What Is EV Charging & How Does it Work?

One of the biggest concerns for electric vehicle (EV) owners is knowing when and how to charge their vehicle. It makes sense: The average People has spent their life driving around in gas-powered cars, filling up at one of the hundreds of thousands of gas stations as the gauge creeps towards empty. Charging one’s EV takes a little more planning, but with the growing demand and incentives for alternatives to gas-powered cars, Level 2 public EV charging stations are becoming a more common sight.

So whether you’re the owner of an EV or looking to add a public EV charging station to your commercial property, here are just a few things you should know about how an EV charger works.

At its most basic, an EV charger pulls an electrical current from 240v power and delivers that electricity to the vehicle, just like any other appliance or device you charge by plugging into the wall.

✓ Chargers Plug into Most EVs—And Adaptors Are Available

For the most part, a J1772 plug is standard for EVs—that is, unless you have a Tesla or are trying to use a Tesla EV charging station. Think of it as a device charging cord: If you have a USB-C cord, but your device takes Mini-USB, the USB-C cord can’t be used to charge your device without an adaptor.

Because Teslas use their own form of connector from the device to the vehicle, a Tesla charger cannot be used on a non-Tesla vehicle, and a non-Tesla charger cannot be used on a Tesla vehicle without an adaptor.

Adaptors do exist and can be purchased online, but it’s important for drivers to note what type of charger they’re parking in front of. Additionally, commercial entities that want to provide EV charging on their property or parking lots should take into consideration that buying only Tesla chargers will leave many EV drivers unable to use your services.

✓ Setup Your Home Charging Solution

The Home 50 Amp Smart EV Charger comes with the necessary hardware to mount and install your new Level 2 charger inside your garage or outside your home.

Our EV home charging stations are small in size, simple to use, and feature fast, safe and efficient charging. They are a cost-effective and convenient option for keeping your EV powered and ready to go whenever you need it. Answer a few simple questions through our EV Charging Time tool to help determine the best amperage and charging speed to fit your needs as you decide how to install an EVSE at home.

✓ How Do Public EV Charging Stations Work?

If you are parking in front of an EV charging station, there are a few things you’ll need to determine. For one, the station may be provided free of charge, may require a key FOB or other access device, or it may require credit card payment—similar to other parking situations such as only being allowed to park in a lot for free if you’re a customer, or you may need to pay a parking meter during specific times and on specific days. The device and posted notices should make it clear how to use the charging station.

For organizations looking to add public EV charging stations to their property, MANN’s commercial charging solutions give you options when it comes to how others will use your charger. There are different charging station features that allow you to control output, charging times, control access via RFID, and even connect to a network for monitoring or accepting payments.

✓ Plan With Public EV Charging Stations in Mind

Once you start to notice public EV charging stations, you’ll begin to incorporate them into your schedule, such as planning on running an errand last so you can utilize the chargers in their parking lot.

Commercial organizations will want to think about how charging can be incorporated into your business for customers or employees: Are your customers or visitors more likely to frequent your location if you offer a public EV charging station? Might they stay longer if they know they’re getting an extra charge every additional minute they spend in your establishment? Can your company become your clients’ go-to location to run errands if they know you have provided a public EV charging station? The importance is in knowing your customer and understanding how incorporating an EV charging station to your business can help provide a service.

MANN provides solutions for both home and commercial operations for Level 2 AC and Level 3 DC fast charging. The chart provides the basis to how EV charging works and with each level.