What are the options for charging an electric vehicle?

When it comes to choosing an electric vehicle, the issue of charging is high on the list of queries most buyers have. The options split between; at home, on the way and at the destination. Here’s a brief guide to help you understand the options and differences.

Home charging

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This is where most charging takes place. Drivers can avail of cheap night rate electricity to charge their vehicle, making it the most cost effective solution. Maximum charging speed is typically 7kw AC. If the car’s battery is empty, it would require an overnight charge to completely charge up again.

Home charging is the most convenient and cheapest option available in Ireland today.

Fast or rapid DC charging – On the go

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Completing long journeys in an EV is no longer an issue, thanks to rapid DC charging.

These chargers are usually anything from 50kw to 350kw.

These types of chargers are now available along most motorways to allow drivers to charge up to 80%, in as little as 30 minutes.

In most cases you’ll have got as much charge as you need in the time it takes to drink a cup of coffee.

Destination charging

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Many hotels, shopping centres and car parks have EV charging units. So you can plug in and charge while you shop or visit. Many responsible employers are seeing the benefits of providing charge points for employees and visitors to help meet sustainability targets and to encourage the use of EVs.

Destination chargers are usually 7 to 22 kw AC power units. A twenty two kilowatt charger will charge most EVs from empty to full in 2 to 4 hours.

Drivers may have to pay for destination charging at some locations but this is commonly provided free of charge.

Other factors to consider

With EV charging infrastructure constantly expanding, it has never been easier to switch to driving electric for private or fleet use.

When it comes to fleet charging several factors come into consideration to come up with the most suitable solution such as:

• Available grid capacity
• Downtime of vehicles for charging schedules
• Will vehicles need to charge at the driver’s home and costs be recharged to employer?
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Want to find out more?

Visit the EV Charger page and get full information on available commercial and home chargers or send us an email.

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