The charging process for electric vehicles (EVs) differs from that of conventional cars. Unlike regular cars, which are charged by connecting to a standard household socket, EVs charge using an electric charging station.

These stations allow EVs to be plugged into them and charged in the same way as a mobile phone is charged via a mobile charging station.
With most manufacturers now offering at least one type of model with a charging capacity, and prices falling more regularly, EV ownership is becoming more accessible than ever before.

However, it’s not always easy to know what kind of charging your car requires, which can lead to some confusion among potential new owners.

This article explains the different charging types available today, how they work and whether they are right for you.

What is Pass Through Charging?

Pass through charging is an electric vehicle charging method which allows the car to draw power from the grid while it’s plugged into a charge point.

This means that in addition to plugging in their car, users also have to plug their car into the power outlet at home or work. Pass-through charging is becoming popular because of its efficiency and convenience.

There are two types of pass-through chargers:
1) Standard A – Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) with a 240 volt circuit and 10 amp fuse, and
2) Standard B – Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) with a 120 volt circuit and 4 amp fuse.

Level 2 charging

Level 2 charging is the most common type of charging available today, and it’s also the most inefficient. This means that, although Level 2 is more convenient than a Level 1 connection, it’s slower than other options. It takes about 10 hours to charge an EV using a Level 2 charger if the vehicle has a range of 100 miles or less. Charging an EV with a range over 100 miles will take around 6 hours.
This limitation makes it hard to use Level 2 as your main charging option unless you have access to many public chargers nearby.
However, there are some benefits associated with Level 2 charging. First, this process avoids overcharging the batteries in EVs and damaging them in the process. Second, because electric cars are so efficient, they don’t produce harmful emissions like those from petrol-powered vehicles do. The charger itself also produces little heat and noise so you can charge your car without disturbing anyone else.

Level 3 charging

Level 3 charging is the highest level of charging. This means the car can travel at a range of around 300km on a single charge, which is equivalent to a trip from London to Manchester.

The majority of EVs in use today come with a Level 3 connection within the vehicle, but there are also plug-in hybrids that have the capability to charge at this level.
Typically, cars with Level 3 charging will always be able to access power and will therefore always be able to charge at this capacity. However, as most EVs take roughly 2 hours to fully recharge using Level 3 stations, it can be inconvenient for those who don’t drive far or frequently.

Fast charging and slow charging

In order to charge your EV, it must be plugged into a charger that supports the type of charging that your car does. Fast chargers are designed for vehicles with a high power level and are typically located on the highway. Slow chargers are cheaper to install and can charge at lower levels than fast chargers, but may need to be installed in certain areas of your home or office.
Charging stations have different power outputs and charging time. In addition, there are also different levels of chargers available with varying costs and installation difficulties.
Different vehicles require different types of charging; this is why it’s important to make sure you know which kind you’re looking for before purchasing an EV.

What is DC Fast Charging?

DC Fast Charging (or DCFC) is one of the most popular charging methods on the market, and it’s also the fastest. It uses a DC high-current charger to charge batteries directly.

This takes just twenty minutes to fully charge a battery. Other advantages of DCFC include being able to use it anywhere because the electricity standard is compatible with all AC and DC power sources, as well as fast battery recharge rates.
The downside of DCFC is that it can damage some electrical equipment, like your car’s computer system or charger.

Additionally, battery life can be reduced significantly by using this charging method. Another downside is that this charging method only works while you are parked in place, so you need to be ready before you plug in at a station or have an EV-specific mobile charger handy when you need to top up on the go.

What is Combined Charging System (CCS)?

Combined Charging System (CCS) is a type of charging station that allows multiple cars to charge at the same time. This is beneficial because it means you can charge your car in half the time it would usually take, and it also saves electricity.
It’s worth noting that CCS stations are typically found in public locations, such as malls and shopping centers. If you have an electric vehicle, this could work out well for you because these stations provide convenient parking spots too.

What is home charging?

Home charging is the process of plugging your car into a socket at home. This is an extremely simple process to do, and most EVs come with a standard socket already installed. Once plugged into the socket, you will be able to charge your car anywhere because it’s plugged into electricity which is everywhere.

Conclusion

In recent years, fast charging stations have been installed in many locations. These fast charging stations are able to charge your car quickly.
However, it’s not always convenient to use these fast charging stations.
Pass through charging allows you to charge your car with your home charger, so you’ll be able to quickly charge at a home charger. It’s very convenient to use.