1.Home EV Charging Types

The two most common types of chargers used in residential settings are Level 1 and Level 2.

• Level 1

Almost all Electric Vehicles universally come with a free compatible L1 charge cable. Level 1 Home Electric Vehicle Charger Management Systems are a good choice for Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles as they have small battery packs. These chargers have a range in output from 1kW to 7.5 kW and use alternating current to power. AC converts to DC supply, which is then sent to the battery pack. These are less expensive to install and can be plugged into any standard grounded 120-V outlet. Level 1 residential EV charger uses the regular 3-prong household outlet. Level 1 is comparatively slower than other charging types. It usually takes about 20 hours for a 120-mile charge. Home charging your EV with Level 1 takes approximately 10-12 hours to charge from zero fully. Although EV owners may notice that the vehicle depletes less battery than it charges overnight using an essential 120V connection. Level 1 charging usually costs less, depending on the EV’s efficiency rating and electricity tariff.

• Level 2

Compared to Level 1, using a Level 2 charger allows EV owners to charge much faster. These are AC fast chargers that operate at a 180V and 240V range of voltage. It takes approximately 4-5 hours to fully charge from empty to full. EVs are charged faster at the rate of 8-24 mph and provide 10 and 60 miles of range per hour of charging. In India, Level 2 charging infrastructure ranges from Rs 40,000 – Rs 90,000. The price differs depending on the number of ports provided. Level 2 chargers are a popular choice in high-rise apartments and are better for shared usage than Level 1 EV chargers. This also helps in reducing installation and maintenance costs. Charging stations at apartments (Level 2) chargers cost $500 to $2,000, depending on the brand, power rating, and installation requirements.

2. Choosing Charging Equipment

While installing an electric charger management system It’s important to find the charger that is well compatible with your EV. Based on the capacity of the vehicle’s onboard charger, different electric vehicle models charge at different speeds. EV owners need to find electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) that delivers the appropriate amount of power vehicles can accept. To ensure safety get the types of equipment used certified by an established testing organization/laboratory before setting up the charging device.

When choosing EV chargers one should consider their features. Some of the things to know are –

• Amperage

EV owners should never install charging equipment with a higher amperage than required by the vehicle.

• Cord Length

The maximum length of the EVSE cord is 25 feet. As per the safety measures when charging your vehicle it is not advised to use extension cords

• Portability

For EV owners opting for long routes with no charging facility, a portable EVSE is a great fit. These are easy to port and carried in the trunk of the car. One can opt for a Level 1 portable charger. For those looking for a faster 3-time fast portable charger model, a Level 1 EVSE is available. Although they are slower as compared to Level 2 EVSE.

• Basic EVSE vs Smart EVSE

Before installing an effective setup it is important to understand the upgrades available in Smart EVSE as compared to basic ones. Unlike the basic ones, Smart EVSE has features such as Connectivity and Scheduling using WIFI. This allows EV owners to remotely monitor energy consumption, charging rate, and other data using internet-enabled devices. Using this you can also schedule EV charging from your smartphone. Smart EVSE can also communicate with the vehicle while it is charging as just basic EVSE does.

3. Location for your EV Charger

It is important to consider the location of your EV charging point from a security and safety point of view. This covers some minor requirements like a well-lit room to prevent mishaps and bumping into the appliances installed.

Whereas other technical details can be considered like –

• Outside vs Inside

Setting up an outside EV charging infrastructure requires an extra layer of protection to be added. This is to prevent damage caused by animals or extreme weather conditions like floods etc. Although EV chargers are insulated and waterproof, it is advised to prevent them from water or snowplowing. An Inside Electric Vehicle Charger Management System could help you avoid these issues. EV Owners can install charging infrastructure in their garage. This will help avoid the extra installation cost required to protect the system. Thus making inside charging infrastructure a cheaper and more effective option altogether.

• Floor Mounted vs Wall-Mounted

Floor Mounted Chargers are an excellent choice if you plan to have one at the time of construction. This will help in planning to have EVSE close to an electrical panel in the building. Also known as pedestal chargers the wiring to EVSE is a little expensive to set up afterward. For those who lack physical space to set up a residential EV Charging, Wall-mounted chargers are a popular choice. These types of infrastructure acquire less space and are comparatively cheaper to install than floor-mounted chargers.

• Number of Ports

Having multiple ports is an effective choice for collective apartment parking spaces. Level 2 EVSEs are a one-stop solution for charging several EVs at the same time with different mounting configurations. This multiple charging service requires each connector to be able to reach the designated parking zone.

4. Safety, Services, and Price

• Safety and Services

recommendations while installing An Electric Vehicle Charger Management System. This ensures you have the correct cord set installed. To maintain utmost safety EV manufactures advise charging your electric vehicle only with the equipment provided. Testing charging equipment is another important safety step.
Cord management is an essential part of this safety structure. Sometimes in case of additional extension cord, it is possible for vehicle cord users to shut down to prevent overheating. This will stop your EV from charging thus avoiding any possible damage to the vehicle. Unapproved equipment or wiring methods may result in voltage drop issues. There can be risk of fire and shock hazards too. In such a scenario warranty from the vehicle manufacturer is considered null and void. EV charging stations should be maintained as suggested by the maintenance schedule. With multiple users precautions should be taken by establishing specific time limits to avoid improper use. EV owners are directed to read the given manufacturer specification and maintenance

• Price

Basic chargers cost between $300-$500 but Smart chargers generally value around $600-$800. Setting up an effective Electric Vehicle Charger Management System helps reducing the cost.