Does it matter which brand EV charger you choose?

Some of the most basic EV chargers always start from 3 to 3.7kW. Advanced units might deliver up to 7kW. However, with the priciest units, you will get around 22kW. It is important to know that the price of chargers is directly proportional to the power bands.

The 3.7kW wallbox can fully charge a 40kWh battery in a Nissan within 13 hours, thereby giving you 168 miles of range. The 7kW charger, on the other hand, will charge the same battery in around six hours. A 22kW will do the same job in less than two hours.

Therefore, when looking to buy high-end EV chargers such as zappi, you should be ready to spend a little more. They might also come with additional features to meet more of your needs.

Your choice will also be determined by where you are located and the EV model you are charging. Type 1 chargers are limited to Asian and American vehicles. If you are located in Europe, you will almost always use the type 2 charger. Thankfully, there is a universal connector solution, which is known as the J1772 connector.

Today, most EVs come equipped with two different cables so that different cables can be used to recharge them. Also, to pick the best EV charger, you should have in mind how far you are looking to travel, and the duration you want the charging process to take. The cost of electricity is another factor to consider when choosing between types one and type 2 EV chargers.

In the UK, the Alternating Current (AC) is the domestic electricity supply. However, most electronic gadgets use Direct Current (DC) these days. If your car features an integrated charger, then it has the capacity to convert the current automatically, but you can still have a wall box that directly supplies DC.

The DC current is the best alternative if you want to charge your car much faster and embark on your journey. They give you an easy time when trying to use renewable home energy without waiting too long. Also, EV chargers such as zappi deliver DC; they are the best alternative devices for commercial purposes. However, they cost a little more to install, and the process is also a little lengthy and complicated.

This is an interesting way to enhance your charging experience. Before investing in an EV charger, you want to find out the additional features that they come with. A modern EV charger should come with smart features such as Wi-Fi to let them connect to some apps on your smartphone. Though smart chargers don’t necessarily charge faster, they let you take control of the charging process through the provision of accurate data.

They should also come with remote controls that are great for chargers installed outdoors since you will be notified each time a car is connected. This feature comes in handy, especially if you want to limit the number of individuals who can charge their cars at your house. The data monitoring feature also gives you detailed information regarding your charging habits.

One of the most important elements of a good evbox is the cable length. You should have enough cable to charge your car, but not too much of it. Therefore, before making a purchase, you should know where and when your vehicle will be parked. With that information, you can calculate the length of cable your ideal charger should have.

Cable lengths vary between 12ft and 25ft. However, we recommend that you consider a cable that measures 18ft. Also, with a 25ft-cable, you will be able to charge your electric car, whether it is parked backwards or forward. But if that is not sufficient length for you, it is okay to go for an extension so that you have 33ft of cable.

There are types of charging cables that come tethered to the charger or untethered. Also, they can come with either type 1 or type 2 sockets. As already said, the universal type 2 tends to be quite common, and it can be acquired separately and is also great for those planning for long-term use. Unlike tethered chargers, the untethered ones tend to be more flexible because you can decide to attach type 1 or type 2 vehicles.

If you are only going to charge one type of EV, and are not interested in sharing your power source, then a tethered charger becomes the best option to consider. This is because the cable is permanently attached to the charger, and only you will be able to use it. This option also helps domestic users because it reduces the cable’s physical movement and allows for the smart programming of your charging cycle.

Other things that you might want to consider when buying an EV charger include control, RFID, earthing, monitoring, and locking. There are many models of EV chargers, and they come with varying features. Thus, as a car owner, think about your needs and only buy a charger that will perfectly meet them. If you want to remotely take control of your charger, you should buy an EV charger that can connect to your phone through an app. Also, go for a charger with a cable long enough to let you get an easy time when trying to recharge your EV. If you don’t have a good power source, you can consider investing in solar PV to charge your car.