Electronic Vehicle Purpose

As the government and car industry drive forward with electric vehicles, a growing need for residential and commercial charging stations is becoming apparent. The main challenge for the electronic vehicle (EV) pioneers is creating a network of charging stations at which drivers can quickly and safely charge overnight in their garage, at their apartment complex, or at a local business. Offering the benefits of a fast refuel and an environmentally friendly image, EV charging stations are needed in residential, commercial, and public spaces.

Electronic Vehicle Charging Process

The EV itself is ran by an electric motor, which gets energy from a controller and rechargeable batteries. To charge the batteries, the owner can plug the vehicle into a 120V domestic wall outlet or a high-power quick-charging station. There are two basic types of EV chargers. Level 1 chargers are smaller units that plug directly into a standard 120V receptacle outlet. Level 2 chargers plug into a 240V outlet (similar to what an electric clothes dryer connects to). Also known as fast-chargers, a Level 2 charges two to six hours faster than a Level 1. While plugging into a domestic wall outlet has the advantage of quick and ubiquitous access, the 120V charge can take about 10 hours to refuel the vehicle. The “trickle charge” may be practical for those with the right lifestyle and access to a garage, but on-the-go individuals, apartment complexes, businesses, and public spaces need dedicated fast chargers to meet their needs.



Residential Charging

For homeowners with a garage, a residential charger offers them the confidence and convenience of refueling at home. Plug in the car before you go to bed, and in the morning wake up to a fully fueled vehicle. The current lack of a public charging network in many US areas requires an EV driver to install a residential charger. Fully charging in about 10 hours, a Level 1 charger may work well for those who frequently store their EV in the garage overnight. 120V residential charging is slower because of the lower domestic voltage. Charging frequency depends on the person’s lifestyle. If he or she is driving locally, there is no need to do a full charge every night. Those with long commutes and on-the-go lifestyles may opt for the Level 2 fast-charger, which is also suggested for apartment complexes, businesses, and public spaces.



Commercial Points and Public Spaces

Public spaces, government buildings, and businesses will need to install Level 2 chargers to provide citizens and customers with a quick charge as they go about their day. The charging network outside of the residential sector will become increasingly important and vital for this environmentally friendly transportation to flourish. The workplace is by far the most important secondary charge point after home charging. While employees with long commutes may want to plug in for a full charge when they arrive at work, other travelers may just need a quick boost while they grab a bite to eat. Because of the relatively shorter battery ranges of current EV’s, public charging points provide drivers a mid-trip refuel and most importantly the psychological security of having a refuel station on their route.



Electronic Vehicle Green Effect

EV chargers give organizations and businesses a visible and prominent green edge. Their sleek and almost futuristic designs, EV charging stations will capture the environmentally conscious and curious customers. Some businesses may choose to charge a fee for the electricity. Many EV charging models have added technology features that can bill EV drivers, run sustainability reports, and monitor electricity usage. An EV charger on the tree-lawn is a great way for a local government to promote sustainability to citizens and turn the community in the direction of EV’s. Installing an EV charger carries a greater message of environmental stewardship. EVs are a great step toward lowering your carbon footprint and creating a healthier environment. They produce no pollution at the tailpipe, which will contribute to cleaner air, but their use increases the demand on the electricity grid. Some studies have found that EV’s operating in “dirty” energy grids (such as those based on coal-fired plants) produce nearly the same CO2 per mile as efficient combustion engine vehicles. The difference with the EV is that the consumer has the power to “drive off grid” by charging his or her EV with solar power. A solar roofing system can offset or even remove the costs of charging an EV and provide a renewable energy source for your vehicle. Auto dealerships have begun installing their own solar-powered EV charging stations, and an inventor in Europe is purposing designs for a public solar-powered EV charging canopy, which will also charge personal electronics.



Saving at The Pump

Such a reference to pump prices may be becoming an archaic phrase as EV's and other alternative transportation increase in popularity. Produced by Green Tech Media in its report The Networked EV, the graph below shows the price spread of a "gallon" of electricity versus a gallon of gasoline. $4.50 is the average EV savings per gallon compared to a gas-powered vehicle between the eight developed countries featured here. In the US, the savings is $2.05 per gallon.



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