The China Association of Automobile Manufacturers predicts that the European and American charging station market will reach 230 billion by 2028. The growth of the electric vehicle charger market reflects the substantial demand for these facilities. As a key part of public electric vehicle charging solutions, public electric vehicle charging stations play a vital role in supporting the popularity of electric vehicles (EV). In this guide, we will help you understand the basics of using public electric vehicle chargers and provide guidance on navigating public charging stations.
What are Public Electric Vehicle Charging Stations?
Public electric vehicle charging stations are dedicated facilities providing charging services for electric vehicles. Typically located in public areas such as shopping malls, parking lots, cinemas, communities, and workplaces, these stations offer convenient and reliable charging solutions for electric vehicle users. They contribute to the promotion of electric vehicles and the creation of a green, energy-efficient, and sustainable environment.
Benefits of Public Electric Vehicle Chargers
Public electric vehicle chargers, unlike home chargers, are operated by businesses, community property managers, or real estate developers, with the purpose of charging users a fee. Here are five benefits of commercial electric vehicle chargers:
- Convenience: Public electric vehicle charging stations offer users a convenient charging option. With charging points near workplaces, users can charge without the need to do so at home, simply by finding a nearby public charging station and paying the fee after charging.
- Promoting EV Adoption: The presence of public charging stations promotes the adoption of electric vehicles. When users are aware of reliable charging infrastructure in cities and public spaces, they are more likely to choose electric vehicles, driving the development of clean energy transportation.
- Reducing Range Anxiety: The increase in public charging stations means that electric vehicle owners can complete long-distance journeys without worrying about insufficient battery levels or finding charging facilities. This alleviates the pressure on owners regarding charging.
- Promoting Sustainable Development: The construction of public electric vehicle charging stations is closely linked to the development of sustainable and clean energy. Many charging stations use renewable energy sources such as solar or wind power, reducing reliance on traditional electricity and promoting the development of sustainable transportation.
Creating Business Opportunities: The establishment of public charging stations also provides businesses with opportunities. Charging station operators can generate revenue by providing charging services, contributing to the development and maintenance of charging infrastructure, and filling the charging needs of any electric vehicle driver.
Main Types of Public EV Chargers
Electric vehicles charge using either alternating current or direct current, so EV charger providers generally classify EV chargers into two types?slow chargers and fast chargers, based on whether they provide Alternating Current (AC) or Direct Current (DC).
- Level 2 Chargers: Level 1 Chargers are slow chargers that provide power at a rate of 3.9-19.2 kW, capable of charging 12-80 miles per hour. Level 2 chargers are the most common public EV charger, supporting power levels of 7 kW-22 kW.
- DC Fast Charging Stations (Level 3): Also known as Level 3 EV chargers, these fast chargers support power levels of 24-300 kW, capable of charging 75-1200 miles per hour. Therefore, as a commercial electric vehicle charging solution, DC electric vehicle charger can achieve fast charging.
Joint EVC11 level2 EV charger
How to Find Nearby Commercial Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Many electric car owners often search for "public electric car chargers near me". Below I have listed some methods, hoping to help you quickly find an electric car charger near you.
- Charging Apps: Charging station operators and some electric vehicle charger vendors offer dedicated apps such as ChargePoint and Tesla. These apps provide real-time information on charging station locations, available socket types, charging speeds, and fee details, allowing you to precisely locate nearby public electric vehicle chargers.
- Navigation Systems: Vehicle navigation systems or map applications on smartphones may display nearby charging stations. These systems are usually integrated with electric vehicle charging networks, providing directions and real-time navigation to the nearest charging stations. For example, searching for "ev charger station" or "Tesla Supercharger" on Google Maps can yield relevant results.
- EV Charging Network Websites: The official websites of electric vehicle charging station networks typically offer detailed maps and information about charging station locations. You can use these websites to find commercial electric vehicle chargers near you.
- Search Engines: Utilize search engines by entering keywords such as "nearby electric vehicle charging stations" or "commercial electric vehicle charging station map" to obtain relevant information.
- Automaker Service Websites: Some electric vehicle manufacturers' official websites or service applications include features for querying electric vehicle charging stations. You can use these platforms to search for information about nearby charging stations.
- Social Media and Forums: Electric vehicle community social media groups or online forums are excellent avenues for obtaining charging station information. Enthusiastic electric vehicle users often share their experiences and recommendations.
How to Use Public Electric Vehicle Chargers
Since there are many ev charger manufacturer, they produce different electric vehicle chargers and have different functions. The operating steps of electric vehicle chargers are also different. The following are the basic steps for using a public electric vehicle charger. For specific steps, it is best to read the instructions for use at the electric vehicle charging station or refer to the guide on the charging app.
Find the Charging Station: Use an electric vehicle charging app, navigation system, charging network website, social media, or search engine to locate a charging station that is conveniently located for you. Check detailed information on the app or website, including socket types, charging speeds, and fees, to ensure compatibility with your electric vehicle.
- Verify Identity: Upon reaching the selected charging station, prepare to begin charging. Some stations may require identity verification, usually involving logging into your charging account through the app or using an RFID card or scanning a QR code with your phone.
- Connect the Cable: Choose the appropriate charging plug based on the socket type of your electric vehicle and the charging station. Insert the charging plug securely into your electric vehicle's charging port.
- Start charging: Start the charging process using the app or the charging machine at the station. Some stations may require you to slide a button on the app or use an RFID card.
- Charging completed: You can rest or engage in other activities nearby while the electric vehicle is charging. You will receive a notification when charging is complete.
- Disconnect cable? Once charging is complete, follow the instructions on the charging station or app to disconnect the cable and place the charging plug in its designated location.
- Complete Payment: Depending on the charging station's payment method, you may need to make a payment through the app. Some stations offer prepayment options, while others may automatically deduct charges after charging is complete.