Not long ago, electric cars were something out of science fiction movies or a very distant future. Then, electric cars were associated with premium class and high prices. Today, however, affordable EVs of all sizes can be seen on the roads more and more frequently. And of course, this has incredibly important significance for the preservation of the Planet. While refueling regular cars is straightforward, EV charging electric vehicles is a bit more complicated and worth understanding.

What are the three types of EV charging?

TRICKLE CHARGE is the slowest and least efficient way to charge your electric vehicle. It involves using standard 220 V sockets found in ordinary residential buildings. It takes 8 to 20 hours for a full EV charge. Additionally, it is not recommended to use this method regularly, as it can be dangerous for your electric vehicle's battery and can reduce its lifespan over time.

AC CHARGE is a more efficient way to charge your electric vehicle. By installing a charging station in a Wall box at home, you can charge your EV 3–4 times faster than using a standard socket. Public alternating current (AC) charging stations are also available and can be found using an electric vehicle charging station map. AC charging stations are usually recommended for regular daily use.

DC CHARGE is the fastest way to charge. Public direct current (DC) fast charging stations are available, providing power from 50 kW and higher. With DC fast charging stations, you can charge your electric vehicle's battery from 20% to 80% in approximately 40 minutes, making it a convenient option for long trips or when you need to quickly charge your car. There are also ultra-fast charging stations that provide power of over 150 kW. It is important to note that while using a DC fast charging station, you need to be cautious and monitor the battery temperature. Fast charging can generate a lot of heat, which can be harmful to your EV's battery if it exceeds a certain temperature.

The level of charging for electric vehicles (EV) refers to different levels of available charging for electric cars. These levels are defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) and provide standardized methods for charging electric vehicles. The three main levels of EV charging are Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3, with each level providing different charging speeds and power levels.

Level 1 EV charging is the slowest charging method, supplying power from a standard alternating current (AC) socket at 120 volts (or 220 volts outside North America). This charging method typically provides a range of 2 to 5 miles per hour, meaning a full charge for a depleted battery can take up to 24 hours. Level 1 charging is usually used for emergency charging or as a backup option for EV owners.

Level 2 EV charging is a faster charging method that uses a 240-volt AC socket. This charging method typically provides 10–20 miles per hour of charging, meaning a full charge for a depleted battery can take 4–8 hours. Level 2 charging is commonly used at home or at public charging stations.

Level 3 charging, also known as fast charging or DC fast charging, is the fastest charging method available for electric vehicles. It utilizes a 480V DC power source and can provide up to 80% charge in as little as 30 minutes, depending on the capacity of the electric vehicle's battery. Level 3 charging is typically available at public charging stations and is used for long trips or when a quick charge is needed for the electric vehicle. It is crucial to note that not all electric vehicles are compatible with Level 3 charging, as it requires a specialized charging port and a battery capable of handling high voltage and power. Additionally, Level 3 charging is typically more expensive than Level 1 or Level 2 charging, so it is important to consider the cost and convenience of charging before choosing the charging method.

What is a Level 4 charging station? What is the highest level of EV charger?

A Level 4 EV charging station refers to a charging station for electric vehicles (EVs) that operates even faster than a Level 3 DC fast charger. These charging stations are sometimes called "ultra-fast chargers" and can provide an output power of 150 kW or higher. While the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) still considers these charging stations as Level 3 chargers, some manufacturers or charging station operators may label them as Level 4 to distinguish them from standard Level 3 chargers.

Ultra-fast chargers are still relatively rare and are mainly used by long-distance travelers who need to quickly recharge their EV’s battery during extended journeys. Typically, they can be found at rest stops along highways or other high-traffic areas, providing electric vehicle drivers with peace of mind knowing that they can rapidly charge their vehicles when needed.

EV Charging Connector Types

There are four types of EV plugs available: two for alternating current (Type 1 and Type 2) and two for direct current (CHAdeMO and CCS).

• Type 1 is a standard single-phase EV plug used in American and Asian electric vehicles, capable of charging at speed up to 7.4 kW.
• Type 2 plugs are three-phase plugs with three additional wires that enable faster charging. In residential settings, Type 2 sockets can reach power levels up to 22 kW, while public charging stations can reach power levels up to 43 kW, depending on the vehicle's charging capabilities and the network's capacity.
• For direct current charging, there are two types of sockets available. CHAdeMO, developed in Japan, supports high charging capacity and bi-directional charging. Asian electric vehicle manufacturers currently offer vehicles compatible with CHAdeMO sockets, capable of charging up to 100 kW.
• CCS (Combined Charging System) is an enhanced version of Type 2, featuring two additional power contacts for fast charging. It supports both AC and DC charging and can charge at speed up to 350 kW.

How long does it take to charge an electric vehicle?

Why only charge EV to 80?

One of the reasons why electric vehicles (EVs) are often charged only up to 80% of battery capacity is to extend the overall battery lifespan. Lithium-ion batteries, which are commonly used in electric vehicles, are sensitive to high charge and discharge levels, and repeatedly charging the battery to 100% and discharging it to 0% can lead to premature degradation and reduced battery life.

