What Are the Different Types, Levels, and Modes of Electric Vehicle Chargers?

This may be partially explained by the various charging methods that are available for electric cars. The port that allows you to connect and recharge might be different based on the brand and model of your automobile. It's kind of like how various countries have different types of plug outlets for electrical appliances.

EVs are becoming more popular in every part of the globe. The infrastructure required to charge them is evolving in a manner that is specific to each country, location, and use case. This results in a significant degree of complexity for worldwide OEM EV chargers and a large number of different component numbers. But the method, the level, and the kind of electric car that permits the utilization (EVSE), which includes EV chargers, are the three characteristics that are commonly acknowledged for this category.

All EV chargers are not equal:

Mode: The mode indicates how the EVSE interacts with the public power grid.

• Although Mode 1 may be connected to a standard home AC outlet, it is typically not allowed in the majority of locations since it does not include any specialized safety circuitry.
• Mode 2 of the OEM EV charger may also be connected to an AC outlet found in most homes. It incorporates all of these safety elements within the control module that is embedded inside the wire (ICCB).
• Charge your device with AC power by connecting it to a wall box or recharging the device and using Mode 3. It does not contain an ICCB in any way. To utilize communal AC charging points in Europe, users are often expected to carry their Mode 3 connection with them.
• Chargers at charging points are only allowed to use Mode 4 for higher Voltage recharge.

Levels of EV chargers:

It is not as simple as just putting an electric car into a socket for it to start charging. It is considerably more complicated than that, and there are many multiple types of chargers as well as varying degrees of charging. Imagine for a moment that you are thinking about investing in an electric automobile. Before you put your new vehicle into the garage, it is essential to have a solid understanding of the kind of charge level you'll need as well as any other electrical work that may be necessary. In a nutshell, the following are the degrees of EV charging:

• Level one is the slowest.
• Level two is standard/mid-range.
• Level three is the fastest.

We'll go into more detail about the OEM EV charger and the steps you need to do to charge at each level in your own house.

Level 1 EV Charging (Standard 120v):

Level one charging is the kind of electric vehicle charging that is the most time-consuming. It is also the most user-friendly and widespread.

Advantages associated with Level 1 Chargers:

• Do not need the completion of further electrical work
• Perfect for hybrid vehicles and for those who drive less.
• This level draws power from a regular 120-volt socket in your house. 
• Level 1 chargers are typical and they are perfect for folks who don't drive their cars very often and can keep their vehicles plugged in for extended periods. 
•  To completely charge the battery of an electric car with this charger will take around 20 hours.

Level 2 EV Charging (Enhanced 240v):

At 240 volts, Level 2 is twice as strong as Level 1. Stronger appliances, such as washers and dryers, need 240v outlets, and most houses have at least one. 

Level 2 chargers provide several advantages:

• Lower charging times (about half the time of Level 1)
• Able to charge many electric vehicles simultaneously
• Return on Investment (ROI) Higher than Level 1
• This increased voltage provides three to fifteen times the battery performance of a standard Level 1 charger. 
• Those who need to use their EV daily will often invest in a more advanced Level 2 charger. These chargers are typically wall-mounted and may cost between $1,000 and $2,000 to install, based on the amount of electrical work required.

Level 3 EV Charging DC Fast Charging:

Level 3 charging is the method that provides the quickest charge to the battery of your electric car; however, it needs a specialist charger. Level three chargers are not nearly as widespread as Levels one and two, but you may still locate them in public locations, such as at Tesla's Turbochargers or dealers in your area.

Advantages associated with Level 3 Chargers:

• Excellent for traveling by car.
• There is no need to sit around and wait for a complete charge.
• Supports the simultaneous charging of many electric vehicles.
•  Because of the limited availability of these chargers, it is not practical to utilize this method of charging continuously; nonetheless, it is ideal for those who need a speedy top-off when they are out and about in their community.

What Is OEM?

OEM stands for an original equipment manufacturer. Since the OEM is the original manufacturer of a vehicle's equipment, OEM auto parts are indistinguishable from the components that are utilized in the manufacturing process of a vehicle. When it comes to quality and compatibility with the car, aftermarket components, which are manufactured by companies other than the original manufacturer, are not always reliable.

Understanding OEM:

Customers looking to repair damaged car components may choose to buy original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts rather than alternatives to guarantee that the new components are completely compatible with the vehicle and were manufactured to the same quality standards. OEMs are the original providers of the parts that go into a vehicle. Because of this, OEMs often have their goods marketed via branded car dealerships, and customers may buy them directly from the carmaker. The original equipment manufacturer (OEM) endorses certain items, which often come at a premium price compared to aftermarket alternatives. Both original equipment manufacturer (OEM) items and aftermarket products come with their own set of perks and drawbacks for the end user. 

The OEM Market:

Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) components come with a compatibility guarantee from the vehicle's manufacturer; in certain instances, the installation of the parts also comes with a compatibility guarantee. There is no guarantee that aftermarket components will be compatible, and many sellers do not vouch for their products' availability. Because of the diversity of firms that offer aftermarket components at a dizzying array of price points, consumers have access to a plethora of options; yet, this may also lead to a puzzling experience.

EV Charging Station Cost Breakdown:

Several factors influence the cost of an EV charging station. These include:

• Charger Level/Material Cost
• Connection Type
• Installation
• Brand Manufacturer

Connection Type Cost:

There are two types of OEM EV charger supply equipment (EVSE) connectors:

• Plugged-in: a plugged-in connector requires a 240-volt wall outlet to be installed. This connection is portable and simple to repair. If you need a replacement, there will be no additional installation expenses.
• Hardwired: a hardwired EVSE is wired directly into your home, meaning that it has an internal connection to your electrical wiring. These connections aren't portable and costly to replace. They're inexpensive and may be utilized outside.

Installation Cost:

The price of an electric vehicle charging station is determined by several different variables. These are the following:

• Charger Level and the Cost of Materials
• Cost of Connection Type Depending on Installation Brand and Manufacturer Cost of Connection Type.
• Connectors for original equipment manufacturer electric vehicle OEM EV charger supply equipment (EVSE) come in two varieties:
• Connectors that are plugged in need the installation of wall outlets that are rated for 240 volts. The portability of this form of connection, in addition to its ease of removal and maintenance, is a significant benefit. If you want a replacement, you do not need to be concerned about additional fees associated with installation since your outlet is already installed.
• Hardwired is wired directly into your house. This means that it has an internal connection to the electrical wiring that is present in your home. These connections do not have the benefit of portability, and it might be difficult and costly to replace them when they get damaged. On the other hand, they are more affordable and may be utilized in the open air.