, here I will provide complete information about the electric vehicle charging station.
Table of Contents
What are the Types of electric vehicle chargers?
The types of electric vehicle (EV) chargers are primarily categorized based on their charging speed and the power they deliver. Here are the main types:
1. Level 1 Chargers (Slow Chargers):
These chargers are mainly used EV chargers in household outlets like in North America. And it has a standard voltage of 110V or 120-volt AC outlet. They are even known as the slowest type of EV charger, providing power between 1 kW and 1.8 kW.
- Most EV household owners charge their vehicles overnight; fully charging a standard electric car can take 22-40 hours.
- An hour of charging with a Level 1 charger will give an EV between 3-7 miles of range.
Level 1 Chargers Installation Cost and Other Cost
| Region | Additional Installation Cost Range | Real Cost Range (Excluding Installation) |
| India | ₹5,000 – ₹15,000 | ₹5,000 – ₹15,000 |
| Europe | €200 – €500 | €100 – €300 |
| USA | $300 – $1,000 | $300 – $1,000 |
| UK | £50 – £200 | £50 – £200 |
| Australia | AUD 300 – AUD 1,000 | AUD 300 – AUD 1,000 |
| Germany | €200 – €500 | €100 – €300 |
| China | ¥500 – ¥1,500 | ¥500 – ¥1,500 |
| Canada | CAD 300 – CAD 1,000 | CAD 300 – CAD 1,000 |
| France | €200 – €500 | €200 – €500 |
2. Level 2 Chargers (Fast Chargers):
Level 2 EV chargers are primarily seen in public charging stations, homes, workplaces, etc. They have 240-volt outlets (like dryer plugs). These chargers are significantly faster than Level 1 chargers. They typically provide between 3.7 kW to 19.2 kW of power. A typical EV that supports Level 2 chargers can be fully charged in 4-10 hours.
Level 2 Chargers Installation Cost and Other Cost
| Region | Additional Installation Cost Range | Real Cost Range (Excluding Installation) |
| India | ₹30,000 – ₹80,000 | ₹30,000 – ₹80,000 |
| Europe | €1,000 – €3,000 | €500 – €1,500 |
| USA | $1,000 – $2,500 | $700 – $1,800 |
| UK | £300 – £1,000 | £400 – £800 |
| Australia | AUD 800 – AUD 2,000 | AUD 900 – AUD 2,000 |
| Germany | €1,000 – €3,000 | €500 – €1,500 |
| China | ¥5,000 – ¥15,000 | ¥3,000 – ¥10,000 |
| Canada | CAD 1,000 – CAD 2,500 | CAD 700 – CAD 1,800 |
| France | €1,000 – €3,000 | €500 – €1,500 |
3. DC Fast Chargers (Rapid Chargers or Level 3 Chargers):
DC fast chargers are the quickest charger for charging an EV. Depending on the charge acceptance rate, they can charge a standard electric car up to 80% in under 20 minutes. This charger commonly uses a three-phase supply and delivers over 360 kW of power. These chargers bypass the onboard charger in the EVs to the DC power in the battery. The DC fast chargers are safe and ideal for quick charging during long trips and are commonly found at public service stations near highways. They use connectors like CCS (Combined Charging System), CHAdeMO, and Tesla Superchargers (NACS).
DC Fast Chargers Installation Cost and Other Cost
| Region | Additional Installation Cost Range | Real Cost Range (Excluding Installation) |
| India | ₹1,00,000 – ₹4,00,000 | ₹1,00,000 – ₹4,00,000 |
| Europe | €15,000 – €60,000 | €10,000 – €50,000 |
| USA | $15,000 – $60,000 | $10,000 – $50,000 |
| UK | £15,000 – £60,000 | £10,000 – £50,000 |
| Australia | AUD 15,000 – AUD 60,000 | AUD 10,000 – AUD 50,000 |
| Germany | €15,000 – €60,000 | €10,000 – €50,000 |
| China | ¥1,00,000 – ¥4,00,000 | ¥10,00,000 – ¥40,00,000 |
| Canada | CAD 15,000 – CAD 60,000 | CAD 10,000 – CAD 50,000 |
| France | €15,000 – €60,000 | €10,000 – €50,000 |
4. Tesla Superchargers:
The Tesla Superchargers are specifically designed for Tesla vehicles. These are a type of DC fast charger capable superchargers. The latest version of the Tesla Supercharger is the V3 Supercharger, which can deliver up to 250 kW of power, allowing Tesla vehicles to charge up to 200 miles of range in just 15 minutes, or around 1,000 miles per hour of charging. Tesla Superchargers can significantly reduce charging time, making them ideal for long-distance travel. They are part of Tesla’s proprietary charging network.
