If you’ve ever wondered how a electric car level 2 charger works and what exactly does it do, well this blog is for you! Let’s start with the basics. You might be familiar with a Level 1 and Level 2 chargers, as they’re the most common charging options available. Level 1 chargers use a standard 120-volt household outlet and are generally slow, while Level 2 chargers are faster and require a dedicated 240-volt circuit. But have you ever wondered how a Level 2 charger actually works and what it does?
Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE)
Contrary to what many people believe, the Level 2 charging station is not actually a “charger.” The industry term for the station is EVSE, which stands for Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment. What the EVSE does is control the access point from the electric vehicle to the power grid. It’s essentially a gateway that ensures the safe and reliable transfer of electricity from the grid to your EV’s battery.
How Does A Level 2 Chargers Work
At its most basic level, a Level 2 EVSE is a relatively simple piece of equipment. It contains electronic circuitry designed to convert the alternating current (AC) that comes from your home’s electrical system into a defined and stable direct current (DC) voltage that your EV’s battery can use. But the actual charging of the battery is done by the car itself, not the EVSE.
When it comes to Level 1 and Level 2 charging, the car is responsible for managing its own charging process. This is because electric vehicles come in different sizes, battery chemistries, and battery voltages, so it’s not practical to build the EVSE directly into the car. Instead, the EVSE provides a safe and reliable connection to the grid, while the car’s onboard charging system takes care of the rest.
The Role of the EVSE
So why do you need a Level 2 EVSE if the car itself contains the battery charger? The answer is simple: the EVSE is responsible for safely delivering AC power to your EV. It has one job and one job only, which is to ensure that the power coming from the grid is delivered safely to your car. The EVSE also has a few other important functions, which we’ll discuss later.
Inside your electric vehicle, you’ll find a module that is actually the charger. It takes the AC power that comes from the EVSE and rectifies it to DC, then boosts it up to the voltage required by the battery pack and sends it back into the battery. Inside the battery pack, there are usually several modules that monitor and balance out each cell.
The Importance of a Properly Functioning EVSE
Now that we understand how the charging process works, let’s take a closer look at how the EVSE delivers power to your EV safely. One of the key functions of the EVSE is to monitor the amount of current that the car can safely pull from the grid. If the electric vehicle’s charger is capable of pulling more power from the grid than the electric circuit was set up for, it could overload the circuit and potentially cause a fire. If the EVSE is not functioning correctly or isn’t properly rated for your vehicle, it can be a fire hazard. That’s why it’s important to choose a reliable and certified EVSE from a reputable manufacturer.
To prevent this from happening, the EVSE regulates how much power the electric vehicle can pull from the grid, measured in amperage. For example, if the EVSE is set up to supply 30 amps, it will only allow the car to pull a maximum of 30 amps. This is accomplished through a control device inside the EVSE called a contactor with an electromagnetic switch. When energized, the EVSE becomes a gateway between the car and the grid, allowing the car to safely draw power from the grid.
Choosing the Right EVSE for Your Needs
When it comes to choosing an EVSE, there are many factors to consider. The charging speed, plug type, and cable length are all important considerations. Additionally, you’ll need to make sure that the EVSE is compatible with your vehicle’s charging port.
There are many reputable EVSE manufacturers on the market, including Tesla, ChargePoint, Flo, Juicebox, and Wallbox. Each of these brands offers a variety of charging solutions to meet the needs of different electric vehicle owners.
A Final Word on What is a Level 2 Charger
A Level 2 charger, or EVSE, is an essential part of any electric vehicle owner’s charging setup. While it doesn’t actually charge your vehicle, it controls the amount of power your vehicle can draw from the grid, ensuring safe and efficient charging. By choosing a reliable and certified EVSE from a reputable manufacturer and qualified electrician like MaCharge, you can enjoy the benefits of electric vehicle ownership with peace of mind.