Electric vehicles (EVs) are all the rage these days, and it's easy to see why! They're eco-friendly, cost-effective, and fun to drive. However, one of the challenges of owning an EV is figuring out how to charge it away from home.
When it comes to EV chargers, there are several different types to choose from. But today, we're going to focus on the two main types: fast chargers and rapid chargers.
So, whether you're already an EV owner or just considering buying one – join me as we explore the pros and cons of using fast and rapid EV chargers.
The Upsides of Fast EV Chargers
Fast EV chargers, also known as Level 2 chargers, are the most common type of EV charger. They're the ones you'll typically find at shopping centres and car parks. These chargers offer 7-22kW of power output.
The pros of using fast EV chargers:
Convenience is king: Fast EV chargers are widely available, making them a convenient option for everyday charging.
Perfect for daily needs: They're perfect for topping off your EV's battery while you run errands or grab a bite to eat.
Charge in a jiffy: With a fast EV charger, you can fully charge your EV in just a few hours.
Tend to be cheap: Because these are usually destination chargers, you can expect low prices and sometimes even cost-free charging.
The cons of using fast EV chargers:
Not the fastest: They can take longer to charge an EV than a rapid charger.
Can be busy: Especially the free ones!
The Pros of Rapid EV Chargers
Rapid EV chargers, also known as Level 3 or DC fast chargers, are the fastest way to charge your EV. Depending on your car, they can charge your battery in as little as 30 minutes. Rapid chargers offer a minimum of 50kW power output.
The pros of using rapid EV chargers:
Lightning fast: With rapid EV chargers, you can fully charge your EV in less than an hour, making them perfect for long-distance travel.
Convenient for road trips: They're convenient for road trips, allowing you to charge your EV quickly and get back on the road in no time.
High power: Rapid EV chargers are high power chargers and can charge your EV faster than any other type of charger.
The cons of using rapid EV chargers:
Limited availability: Rapid EV chargers are not as widely available as fast chargers, which can make them hard to find.
Costlier: Rapid EV chargers are typically more expensive than other charging options.
Fast or Rapid EV Charging... the Choice is Yours
Well, there you have it! The pros and cons of using fast and rapid EV chargers.
If you're an EV owner, my recommendation is to have both fast and rapid charger options available. This will give you the flexibility to charge your EV in the most convenient way possible.
With advancements in technology, we can expect to see even more efficient EV charging options in the near future. (For example, there's talk of being able to fully charge your car in just 10 mins!) So, the future of EV charging looks bright and it's an exciting time to be a part of the EV community. A community who are leading the way in green, clean transport.
To sum up, fast EV chargers are great for daily use and can be found almost everywhere. Rapid EV chargers are perfect for long distance travel and can charge an EV in a fraction of the time, but they are less common and usually more expensive.
Ultimately, it's up to you to decide which type of charger works best for your needs, budget and lifestyle.
Whatever you choose – happy charging!
Want to save money on your public EV charging? Then check out our latest discounts and offers.
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