Charging Basics
Learn the fundamentals of EV charging, including types of chargers, installation tips, and how to maximize your electric vehicle’s range for a seamless driving experience.
Charging Stations
With the increased demand of EVs, charging is a crucial component to consider. As seen above, one station can have multiple ports and connectors. Charging stations are being installed in key locations throughout the country for public charging and workplace charging as a supplement to residential charging. Most EV owners do the majority of their charging at home.
Oklahoma Charging Infrastructure
According to the Alternative Fuels Data Center, Oklahoma has 341 public charging stations and 1,304 ports throughout the State.
Charging Levels + Speeds
While charging an EV there are a few factors to consider such as the charging speed, the battery’s state of charge, the battery’s capacity, temperature, and the level of charging equipment. There are currently three different speeds of chargers, level 1, level 2, and direct-current fast charging (DC fast charging).
Level 1
This common charger can be plugged into the average (120-Volt) AC outlet inside your home. 40-50+ hours to charge a BEV from empty to 80% and 5-6 hours for a PHEV.
Level 2
Level 2 chargers provide faster charging time however require a (240-Volt) AC outlet for residential and a (208-Volt) for commercial use. For residential houses, the majority will require an installation of a (240-Volt) AC outlet. Level 2 chargers can charge a BEV from empty to 80% in 4-10 hours and a PHEV in 1-2 hours. These chargers can additionally be found in public locations such as grocery stores and malls.
Level 3
Direct Current Fast Charging (DC Fast Charging)
DC fast charging provides rapid charging with (480-volt). A DC charger can charge a BEV from empty to 80% in just 20 minutes to 1 hour. The majority of PHEVs on the market are not compatible with DC chargers. Although it is more convenient, it is advised to not use DC chargers too often as it will degrade the battery health and lifespan. DC chargers are often utilized during long road trips.
Understanding the Battery
How It Works
An electric vehicle battery, also known as a lithium-ion battery, is like a big pack of small cells filled with special liquids. Each cell has three main parts:
Negative Electrode (Anode)
This is the part that receives electrons (like a sponge absorbs water).
Positive Electrode (Cathode)
This is the part that releases electrons (like a sponge releases water).
Positive Electrode (Cathode)
This is a special liquid that helps the electrons move between the two electrodes.
When you plug in the car to charge it, electricity from the power source (like a wall charger or a charging station) flows into the battery. This electricity makes the negative electrode (anode) absorb electrons, which makes it negative.
At the same time, the positive electrode (cathode) releases electrons, which makes it positive. The electrolyte helps these electrons move from one electrode to the other, creating an electric current.
Winter EV Preparations
Winter weather can be a challenge for EV batteries but knowing why and how to prepare is key to keeping your vehicle running and operating smoothly.
How Cold Temperatures Affect the Battery
When outside temperatures hit 32 degrees Fahrenheit or freezing, the chemical reaction that generates electricity rapidly slows down, reducing the battery’s output. When temperatures plunge, the battery has to be warm enough to allow the electrons to move and charge the battery. In particular direct-current charging (DC) stations require the battery to be at higher temperature before charging can begin.
Solutions + Preparations
One of the leading issues as to why it takes longer to charge in the winter is due to cold batteries. The driver will go to their nearest charger and plug it in, however it takes anywhere from 30-45+ minutes to just warm the battery (weather dependent) before it can begin charging. Regular charge speeds will resume once the battery has warmed up.
“Most EVs are programmed to warm the battery if the driver tells the vehicle’s navigation system that a trip to the charging station is coming.”
Get Ready for the Cold
Find a charging station 25-30 miles away, the battery will start to warm up during the drive there
Preheating your vehicle while it’s still plugged in can save EV battery capacity because the energy for heating comes from the grid, not the battery (residential chargers)
Use seat warmers, a heated steering wheel and turn down the cabin heater. These features use less energy and provide targeted heat, saving battery life
Tesla Manual says thaw the ice on the latch by enabling the “Defrost Car” setting on the mobile app
Plan and expect that charging in freezing temperatures will require additional time, anywhere from 45 min-1 hour
Summer EV Preparations
The battery and range capacity for EVs can decrease due to higher temperatures, however the loss of range in summer is much lower than one may experience in the winter. However, understanding why and preparation is key to running your vehicle smoothly.
How Hot Temperatures Affect the Battery
When the ambient temperature increases, the battery’s internal temperature also rises, causing the chemical reactions that generate electricity to slow down.
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- At 75F (24C): 0% range loss
- At 80F (27C): 2.8% range loss
- At 85F (29C): 3.5% range loss
- At 90F (32C): 5% range loss
- At 95F (35C): 15% range loss
- At 100F (38C): 31% range loss
While electric vehicles (EVs) may experience a minor range decrease as temperatures rise, the impact is relatively insignificant compared to range loss experienced in winter conditions.
Get Ready for the Heat
Charge your EV during cooler parts of the day, like early morning or late evening, to avoid stressing the battery.
Plan your routes ahead. Consider your driving routes and times and avoid peak heat hours to improve efficiency and comfort.
Check tire pressure regularly, as heat can cause it to increase.
Make sure your vehicle’s software is up to date. Manufacturers often release updates that can improve battery management & efficiency.
Whenever possible, park in shaded areas or use sunshades to reduce interior temperatures, which can help protect the battery from excessive heat.
The Future of EV Batteries
As the world shifts towards sustainable energy solutions, the EV battery industry has emerged as a pivotal force driving this transformation. The growing demand of electric vehicles and concerns such as range anxiety and battery efficiency have propelled automotive engineers across the world to focus their efforts on extensive battery technological advances. Currently, lithium-ion batteries dominate the EV market, however new technologies are emerging that express a promising future for electric vehicles and their efficiencies.
A prime example of EV technology advancement is Tesla’s new heat pump system.
Tesla made the new heat pump system a standard in all models from 2021 and after. The heat pump system significantly enhances energy efficiency. The main advantage of a heat pump lies in its effective use of power; employing an AC compressor that draws between 1,000 to 3,000 watts, compared to the traditional PTC heaters, which can consume up to 7,500 watts. This translates to substantial energy savings for Tesla owners. The innovative design of the Tesla heat pump features 30 modes of operation and is seamlessly integrated into the vehicle by utilizing existing parts within the vehicle, rather than being a standalone component. This new system eliminates the need for additional components. This integration not only simplifies the build process, making it more cost-effective to manufacture, but also enhances reliability, as there are fewer parts that could potentially degrade over time.
Consumers have reported seeing their battery charge last longer with the heating pump, meaning the battery can operate at a more efficient rate.
“After three hours of heating the cabin, both vehicles showed a drop in the state of charge, of course. However, the differences in the drop were night and day. The heat pump-equipped 2021 Model 3 had dropped only 3% in the three-hour span, while the sedan’s pre-heat pump variant had lost 10% of its battery.”
Sourced: Professor John D. Kelly at Weber State University – Automotive Technology Department-Advanced Vehicles Lab. (May 2023)
Tesla’s Innovative And Efficient Heat Pump Explained In New Video (insideevs.com)
https://www.teslarati.com/tesla-model-3-heat-pump-test-video/
Wray, A.; Ebrahimi, K. Octovalve Thermal Management Control for Electric Vehicle. Energies 2022, 15, 6118.