Congrats on joining the electric vehicle (EV) revolution! Switching from gas-powered cars means a whole new set of terms to learn: kilowatts, range, charging times, and kilowatt-hours. But don’t worry, this guide will answer all your burning questions about charging your EV at public stations.
Charging Your EV: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Park & Power Down: Just like filling up a gas tank, park your EV, turn it off, and open the charging port.
- Check the Station: Before plugging in, make sure the station is functioning properly.
- Connect Your Car: Use the tethered cable (attached to the station) or your own compatible cable to connect your car to the station.
- Start Charging: Most stations begin automatically, but some might require an app, RFID card, or a tap on the screen.
- Unplug & Go: Once your battery reaches 80% (charging the last 20% is slower and less efficient at public stations), unplug, close the port, and get going!
Understanding Charging Speed: Amps and Levels
The amperage (amps) of a charging station determines how quickly electricity flows into your EV. Stations display their power ratings on apps or directly on the unit.
- Charging Levels: There are three main levels:
- Level 1 (120-volt): slowest charging, often used at home
- Level 2 (240-volt): most common public chargers, faster than Level 1
- Level 3 (480-volt): fastest charging, often called DC fast charging
- Amp Levels in Malaysia: Most public stations offer free charging at low wattages (3.7 kWh to 11 kWh) to conserve energy. Charging time depends on your battery size.
Battery Matters: How Battery Size Affects Charging Time
Bigger batteries (measured in kilowatt-hours, kWh) take longer to charge than smaller ones. Knowing your battery’s kW rating helps estimate charging time. Here’s a basic formula:
Charging Time = (Battery kWh) / (Charger kW) + 10% (for charging losses)
Example: A Tesla Model 3 with an 82 kWh battery using a 12 kW charger would take:
Charging Time = 82 kWh / 12 kW + 10% = 7.48 hours (approx. 7.5 to 8 hours)
Cable Confusion? Not in Malaysia!
Here are the three common cables you’ll encounter:
- Type 1: common for Japanese and Asian EVs (e.g., Nissan Leaf)
- Type 2: most common AC charging plug in Malaysia (used for high-capacity EVs)
- CCS2: supports both AC and DC charging, another common connector in Malaysia
AC vs. DC Charging: What’s the Difference?
- AC Charging: Your car’s onboard charger converts AC (Alternating Current) from the station to DC (Direct Current) for the battery. This is slower charging.
- DC Charging: The charger itself converts AC to DC, delivering power directly to the battery. This is faster and more efficient.
Finding Charging Stations: Apps to the Rescue!
Finding charging stations is easier than ever with apps like PlugShare.com. This platform uses crowdsourced data to locate nearby charging points.
Skip the Station Hunt: Charge at Home with ChargeSingh!
Why spend time searching for stations? ChargeSingh offers award-winning home EV charging stations, allowing you to charge conveniently at home. Contact us today to learn more!