EV CHARGING TERMS AND DEFINITIONS
why is a transformer crucial for EV charging?
because EV chargers require certain voltage levels for charging, which might differ from the standard voltage of the power supply network.
Kilowatt-Hour (kWh)
standard unit of energy used to measure battery capacity
one challenge of integrating EVSE technology with commercial building management is "cost constraints", explain this...
the cost of upgrading infrastructure can deter commercial buildings from adopting EVSE technology
what is a huge obstacle for commercial charging stations?
the difficulty to integrate technology with building management and other systems
why is DC charging more expensive?
uses higher level of energy for the convenience of faster charging
formula for kW
voltage x amps
michigan offers up to $________ in subsidies for people who drive electric cars
$2,000
automakers are investing how much into EV and batteries?
$300 billion
michigan offers a $_____ rebate for at home charging infrastructure
$500
formula for Kilowatts per hour (how much power will flow to your cars battery PER HOUR)
(volts x amps) / 1000
- a level 1 charger typically has a continuous output of ________ amps? - miles of range per hour from this charger?
- 12-16 amps - 3.5-6.5 miles
with a DC charger, it is best to unplug when your battery reaches ___%?
- 80%
connector types for DC fast charging
- CCS1 - CCS2 - CHAdeMO
what are the 3 leading agencies that offer grants for BUSINESS related to EV infrastructure?
- US Dept of Transportation - US Dept of Agriculture - Dept of Energy
why do EV chargers benefit commercial buyers?
- attract and retain tenants and customers - generate new revenue - brand enhancement and first mover advantages - adds employee benefits - fleets reduce operating expenses
Level 1 charging
- uses a 120V AC plug - slowest type of charger and typically used overnight at home - residential
what are the potential benefits to commercial businesses for purchasing EV chargers?
- attracting new customers - revenue generation - sustainability image - competitive advantage - increased property value due to progressive infrastructure - extra perk for employees to help retain talent - tax incentives through eligible use for tax credits/deductions (easing financial impact from purchase decision) - future proofing business due to projected EV growth
formula to calculate hours needed for full charge of battery
- battery capacity(kWh) / charger output(kW) - battery capacity found in vehicles owner manual
what is a rectifier? what type of rectifier is used for ev chargers?
- device that converts AC to DC - bridge rectifiers
it is imperative that you determine what 2 needs for indoor/outdoor installations?
- durability - weatherproofing
Level 3 (DC) charging
- fastest type of charger - uses a high-powered DC connection - usually provided by public charging stations
with commercial ev charging stations it is important to consider what?
- infrastructure - maintenance - may require dedicated transformers resulting in higher rates for use
what components of the EV charger are at risk for overheating? How do these issues arise?
- internal components such as resistors, capacitors or the charger itself - heavy usage or poor ventilation
why are level 1 and 2 chargers slower than DC chargers?
- level 1 and 2 chargers use AC power - electric vehicles have an onboard charger inside the car that converts AC power to DC for the battery
List the strategic locations to install chargers on the COMMERCIAL side of this business:
- parking lots/garages - apartment/condo complex - retail shopping centers - entertainment venue - restaurants - healthcare facilities (assisted living community example) - office buildings - airports - hotels - hospitals - schools
charge rate is dependent on?
- power output capability of the charger - acceptability of the battery to accommodate that rate of charge - external factors like temperature
Charge Rate
- the speed at which an EV battery is charged, often expressed in kW - kW = V x A
voltage
- think of it like water pressure - pushes the electrical current to the charging station
most level 2 chargers pull what range of amps?
- typically pull between 16-40 amps - 30-32 amps common for residential application
Level 2 charging
- uses a 240V AC plug - typically installed at homes or public charging stations
typically, residential electricity supply is at a lower __________ level, usually around ___-___
- voltage - 120v-240v
what factors should you consider when deciding what type of ev charger to purchase for your home?
