Technology
The Best Way for EV Owners to Charge Their Vehicles Outside of Their Homes
The Best Way for EV Owners to Charge Their Vehicles Outside of Their Homes
With over a half billion charging locations and trillions of plugs, finding a place to charge your electric vehicle (EV) is generally not a problem. However, for EV owners who primarily charge their vehicles outside of their homes, there are various options and challenges involved.
Charging outside the Home
Outside of home charging poses unique challenges for both EV owners and stakeholders. The availability and usage of public charging stations have been rapidly increasing, covering a vast array of locations such as supermarkets, hotels, service stations, shopping malls, restaurants, and airports. These public charging stations provide convenience and flexibility for users. Additionally, for those traveling long distances, there are high-speed chargers along major highways, ensuring that trips can be managed efficiently.
Tesla Owners: For Tesla owners, the network of Superchargers is a game changer. Tesla provides comprehensive coverage across North America and Europe, making it easy to locate the nearest Supercharger. The car itself shows you the locations, and these chargers are often placed in prominent locations such as shopping centers, usually close to major highways. The network is so extensive that a comprehensive overview can be found through the free PlugShare app.
Charging at Camping Sites and Other Public Facilities
For those who enjoy outdoor activities, camping and travel, there are options for charging vehicles as well. Many electric camping sites offer plug-in facilities. More specifically, even with some optional adapters, you can charge your EV at various locations such as electric campgrounds, shopping center welder plugs, and even regular 15A 120V outlets. In a pinch, an extension cord can be used, although the charging speed will be significantly slower.
Understanding Ultrafast Public Charging
Ultrafast public charging stations, which can be found at thousands of locations, offer convenience and flexibility. These chargers are designed to work while the vehicle is not turned off, ensuring that the car remains secure while charging. The charging process is monitored by the car, similar to how smartphones or tablets manage charging cycles. Thus, EV owners can continue using their vehicle or charging it without any worries.
Overall, the best way for EV owners to charge their vehicles outside of their homes is to explore various public charging options, whether it is the extensive Tesla Supercharger network, general public charging stations, or facilitating charging at unconventional locations like campgrounds. The key is to find a balance that aligns with personal preferences and daily needs.