If you’re considering or already own an electric van, then you’ll need to know everything about electric van charging. From the different types of charging stations available, to the common misconceptions about charging, and the best practices to maintain your van’s battery life, we’ve got you covered in this comprehensive guide. So, buckle up and get ready to power up your electric van for your next journey.
Everything You Need to Know about Electric Van Charging
Introduction
The electric commercial vehicle market has grown in popularity in recent years. However, one of the predominant concerns among EV consumers is the availability and convenience of charging points. With more and more electric vans hitting the roads, fleet managers, and sole traders need to understand how to charge their vehicles. Fully Charged presents a video on charging electric commercial vehicles with expert Paul Kirby, offering tips and guidance on charging an electric van.
Considerations for Charging an EV
Charging an EV requires you to consider the required amount of charge and the charger’s delivery speed. The cost and time required to recharge an EV may vary depending on the type of charger and the vehicle’s battery capacity. Besides, understanding the charging options and location of charging stations is crucial to ensure you never run out of juice on the road.
Three Places to Charge an Electric Commercial Vehicle
There are three main places to charge an electric van, and these include:
At Home
Home charging is a critical consideration for electric vehicle ownership. Home EV charging points require a dedicated circuit for safe and efficient charging. You can use a universal charging cable that can plug into a standard electrical outlet or install an electric car charging station. Home charging stations come with various charging speeds, and it’s important to choose the one that meets your needs.
At Work
If your business has fleets of electric commercial vehicles, installing charging stations at work can be a great way to ensure that you are always running on full battery life. You can charge an EV at work by installing a charging station in the parking lot. Some employers offer free charging as an employee benefit, and it can be a great way to attract and retain employees.
While on the Road
Public charging stations are available to charge your electric van on the road. There are many public charging stations in various locations, and you can use smartphone apps or a navigation system to find them. Electric vehicle charging stations can offer a range of charging speeds depending on the charger type, and it’s important to take the charging time into account when planning a long trip.
Chargers for EVs available in the Market
There are various chargers for EVs available in the market, and the choice may depend on the charging time and location. Some of the chargers for EVs include:
3.6 kw Charger
A 3.6 charger is a standard charger that comes with many electric vehicles. The charging speed is relatively slow and usually takes 10-12 hours for a full charge. However, it’s usually adequate for overnight charging.
7.4 kw Charger
A 7.4 charger is ideal for fast charging at home or the workplace. It has double the charging speed of a 3.6 charger, which means that it can take up to 5 hours to fully charge an electric van.
Remote Management
Some chargers for EVs come with remote management capabilities that allow you to control the charging process from your device. Remote management enables monitoring of charging data and the ability to start, pause or stop the charging process.
Three-Phase Charging
Three-phase charging is becoming increasingly popular in commercial properties for EV charging. It refers to an alternating current that uses three live wires to deliver electricity to the EV. Three-phase charging can provide faster charging times and is more efficient than single-phase charging.
DC Charging
Direct current (DC) charging is a potential alternative for commercial premises. It can provide rapid charging, reducing the time it takes to charge an electric van. DC charging stations are usually located strategically and are fast becoming a popular choice for commercial EV fleets.
Conclusion
Electric van charging is crucial to ensuring that you have a seamless and enjoyable EV driving experience. Understanding the location and type of available charging options, along with the required charge and charger delivery speed, is essential to make informed decisions. It’s also important to consider your charging options at home, at work or on the road, and choose the right charging station. With the right choices, charging your EV can be easy, fast, and convenient.
5 Unique FAQs After the Conclusion
- How long does it take to charge an electric van?
- Can I charge my EV at home with a universal charging cable?
- Are there free public charging stations for electric vehicles?
- How does three-phase charging differ from single-phase charging?
- Are DC charging stations more expensive than AC charging stations?