- your EV model and its energy efficiency - local electricity rates - how much you drive (main factor because of charge rate and energy consumption)
method to determine how long a charge might take:
1. determine the capacity of your EV's battery (owner manual) 2. identify the power rating of your charger 3. calculate maximum charge time 4. Max. charge time = battery capacity / power rating of charger
what are the selling points for EV chargers?
1. economic savings 2. convenience 3. increased home value 4. reduced carbon footprint 5. future proofing 6. smart features - mobile apps have great information to use 7. government incentives 8. faster charging times 9. improved energy independence 10. enhanced vehicle performance
7 most common repairs needed for EV chargers
1. replacing faulty wiring 2. circuit board issues 3. Connector repairs 4. screen display issues 5. issues with RFID readers 6. overheating components 7. software updates/issues
number of EV chargers will increase to ____ by 2030?
13 million chargers where people work, live and sleep
what amp level does your home electrical panel need to have if you want a level 2 charger?
200 amp
the US Govt plan to help domestic manufacturing build how many EV chargers per year?
250,000
what % of US drivers will purchase an EV for their next car?
36%
by 2030, what is the goal for new vehicle sales?
50% of new vehicle sales will be EV's
why is it not necessarily a good thing to always use a DC fast charger?
A lot of power flows from a DC fast charger, and managing it puts extra strain on your battery. Using a DC charger all the time could reduce your battery's efficiency and lifespan, so it's best to use fast charging only when you need it. Keep in mind that drivers who don't have access to charging at home or work may rely more on DC fast charging.
Michigan Commercial EV charging station rebate structure:
Charger Type Applicant type Max. Rebate $ level 2 multi-unit dwelling $7,500 level 2 hospitality/recreation $5,000 level 2 Fleet $5,000 DCFC Fleet $35,000 DCFC Fleet - Public access $70,000
what is the "charging curve"?
Charging starts slow while your vehicle monitors your battery's charge level, the weather outside and other factors. Charging then climbs to peak speed for as long as possible and slows down again when your battery has reached about an 80% charge to prolong battery life.
why are DC chargers the fastest?
DC chargers convert AC power to DC within the charging station and deliver DC power directly to the battery
connector type for level 2 charger
J1772
for outdoor installations, look for equipment with _________ enclosure ratings
NEMA 3 or 4
what is a transformer?
a device that converts the voltage level of the electricity supplied
Charger Network
a system of interconnected EV charging stations operated by a single company or organization
what is used to measure electrical current flow? aka "current flow rate"
amps
drivers are recently more motivated to buy an EV because?
cost of batteries has fallen 87% over the last 9 years (batteries represent about 33% of the total EV cost)
what "type" of power do the car batteries use?
direct current (DC)
explain how power is converted for level 1 and 2 chargers
electric energy initially comes as AC, which is then converted to DC as that is the form of electricity EV batteries store. This conversion happens onboard the EV in a component called the "onboard charger".
what are the most effective ways to offset installation costs when selling chargers to customers?
informing the customer about federal tax credits, state grants, and local electric utility rebates
one challenge of integrating EVSE technology with commercial building management is "diversity of use and functionality", explain this...
it is challenging to develop and integrate a "one-size fits all" solution for EVSE technology
Michigan residential EV charging station rebate of $500 for purchasing what level ev charger?
level 2
one challenge of integrating EVSE technology with commercial building management is "lack of expertise", explain this...
most commercial property managers lack the knowledge/expertise needed to properly manage/integrate EVSE technology
one challenge of integrating EVSE technology with commercial building management is "interoperability issues", explain this...
not all EVSE systems use a uniform communication protocol or standard, causing difficulty with integration into building management systems (BMS)
it is wise to install EV chargers that are compatible with all or most EV's, if they are not however, what can you do?
purchase and also sell adaptors to ensure connectivity
one challenge of integrating EVSE technology with commercial building management is "infrastructure constraints", explain this...
the existing electrical infrastructure of most buildings is not designed to handle the heavy load that EVSE's demand, which can lead to power instability or failure
Amp rating
the maximum amount of electrical current that can be delivered to the battery