| Charging Type | Charging Duration |
| Level 1 Chargers | 22-40 hours |
| Level 2 Chargers | 4-10 hours |
| DC Fast Chargers | 30 Minutes |
| Tesla Superchargers | 15 Minutes |
Tesla Superchargers Installation Cost and Other Cost
| Region | Additional Installation Cost Range | Real Cost Range (Excluding Installation) |
| India | ₹15,00,000 – ₹60,00,000 | ₹50,00,000 – ₹3,00,00,000 |
| Europe | €20,000 – €90,000 | €50,000 – €3,00,000 |
| USA | $20,000 – $90,000 | $50,000 – $3,00,000 |
| UK | £20,000 – £90,000 | £50,000 – £3,00,000 |
| Australia | AUD 20,000 – AUD 90,000 | AUD 50,000 – AUD 3,00,000 |
| Germany | €20,000 – €90,000 | €50,000 – €3,00,000 |
| China | ¥1,50,000 – ¥6,00,000 | ¥5,00,000 – ¥30,00,000 |
| Canada | CAD 20,000 – CAD 90,000 | CAD 50,000 – CAD 3,00,000 |
| France | €20,000 – €90,000 | €50,000 – €3,00,000 |
How Does an Electric Vehicle Charging Station Work?
1. Connection:
As we have also seen in mobile devices, two different products are required to charge them. In the same way, EVs require two charging processes with a physical connection between the EV and the charging station through a charging cable. A charger connects the cable; on one end, a socket is found in the charging station, and on the other end, a plug fitting is used for its port on the electric vehicle. This action allows the transfer of electric power from the charging station to the EV.
2. Communication:
When the EV and the charging system are connected, communication is established between them. They communicate autonomously and agree on the capacity of the input of power required and the amount of energy available to charge.
3. Charging:
Communication is created in the charging process. The charging station transmits an electric current into the EV battery, which charges it. Charging an EV in a charging station takes time, depending on its type and the battery’s capacity.
For example: a level 1 charger may charge an EV to full charge in about 8 to 12 hours; level 3, also known as a DC fast charger, may charge the EV battery to about 80% in 30 minutes.
What are the Components of an EV Charging Station?
EV charging stations consist of several vital components that work together to deliver power to the EV’s battery:
| Component | Description |
| Power Electronics | Supplies power to the EV’s onboard battery charger. |
| Charge Controller | Manages essential charge functions, such as turning the charger on/off and metering power usage. |
| Network Controller | Enables communication with the charging network and controls user access. |
| Charging Cable | Connects the charging station to the EV’s charging port. |
What are the Safety Features of the EV Charging Stations?
Modern EV charging stations have various safety features to ensure safe and reliable operation. These features include:
| Safety Feature | Description |
| Ground Fault Protection | Prevents electrical shocks and short circuits by monitoring the flow of energy. |
| Emergency Shut-off Switch | Allows users to stop the flow of energy in case of an emergency. |
| Safety Labelling | Identifies different parts of the station and potential risks if improperly handled. |
What are the Types of Charging Station Locations?
As I already discussed the types of EV charger infrastructures, it is essential to know the types of EV charging stations found in various locations.
1. Home Charging
Of course, home charging is the most common option, and it is usually the best offer for EV car owners. Home charging involves Level 1 or Level 2 charging stations. Recent reports have shown that almost 80% of all EV charges occur at home. First, Level 1 charging homes use a standard 120-volt outlet, the same type that a household appliance plugs into, and it is the slowest way to power up an EV, giving about 4-5 miles of range per hour of charging. However, this charging type “can be done overnight or throughout a day when an EV is not used or driven long distances.” Level 2 charging homes need a 240-volt outlet to charge an EV.
Meanwhile, it can charge an EV much quicker than Level 1, offering about 15-30 miles of range per hour of charging. This EV charging type is for homeowners who can replenish the car battery during nightly sleep or, for example, for a few hours at home. Installing the Level 2 charging station at home can be expensive and require professional service, but it is the quickest way to charge the EV.
2. Workplace Charging
Workplace charging is also becoming more prevalent as more and more bosses understand the benefits of providing EV charging to employees. For instance, it was claimed that about 34% of all current EV drivers regularly charge their vehicles for work.
Workplace charging has several advantages: it makes convenient for employees to arrive and charge their cars while working and spend during work, eliminates range anxiety because workers can also charge during the day, draw, and retain employees interested in a clean and climate-friendly option and signal the enterprise’s interests via the EV industry. Office charging stations are usually level 2 and hence allow workers to add long-distance to their vehicles anytime they operate.
3. Public Charging
Public charging stations help everyone recharge while away from home or at work. These stations are mostly having Level 2 chargers and DC Fast Chargers. The DC Fast Charger is the fastest charging option for charging an EV, which can charge a vehicle with 60-80 miles of driving in as little as 20 minutes. DC’s quick speed is the most suitable for highway and urban areas where fast charges are needed.
