With many businesses and individuals alike swapping their petrol-powered cars for one of several different types of electric vehicles, a very popular topic for electrician courses is the safe and effective installation of EV charging points.
Electric vehicle charging points are designed to allow for intense, high-voltage charging of EVs, which can dramatically reduce the amount of time it takes to charge an electric car from half a day to as little as 20 minutes.
However, as you may expect, installing a charge point can be very difficult, and before one is installed, it is essential to thoroughly check the electrical systems of the location where it is set to be installed to ensure it is functional and safe.
Here are some potential challenges, both expected and unexpected.
Different Chargers, Different Problems
Many different systems are unique, but the most important aspect to take into account is power load and the trade-off between powerful systems and ones that are easier to install and maintain.
First-generation standard chargers tend to have a 3 kW rating or less, whilst this can increase all the way up to 130 kW ratings for superchargers.
Each of these chargers will have a different effect on the electricity supply and more powerful systems will potentially require additional safeguards and general updating of the wiring near the charge point.
A thorough inspection of what you have to work with, therefore, is essential.
The Importance Of Purpose
When helping to install and provide advice on EV charge points, one of the most important questions to ask is one single word: “why?”
Understanding the purpose and aim of a charge point will help you to find the right product for a particular client. After all, whilst being able to charge a car in 20 minutes is essential for retail car parks, service stations and a nice-to-have for other businesses, is it worth the potential disruption?