Primecon Level 2 Ev Charger
Another affordable EV charger is by the PRIMECON brand and its a level 2 portable charger thats suitable for the majority of electric cars. The brand state that it provides up to three times faster charging speeds and is also much easier to use than standard alternatives.
Its the brands new and improved model that uses an intuitive LED control box thats IP55 rated and is available in multiple cable lengths that range from 30 to 50 feet.
Other features of the PRIMECON Charging Station include:
- 220V and rated to 16 amps of power
- Compatible with all J1772 electric vehicles
- Intuitive control box with LED indicators
- CE and UL certified
- Comes with a 1 year warranty
- Portable carrying case and 110v adapter included
The PRIMECON EV car charger offers excellent value for money and ticks every box as a budget option. However, compared to the Zencar alternative thats similarly priced, it does lack additional power options and extra accessories.
Should Charging Station Locations Hold You Back From Buying An Ev
Although we are not yet at the point where there are charging stations installed in every public parking lot, a perceived lack of public charging stations should not hold you back from purchasing an EV.;
Public charging stations are popular enough that you can plan a cross-country route around where you need to stop to charge. So while it is not as easy as simply stopping at the gas station, it is possible with a little extra planning.;
The benefit of installing a home charging station will also go a long way in reducing range anxiety. If you remember to charge your car each night, your daily commute and errands will be no issue. If you find yourself driving further than you anticipated, a public electric car charging station should be within a close enough range to get your car charged up in time.
The cheapest way to charge your EV is at home, especially if you install solar panels – it will be essentially free. Find out how much you can save by powering your electric car with solar by using our solar panel calculator.;
Electric Vehicles At Universal Orlando Theme Parks Citywalk And Volcano Bay
There are charging stations for electric vehicles in the main parking area if you are visiting Universal Studios Florida, Universals Islands of Adventure, Universals Volcano Bay, or CityWalk. However, there are only four stations total two for Teslas and two for other manufacturers and they are located at Valet Parking.
There is no charge to use the charging stations; however, you will need to pay for Valet Parking in order to access them. It is customary to provide gratuity to the attendants who assist with parking your car.
The cost for Valet Parking at Universal Orlando is determined by the amount of time you park your car:
- Two hours or less $25
- Over two hours $50
- Over two hours $45
Premier passholders get free Valet or Prime parking, or can upgrade to Red Carpet Valet for $20. Preferred passholders get free Self Parking or can Valet for only $20, and have the option of upgrading to Red Carpet Valet for $35 . Power and Seasonal passes do not include any parking discounts.
When pulling into the Valet Parking area, you will need to let the attendants know that you wish to use the charging stations. There is an acknowledgement form for you to sign, indicating that you understand your vehicle will be moved once it is charged.
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Where Are Public Ev Charging Stations Located
Public charging stations can be found all over the country, making EV charging easy. Image source: Electrek
There are over 41,000 charging stations throughout the United States and they include universal charging stations like ChargePoint as well as Tesla Superchargers and Destination Chargers.;
Generally, public charging stations can be found next to major highways, in busy shopping centers, mall parking lots, and busy town centers situated closely to main street attractions.;
Perhaps unsurprisingly, California has the most charging stations due to a population more inclined to purchase electric vehicles and as a state that promotes electric-friendly policy. Alaska has the least amount of public charging locations, with 67 in total. But, as a less populous area, 67 might be enough to serve all of the EV drivers in the state.;
As far as Teslas go, there are over 25,000 Superchargers globally. Tesla does not list the amount of chargers they have within the U.S. but based on the map below, you should be covered from coast to coast.;
Tesla Supercharger locations within North America. Image source: Tesla;
The average distance between charging stations is currently hovering around 70 miles and will continue to get smaller as new charging stations are being built to match the increase in electric car purchases.
Key Charging Terms To Understand
Before we get into the charging standards for electric vehicles, you must be sure you understand some of the terminology you never came across with your ICE car.
The transition to electric energy output rather than combustion brings a new slew of units and the dreaded use of math . Here are some key terms you will come across daily, so be sure to study up.
- Ampere A unit of measurement for electrical current.
- Connector / Cord set A device attached a cable that connects to an EV allowing it to charge.
- kW A unit of measurement to express the output power of the electric motor. Think of it as how much energy the motor generates in a given amount of time. 1 kW = about 1.34 HP.