On the other hand, public charging networks are increasing in popularity and are located near major shopping malls, public parking lots, hotels, and highways. The availability of public charging makes the public more interested in purchasing EVs. Drivers can use these vehicles long distances without worrying about where and when to recharge their EVs.
List of Global City-Wise EVs Charging Stations Comparison
| Country | Famous City | City Wise Charging Stations | Major Operators | Total EV Stations in Country | Cost/ Unit Charge (USD) |
| United Kingdom | London | 3,500 | BP Pulse, Pod Point, Ubitricity, Shell Recharge | 59,670 | $0.30 – $0.50 per kWh |
| Birmingham | 2,308 | BP Pulse, Osprey Charging, Instavolt | |||
| Manchester | 360 | GeniePoint, Char.gy, Source London | |||
| USA | Los Angeles | 5,243 | ChargePoint, EVgo, Electrify America | 74,187 | $0.12 – $0.35 per kWh |
| New York City | 520 | Blink Charging, Greenlots, Tesla | |||
| San Francisco | 1,250 | ChargePoint, EVgo, SemaConnect | |||
| India | New Delhi | 1,743 | Tata Power, Ather Energy, EESL | 12,146 | $0.10 – $0.20 per kWh |
| Bangalore | 4,281 | Ather Energy, Tata Power, Fortum | |||
| Mumbai | 448 | Tata Power, Magenta Power, Fortum | |||
| Germany | Berlin | 1,799 | Ionity, EnBW, Allego | 27,000 | $0.30 – $0.50 per kWh |
| Munich | 1,200 | E.ON Drive, Innogy, Allego | |||
| Hamburg | 1,000 | Stromnetz Hamburg, EnBW, Ionity | |||
| France | Paris | 2300 | Izivia, Allego, Freshmile | 120,354 | $0.25 – $0.45 per kWh |
| Lyon | 800 | Izivia, Bouygues Energies & Services, DBT | |||
| Marseille | 800 | Izivia, Allego, Freshmile | |||
| Singapore | Singapore | 6000 | SP Group, Shell Recharge, Greenlots | 6000 | $0.20 – $0.40 per kWh |
| China | Beijing | 80,000 | State Grid Corporation of China, TELD, Star Charge | 1.8 million | $0.15 – $0.30 per kWh |
| Shanghai | 196,000 | State Grid Corporation of China, TELD, Star Charge | |||
| Shenzhen | 1,50,000 | China Southern Power Grid, TELD, Star Charge |
Top 10 EV Charging Installation Service Providers in USA
| SL No | Charging Provider Name | Minimum Installation Charge | Key Features |
| 1 | Electrify America | $250 | Nationwide service, customizable solutions, federal grants available |
| 2 | ChargePoint | $300 | High-quality chargers, extensive network, app integration |
| 3 | Enel X Way | $350 | Smart charging solutions, energy management, residential and commercial services |
| 4 | Qmerit | $400 | Official partner of Electrify America and Enel X Way, high-quality installation services |
| 5 | Electric City Corp | $350 | Professional services, reasonable prices, primarily in Minnesota |
| 6 | Coil | $450 | Nationwide service, specializes in Level 3 fast charging installation |
| 7 | Blink Charging | $300 | Affordable options, easy installation, access to Blink’s public network |
| 8 | EVgo | $400 | Extensive experience, high-quality fast chargers, public and residential services |
| 9 | ClipperCreek | $350 | Reliable and durable chargers, easy installation, good customer support |
| 10 | Bosch | $400 | High-quality chargers, professional installation, extensive warranty |
Top 10 EV Charging Installation Service Providers in India
| Rank | Company Name | Key Services | Installation Fees |
| 1 | Tata Power EZ Charge | Public and home chargers, AC & DC charging solutions, mobile app integration | ₹30,000 – ₹80,000 |
| 2 | Ather Energy | Fast charging stations, mobile app for locating chargers | ₹20,000 – ₹50,000 |
| 3 | Delta Electronics India | AC and DC chargers, site management systems | ₹50,000 – ₹1,50,000 |
| 4 | Fortum India | Fast charging stations, mobile app for payment and locating chargers | ₹50,000 – ₹2,00,000 |
| 5 | Magenta Power | Public and home chargers, AC & DC charging solutions | ₹30,000 – ₹1,00,000 |
| 6 | EV Motors India (PlugNgo) | Public and home chargers, AC & DC charging solutions | ₹40,000 – ₹1,50,000 |
| 7 | ChargeGrid by PowerSquare | Public and home chargers, AC & DC charging solutions | ₹30,000 – ₹1,00,000 |
| 8 | Statiq | Public and home chargers, AC & DC charging solutions | ₹20,000 – ₹80,000 |
| 9 | Charzer | Portable chargers, public and home chargers | ₹15,000 – ₹50,000 |
| 10 | Exicom Tele-Systems | AC and DC chargers, energy management solutions | ₹50,000 – ₹2,00,000 |
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