By charging the electric vehicle only up to 80% battery capacity, the battery is not subjected to the stress associated with full charging, which can help extend its lifespan. Additionally, some electric vehicle manufacturers recommend charging their vehicles only up to 80% to maximize the vehicle's driving range. This is because the amount of energy required to charge the battery from 80% to 100% is relatively high compared to the energy required to charge it from 20% to 80%.

Another reason for charging the electric vehicle only up to 80% is to reduce the risk of battery overheating. Charging the battery to 100% can generate more heat than charging it to 80%, and high temperatures can negatively impact battery performance and lifespan. Charging the battery up to 80% reduces the risk of overheating, which can help ensure long-term battery functionality.

It's important to note that charging an electric vehicle only up to 80% of battery capacity may reduce its maximum range since the battery will have less energy. However, for most daily driving needs, an 80% charge should provide sufficient driving range to cover the day, and many electric vehicle owners consider the compromise between range and battery longevity worthwhile in the long run.

What are EV charging station apps?

If you have an electric car, you can not do without EV Charging Station apps. They are necessary for finding the nearest charging stations by EV charging stations maps, monitoring the charging level, and actually connecting to the station. These apps provide information about the types of connectors available at the station, the power output, the cost, or even show free EV charging stations.

So,оne of the key features of EV charging stations apps is the ability to search for "free EV charging stations near me" based on the user's current location. This function is particularly useful for electric vehicle owners who need to urgently charge their vehicles, as it helps them quickly find the nearest charging station without wasting time and energy. And of course, the option for free charging stations also saves money.

Another useful feature of EV Charging Station apps is the EV Charging Stations Map. This map displays all available EV charging stations in a specific area, making it easier for users to plan their trips and find the most convenient EV charging stations along their route.

EV Charging Station apps also provide useful information about each charging station, including the type of charging connector, charging speed, availability, and even users ratings and reviews. This information helps electric vehicle owners plan their charging stops more efficiently, ensuring safe and fast charging for their vehicles.

Overall, EV Charging Station apps are essential tools for any electric vehicle owner. By quickly finding nearby charging stations and planning their trips using the charging station map, electric vehicle owners can enjoy the convenience of owning an electric car without worrying about running out of charge.

The 8 best EV charger app features

Having an electric vehicle also comes with the advantage of having applications that help manage the planning and charging process. Here are eight key features that an electric vehicle charging app can offer:

Set charging schedules: With an electric vehicle charging app, you can set up a charging schedule for your car, allowing you to charge it at the most convenient times. This can help you avoid peak energy consumption and save money on your electricity bill.

Collect data, analytics, and statistics: An electric vehicle charging app can provide valuable data and statistical information about your charging habits. You can track energy consumption, see how much you spend on charging, and even monitor the state of your car's battery.

Receive notifications: The EV charging app can send you notifications about the charging status of your electric vehicle, including when charging is complete or if there are any issues during the charging process.

Manage sustainable energy : Many electric vehicle charging apps offer features that allow you to manage sustainable energy. You can adjust charging parameters to prioritize renewable energy sources or even use your car's battery to store energy from solar panels.

Monitor the charging process: An important option is the ability to track the progress of your vehicle's charging process, including how much time is left until it reaches a full charge and the current power level. This is particularly useful when it's a quick top-up charge and you're in a hurry.

Manage users and charging devices: If you have multiple electric vehicles or charging devices, the charging app helps you manage them all in one place. You can see which vehicles are charging, control access to charging devices, and even remotely monitor the charging process.

Find available public charging stations: Finally, the electric vehicle charging app can help you find available public charging stations near you. You can use the charging station map to locate charging points and view real-time availability.

Reserve charging stations: With the EV charging station app, you can reserve a charging station while you're still on the road, so you don't have to wait in queues.

We have developed one of these applications - EV CHARGING PLATFORM 

The developed application is an EV charging network that provides fast and convenient access to certified charging stations.

The application consists of three levels: a mobile application and private office for end users (electric car owners), a backoffice for partners who own charging stations, and a supreme office for system owners.

In order to manage all reservations effectively, the Embrox Team has created a separate independent queue server. This server collects requests, organizes them in queues, and controls the activation/deactivation of charging points. Moreover, an additional system has been developed to update the availability of charging stations.

For the convenience of end users, EV stations are presented in various formats, including on a map, as a list, and grouped by categories. Users can also apply filters to find the most suitable charging option for their needs.

In order to support a wide range of EV protocols, the Team of engineers has developed custom versions of OCPP servers from scratch. Furthermore, to promote openness and flexibility for third-party partners, the development team has implemented the OCPI protocol, enabling control of charging points from anywhere.

For businesses that own charging stations , a powerful dashboard tool has been developed. This web application allows them to efficiently manage and control access to stations, review analytical information, and handle billing data related to charging transactions.