Embracing the Future with Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Sierra Blanca Motors is a trusted dealership in Ruidoso, NM, offering Jeep, RAM, Chevrolet, Chrysler, and Dodge vehicles. We've seen the growing popularity of electric vehicles and the convenient charging stations that go with them. In this guide, we answer, "How do electric vehicle charging stations work?"
Electric vehicles are an environmentally friendly and affordable way to combat costly fuel prices. Keep reading to learn more about how they charge, their battery power, and more.
Understanding Electric Vehicles and Their Power Structure
Traditional vehicles require gas fill-ups to run and use some of that fuel every time you accelerate. With electric vehicles, you will need to charge their batteries from time to time. Charging stations are faster at providing electric vehicles with power than traditional wall outlets.
The price of power at electric charging stations varies depending on local electricity costs. However, electric vehicles conserve energy wherever possible. Electric vehicles often have a dashboard monitor to show you how much charge you have left, helping you plan when to reach the next station.
f you have more questions about electric vehicles, contact our team at Sierra Blanca Motors.
Types of Electric Vehicle Chargers
You'll find several different types of electric vehicle chargers, with some in homes and others in commercial environments. The most common types of electric vehicle chargers and their differences are as follows:
- Level 1: Level 1 chargers are great for traveling short distances and add five extra miles per hour when charging. These outlets are 120 V and work well in homes. They're the most affordable and offer a convenient "plug-and-play" approach.
- Level 2: These chargers can add 20 miles per hour of use to your vehicle and require an electrician to install them. You need the proper equipment for 240 V outlets (residential) and 208 V outlets (commercial). Some homes and public charging stations often use Level 2.
- Level 3 (DC Fast Chargers): DC fast chargers are the most powerful but are often found in industrial and commercial locations. These chargers can add between 170-295 miles in an hour.
How Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Work
How do electric vehicle charging stations work? A vehicle owner plugs their car into the charging port, adding from five to 80 miles to a car, depending on the charging time. The higher level of charging station one utilizes, the faster and more charged the electric vehicle will become.
Electric car batteries are much more powerful than gas-powered vehicles, often having 100 kWh of electricity. The utilization of EV charging stations draws electricity from various sources and transfers it to an electric vehicle. Battery size and capacity can affect a vehicle's weight and more. For more information, contact our team at Sierra Blanca Motors.
Practical Aspects of Using Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Charge time for electric vehicles varies based on the charging method you utilize and battery size. A regular wall outlet, or Level 1 charger, of 120 V may take a day or two to achieve a full charge, whereas a Level 2 charger can charge a vehicle in one to 12 hours; this depends on the vehicle type.
Meanwhile, level 3 chargers may take an hour or less to charge. If you have your own charging station at your home, you'll spend money on the initial investment but less on electric charging. The average price for charging at a station is about $30 to $40.
Everything You Need to Know About Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
As the number of electric vehicles continues to grow, it's no surprise more EV charging stations will pop up across the country. Electric vehicles have varying connector types, including AC plugs, DC plugs, and combined charging systems. Knowing which cable to use and the appropriate connector can make the charging and driving experience easier.
While electric vehicles are an investment, they can save hundreds of dollars in gas expenses and offer a cleaner driving solution. Sierra Blanca Motors is here to help our New Mexico customers transition to using electric vehicles.
Journey into the Electric Future with Sierra Blanca Motors
We hope you now know the answer to "How do electric vehicle charging stations work?". Electric vehicles aren't going anywhere and are changing the way we think about sustainable transportation, improving every day.
At Sierra Blanca Motors, we provide the most advanced electric vehicles to our clients, stay current with automotive innovations, and outstanding customer service in Ruidoso, NM. Contact our dealership at (575) 257-4081 or stop by the dealership today.