If you live in a place that gets snowy in the winter, wet in the summer, or just plain hot, you may be concerned about charging your electric car outside. If so, you are not alone. Fortunately for residents and business owners alike, installing an outdoor charging station does not have to be a death sentence for your battery. A well-designed charger is built to work in all weather conditions, even direct exposure to the elements.
If you choose to install your charger outdoors, there are many benefits beyond saving money on installation costs and having quicker access to your car. An outdoor charging station can be installed on the more public side of your house, easing traffic flow and giving you access when needed.
The first thing to know about outdoor charging stations is that they have three levels, each with distinct characteristics. Here''s a brief description of each level.
Level 1 outdoor chargers are plentiful and inexpensive. If you want to charge your electric car outdoor, look for a standard 110-120 volt outlet, and you can use the same plug for your electric car as you would for your microwave or other household appliances. You can usually find a level one charger at many gas stations or, if that is not handy, at most major supermarkets or convenience stores.
Level one outdoor charging stations have no control over the power delivered to the car''s battery pack. During cold winter months, this can be a problem when the resistance of electric vehicle wiring, connectors, and the electric car''s battery pack all increase.
You can also use a level two charger (an EVSE—Electric Vehicle Service Equipment) to charge your car outdoor. Level two outdoor chargers are simply a wall outlet and cord on steroids—they can deliver more amps and more volts than the regular AC outlet in your wall. Most EVSEs will have various connector options to accommodate different electric vehicle makes and models.
Besides delivering more than the standard wall outlet, EVSEs also have some control over the power going into your vehicle. This is a significant benefit since it may eliminate the dreaded "cold start" issue.
DC Fast Chargers are located at grocery stores, airports, and other public places. It''s important to note that each DC Fast Charger is designed for a specific make and model of the electric car, so when you pull up to a DC Fast Charger station the first time you use it, your EV will need to "ping" the charging station.
If you only drive short distances to work and back, a Level 1 would be best. Just be aware that some car manufacturers suggest that all new EV owners consider installing indoor level 2/Level 3 chargers outdoor to extend their range before they can begin using fast-charging stations.
Several factors determine whether or not level one or level two charging will work best for you. If you have a brand new model electric vehicle, the chances are that you opted for a level two charger. However, if you don''t have a level two EV and don''t plan on upgrading soon, it is worth noting that the level one charging stations can still provide an adequate charge for your vehicle.
The main difference between level one and level two is that if your car is parked outside at home and needs charging quickly, higher output from the wall outlet makes it easier to reach a full charge more quickly.
If you''re considering installing an outdoor charging station near your home, we understand you''re nervous that potential damage will befall your vehicle. If you''ve never gotten your car charged outside before, the odds favor you by becoming a bit hesitant about using one. However, everything will be fine and safe for you and your vehicle.
Outdoor electric vehicle (EV) charging is a no-brainer convenience, but there''s a caveat. Electric current is dangerous, and you should avoid contact with any exposed wires or connectors. With that in mind, below are some safety tips to remember when charging your car outside your home.
Don''t park your EV on top of or near large metal objects that can conduct electricity, like garbage cans or metal fences. Large metallic objects may act as a conduit for grounded electric current should you contact the rig.
High-performance outdoor chargers provide a safe place for your electric vehicle to charge. However, the inlet pipes of the charging station may still be exposed and could be subject to damage from physical impacts, water intrusion, or electrical surges.
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