EV charging represents a pivotal aspect of the future of transportation and at IPD, we are committed to assisting you in charging ahead. Our electric vehicle integrated infrastructure solutions cater to brownfield and greenfield projects, such as residential buildings, commercial offices and shopping centres, offering innovative and compliant charging. From the power grid to EVs, our comprehensive range of infrastructure solutions encompasses power distribution, metering, load management, and more, aimed at ensuring seamless operations.
By the end of 2022, there were 2.7 million EV charging points around the world; a 55% increase from the previous year. However, as EV charging usage rates continue to increase, several considerations should be considered for optimal usage of the infrastructure.
1. A Standard Trickle Charger That Accompanies the Vehicle May Not Suffice.
Some early adopters of electric cars have successfully employed the factory-issued trickle charger for extended periods of time. These EV charging consumers highlight that despite its gradual pace, the trickle charger will eventually replenish the vehicle’s battery.
As an example, there are specific scenarios in which the use of a trickle charger can be effective and suitable.
- Electric motorbike owners.
- Plug-in hybrid (PHEV) owners with smaller batteries.
- Owners of compact electric vehicles
- EV enthusiasts with abundant time and patience
Nevertheless, a charger capable of expeditiously rejuvenating a long-range electric vehicle overnight may be preferred to ensure a full battery every morning. IPD’s Terra AC Wallbox electric vehicle charger from ABB only take approximately six hours to reach full battery. Moreover, for those who harness solar energy, the surplus solar output can be leveraged to channel into the vehicle battery.
2. Overspending on an Advanced ‘Smart’ Charger.
There is a plethora of EV charging models available, ranging from basic to exceptionally intelligent. For instance, ‘smart solar charging’ may seem enticing due to its ability to only charge from surplus solar energy. Furthermore, after several hours of solar energy usage for household requirements, the surplus of energy will most likely be limited and therefore, the need for a solar smart charging system is not as beneficial.
Therefore, it is prudent to carefully consider the practicality of a standard EV charger or, alternatively an Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) compatible charger. OCPP-compliant products offer the flexibility to integrate ‘smart’ features and enhancements in the future.
3. Procuring A Car-Branded Charger.
Choosing an electric vehicle (EV) charger from the car manufacturer’s own line may seem like the safest and most conventional choice. However, it is crucial to acknowledge that selecting a third-party charger frequently yields superior performance for several reasons.
Manufacturer-branded chargers typically carry a premium price tag due to the association with the brand’s established reputation and quality. In contrast, third-party chargers often provide similar quality and features but at a considerably more budget-friendly price point.
Third-party chargers are designed with compatibility in mind. They often work seamlessly with a wider range of electric vehicles makes and models, providing EV owners with flexibility and adaptability that does not limit vehicle owners to one car brand. This is especially prevalent in homes or workplaces with multiple electric vehicles.
With electric vehicles rapidly evolving, the demands for EV chargers may change over time. Unlike a car-branded charger, IPD offers products that are cost-effective, more readily available, and adaptable to several car brands and emerging technologies.
4. Neglecting to Verify Charger Cable Length Before Purchase.
Before purchasing an EV charger, it is crucial to verify the length of cable needed to fit the requirements of each home, workplace, or other charging destination to ensure ease when using the product.
Alternatively, IPD offers a variety of ‘untethered’ charging cables that activate tools such as wireless internet, Bluetooth, and 4G to charge instead of a physical plug. This is compatible with the Terra AC charger. Furthermore, this ensures a more seamless, less space-focused charging focus.
5. Acquiring a Charger Ill-Suited for Australian Climate Conditions.
A substantial number of electric vehicle chargers originate from European manufacturers, and they may not be explicitly tailored to endure the distinct climatic demands of the Australian environment. An EV charger owner shared images of their UK-manufactured charger that displayed signs of discolouration and device failure due to sun exposure.
As the electric vehicle charger market continues to evolve, it remains challenging to discern which chargers are best equipped to withstand the diverse and often harsh Australian climate conditions. To mitigate this risk, purchasing from a manufacturer that meets Australian standards is important, as well as seeking input from those who have encountered similar climate-related challenges.
6. Depleting Home Battery to Recharge Electric Vehicle
If an electric vehicle owner also has a home battery, the two batteries must be able to coexist.
The energy transfer process between solar panels, the home battery, and the electric vehicle results in efficiency losses at each step. This means a portion of the energy that could be put to better use is lost.
The energy stored in the home battery typically carries more value when reserved for other purposes, such as avoiding peak tariff periods or contributing to a Virtual Power Plant (VPP) program. Charging the electric vehicle with the home battery might not be the most cost-effective use of the resource.
Furthermore, overusing the home battery to charge the EV can lead to more frequent discharging cycles, which, in turn, can accelerate the degradation of the home battery. Home batteries have a limited number of charge-discharge cycles before their performance declines, and frequent discharging for EV charging purposes can shorten their lifespan.
Charging an electric vehicle with a home battery should be approached with caution and balance to maintain the efficiency and longevity of the energy storage system.
7. Employing a Single-Phase Charger on a 3-Phase Power Supply
In residential setups equipped with a 3-phase power supply, it is feasible to use a standard single-phase EV charger without encountering any immediate operational issues however speed and versatility and a future-proof set up stem from a three-phase power supply.
Three-phase chargers are designed to deliver faster charging rates, making them highly advantageous for those who seek a swift and efficient charging experience. They provide accelerated charging, when necessary, but can also be throttled down to slower rates if desired. This versatility ensures EV charger owners can tailor the charging speed to meet specific needs.
Installing an electric vehicle charger typically entails the expenditure of time, resources, and effort. To maximise the long-term value of this investment, it is prudent to consider the capacity of the three-phase power supply. By opting for a three-phase charger, the infrastructure becomes future-proof. If the electric vehicle requirements evolve, or the EV model switches that takes advantage of faster charging, the three-phase charger will be ready to accommodate to that. Conversely, a single-phase charger may necessitate an upgrade or replacement.
Ultimately, an educated and judicious approach to electric vehicle charging is not only advantageous on a singular ownership level but also lends support to the broader sustainability objectives and the flourishing trajectory of electric mobility.
For any further questions or information regarding electric vehicle chargers, please contact IPD.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 1300 556 601 |