- kWh A unit of energy marking the energy transferred in one hour by one kilowatt of power. EV battery capacity is measured in kWh, so think of it as your vehicles gallons of gas in its tank.
- Time of use A method of measuring and charging your energy consumption based on when the energy is used. Utility companies charge more at peak;times;of day when electricity;use;is higher.
- Volts Units of measurement for the push that causes electrical charges to move in a wire.
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Chargepoint Home Flex Wifi Enabled Ev Charger
If you have ever used public charging, theres a chance you have come across a charger from ChargePoint. The companys home charger is WiFi-enabled and is available in either hardwired or plug-in versions with your choice of a NEMA 14-50 plug or a NEMA 6-50 plug. Both options feature a 23-foot long cable. Like the JuiceBox, the ChargePoint home charger works with Alexa, which means you can control it remotely an Alexa device.
The app allows you to schedule charging when electricity is cheapest, as well as set reminders so you never forget to plug in your vehicle.
This recommendation is a Level 2 charger that can charge up to 50 amps, adding up to 37 miles of range per hour on most electrified vehicles. The plug-in station can be set to charge at 16 amps to 50 amps, giving you control based on your homes electrical supply. This is a UL-listed charger, so you know its been designed and built for electrical safety, as well as being Energy Star certified. The company provides a 3-year warranty and 24/7 customer support with the charger.
Are Electric Car Chargers Universal
Charging an electric car is as simple as plugging the car into the electric grid. While the normal Internal Combustion Engine cars run on petroleum or diesel as fuel, electric cars run on wellelectricity. Similar to how you would insert a petrol or diesel pump in a fuel station into your car to refuel it, charging an electric car essentially requires you to insert a suitable cable that matches the inlets in your car.
The action itself is comparable to plugging a USB cable into your phone to charge it.
However, while your phone has batteries the size of your fingers, car batteries are massive and weigh up to 550kgs. So, with these massive batteries, you can expect the charging points to be a little bit more complicated than simple wall plugs at your home.
With numerous electric car manufacturers and a nascent electric car charging market, electric car chargers around the world are not universal.
So for those of you wondering do electric cars all have the same plug?, the answer is; No, electric cars dont all have the same plug.
There are 3 main types of charging stations that electric car owners and enthusiasts should be aware of. The electric car charging market is currently slightly complicated with the different types of charging and competing standards in the use of plugs and pricing structures.
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Tesla’s Superchargers And Destination Chargers
Tesla operates its own charging network. Its DC fast chargers, called Superchargers, are available only to Tesla owners. The company has also installed “destination chargers” at hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers. The cost to use this infrastructure depends on your vehicle and when you bought it. Some Model S and X owners can use Superchargers for free, while others, including Model 3 owners, have to pay. Tesla says the cost to charge up is approximately $0.28 per kilowatt-hour, or $23 for 300 miles in a Model S. Through a referral program, Tesla also offers owners 1000 miles of free Supercharging if they convince someone else to buy a Tesla.
Pulsar Plus Level 2 Ev Charger
Looking for a more compact design because you dont want a large, unsightly charger hanging from your garage wall? This sleek Level 2 charger from Wallbox fits the bill, offering 240-volt charging in a small package. The Pulsar Plus offers up to 40 amps of power, which means charging your EV up to seven times faster when compared to standard, Level 1 charging cables. It comes with a 25-foot charging cable.
This recommendation is UL listed for electrical safety and NEMA Type 4 rated for water-tightness and dust resistance. It can either plug into a NEMA 14-50 or hardwired.;
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Ev Chargers To Buy For Your Home
As an EV owner, the best way to charge your car is to install a charging system at home. The type of charging port you need will vary depending on your car’s make and model, with the biggest variation being a Tesla versus a non-Tesla.;
Working with an experienced electrician is your best option when installing an at-home charger. The charging port needs to be installed properly to work with your homes electrical wiring, so having a professional install it is the safest choice.
Most home charging stations are Level 2 wall-mounted outlets, which need special installation. Wall chargers come with various cord lengths so be sure to measure from your wall to your car to make sure the cord can reach.;
The most popular home portal choices are below:
Let’s Start With Ac There Are Two Types Of Ac Plugs:
- Type 1 is a single-phase plug and is standard for EVs from America and Asia. It allows you to charge your car at a speed of up to 7.4 kW, depending on the charging power of your car and grid capability.;
- Type 2 plugs are triple-phase plugs because they have three additional wires to let current run through. So naturally, they can charge your car faster. At home, the highest charging power rate is 22 kW, while public charging stations can have a charging power up to 43 kW, again depending on the charging power of your car and grid capability.
