EV Chargers

How Do EV Chargers Work?

EV chargers deliver electricity to an electric vehicle’s (EV) battery to power it. They work by transferring electricity from a power source and, depending on the charger type, converting alternating current (AC) into direct current (DC), which the vehicle’s battery can store.

 There are 3 levels to EV chargers. A level one charger plugs directly into a 240v socket outlet with very slow charging times, taking 20-30 hours for a full charge. A level two charger is a high output unit that can supply enough power to charge an EV in 8-10 hours for single phase homes, and 3-5 hours for three phase premises. A level three charger will top up an EV in 20-60mins, usually only available at charging stations. At Brightworks Solar, our focus is the level two charger for homes and businesses.

What Should I Consider When Choosing an EV Charger?

When choosing a level two EV charger, an important first step is deciding on the brand. If you already have a solar system, it’s generally a good idea to choose a charger from the same brand as your solar inverter, if available. This ensures seamless integration, allowing you to manage your EV charger and solar system within the same app. Such integration often unlocks smart features, like solar-optimized charging, which only powers your EV when there’s excess solar energy. However, if your inverter brand doesn’t offer a charger, there are other brands with similar solar-friendly capabilities.

The next consideration is whether you need a smart charger. Smart chargers offer advanced features like scheduling charging times, load balancing to prevent drawing more total power from the grid then your home can handle, or integrating with your solar system for maximum efficiency. On the other hand, if budget is a priority, there are simpler chargers available that reliably charge your EV without the additional smart features. Choosing the right charger comes down to balancing your needs for functionality, convenience, and cost.

Sigenergy

Sigen EVAC

EV Charger

Tesla

Gen 3 Wall Connector

EV Charger

MyEnergi

Zappi

EV Charger

Fronius

Wattpilot

EV Charger

Goodwe

Goodwe HCA Series

EV Charger

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