DC Fast Charging Stations: Who Should Install Them?

Buying a charging station for your electric car can be more complex then picking the car itself. There’s so much to learn about what is appropriate to charge your car, and when.

When charging a car after all, there are so many factors to take into consideration. Charging requires electricity, and you’ll be charging a large battery. Thus, the power has to come from somewhere.

Also, how should you charge the vehicle if you want to preserve its battery life? Changing car battery can be expensive, since they’re quite large and delicate.

Thus, you need to select the perfect charging stations for your cars (and needs). In this article, we’ll be talking about basic types of charging stations (in terms of power), and who should be using them.

The 3 Stages of Electric Charging Stations.

When picking a charging station, you have an option between a Stage-1, Stage-2, and Stage-3.

The difference lies in each station’s power and charging speed. Each station fits for certain types of vehicles and buildings, and thus you should know the difference.

Stage-1 stations are for extremely slow charging. They’re good if you want to respect your home’s wiring system, but are highly impractical.

Stage-1 stations can recharge 75 miles into a Nissan Lead within 15 hours. This is simply too much time, especially if you’re travelling or commuting a lot.

Thus, you’re usually choosing between Stage-2 and Stage-3 stations. Stage-2 and 3 stations draw a lot more voltage and have more current than Stage-1 stations.

At stage-1, you’re drawing 120 volts with 15-20 amps of current. Stage-2 draws 240 volts, with 30-60 amps.

In fact, a stage-2 station can fully charge a Nissan Leaf in around 4-5 hours.

Stage-3: A DC Fast Charging Stations.

Stage-3 stations differs from the previous models. This station draws 480 volts, using over 125 amps of current.

This is too much for a standard household. Operating a stage-3 station at home can actually risk ruining the electricity of the building.

Expect power cuts every now and then if you’re going with this option. Stage-3 models are not the type you’ll install at home, or at a residential building.

You may install them at an office building though, if you have a 480 volt outlet for use. Just make sure you own that building…

Additionally, most electric car batteries are designed to stop charging at 80% when using a stage-3 station. The station is simply too powerful, and quickly drops the life of your car’s battery if not properly adjusted.

Does This Mean That Stage-3 Stations Are Useless?

Not at all! Those stations are perfect for a quick recharge when travelling, or when you’re out doing errands, but are running out of power.

You’ll usually find those charging stations at malls, public areas, or large buildings that can afford the electric suction. Always be sure to mark level 3 charging station locations near to your residence.

They’ll do you well in emergencies. If you don’t have the time to full-charge on a stage-1 or 2 station, simply head to a stage-3 station nearby, and get the quick recharge you need!

a href=https://www.verdek.comVerdek is the leader in solutions for EV charger and CNG / LNG infrastructure for sustainable transport. We have a full range of homes, public and DC fast charging stations, both network and non-network.