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Mustart Level 2 Portable Ev Charger
The MUSTART brand produce a wide variety of portable EV chargers that suitable for all budgets. This new and improved model is rated at 40 amps of power and can charge your car five times faster than a standard level 1 alternative. This EVSE in particular is compatible with all electric cars and is built to the highest of standards with the latest technology integrated into it.
Other features of the MUSTART Portable EVSE;include:
- Compact size with a 25 feet long power cable
- Lightening proof and various safety protection functions
- LCD screen and LED indicators for instant feedback
- Includes all the mounting hardware and accessories
- FCC and TUV certified
- Universal SAE J1772 connector
- Includes a two year warranty
MUSTART offer multiple models that range from 26 to 40 amp power ratings and various NEMA models. Although they come at a premium price for a portable EV charger, its certainly one of the best options that will reliably provide fast charging for years to come.
Blink Hq Home Ev Charger
The Blink HQ is another affordable level 2 EV wall charger thats compatible with any electric vehicle. Its rated at 30 amps of power and the brand claims that it charges up to 4 times faster than standard EV chargers.
Compared to similar priced alternatives, the Blink HQ is more aesthetically pleasing with a sleek front panel and LED indicators for feedback. This is a major requirement for many people that have their charger on display at the front of their home.
Other features of the Blink HQ include:
- Hard wired installation
- Delay functionality for choosing charging times
- 18 foot long power cable
- High quality construction
- All mounting hardware included
- Free credit for the Blink network
Overall, the Blink HQ electric car charger is an excellent option that offers great value for money and is one of the best looking on the market. The stylish design and ease of use make it a popular choice and it wont disappoint.
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Public Ev Charging Stations: The Basics
Every electric car model can be charged at a universal charging station. Teslas, however, require a J1772 adapter – unless theyre being charged at a Tesla Supercharging or Destination Charging station, which are made specifically for them.
Check out our in-depth blog on all things Tesla: Tesla Charging Stations: What to Know on the Go
There are two types of public charging stations that charge your car at different levels of speed, aptly named Level 2 and Level 3 chargers.;
The most common and practical option is the Level 2 charger. They can charge your car in a few hours, so they make sense if you are stopping for dinner on a road trip or doing some shopping. Level 3 charging stations are the fastest, providing enough charge in a short period of time, but they are also the most expensive.;
In order to pay, simply download the station’s app and add your credit card information. Prices vary depending on the cost per kWh in the local area and if the app or town you charge your car in has extra fees.;
The most cost-effective way to charge your EV is actually using solar panels to power a home charger; this will cost the least over the lifetime of your car. But having access to public charging stations is important, too.;
See what local solar installers are charging in your area
Resources For Finding A Charger
So you know what level youre planning to charge at, and youve identified your proper connector. Now youre out all day running errands, and you need to find a spot to recharge. Where to begin?
Luckily there is a vast library of public charging maps for you to utilize, usually in app form. If youre not driving this very second, the touchscreen in your EV can probably help direct you too.
If not, here are some other resources to check out:
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Level 3 Dc Rapid/fast/superchargers
The name may vary, but the process is the same. For the sake of explanation, lets refer to them as DC fast chargers . These Level 3 chargers abandon the alternating current methods above to mainline power directly from the grid. While they require a lot more power , their output is truly super.
DC fast chargers can offer 50-350 kW of power; some in Europe are even reaching 400 kW. Depending on the power available, a Level 3 charger can fully replenish your EV in twenty to thirty minutes. This type of charging is ideal for roadside stops, or retail where you may not be parked for too long or need to get back on the road.
Hyundais upcoming Ioniq 5 charged from 22% to 80% in just 16 minutes, so these fast charge numbers grow quicker by the day. Its important to note that not all EVs are currently equipped for DC fast charging, although most all new EVs hitting roads do.
If that is the case for you, there are plenty of public charging stations that offer Level 2 power.
Ev Charger Buying Guide
Charging your electric car at home is essential and upgrading to the best EV charger is highly recommended. The latest charging stations are much more easier to use and have seen a vast amount of improvements over the last couple of years. Compared with the standard electric car charger provided when you purchase the vehicle, a level 2 charger is by far the better option.
To help you make an informed buying decision, we have produced the below guide regarding EV chargers.
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