How many kW to charge an EV is an ongoing debate online? As people choose their favorite EVs, they should recognize their charging mechanisms. For instance, how many kilowatts does it need per charging session? As a current or upcoming EV motorist, you should learn the meaning of kW and closely related terms.
Moreover, you should discover what kW corresponds with in combustion engine vehicles. Once you gather this information, charging your EV will be easy. This guide introduces various definitions, including kW. It also reveals the factors to consider when calculating the charge your EV battery needs.
How Many kW to charge an EV? – Key Terms to Learn
One must understand what the following measurements mean to know how many kW to charge an EV:
Kilowatt (Kw)
Kilowatt is a crucial electricity measurement. It measures the amount of electricity a car or another appliance needs to run. Check the label to know how many kW to charge an EV. If you see 50kW, your EV requires this power output to take you from point A to B.
How can you relate kW to an electric car? Charging an EV with a kW is what the dedicated charging station is all about. Suppose you have two EV charging points with 50kW and 150kW power ratings respectively. More electricity can flow via the 150kW dedicated charging station than it can flow into the 50kW point.
Thus, the 150 kilowatt charging station can tackle three times more electric charge than the 50kW option. You realize that the higher the kilowatt rating, the bigger the volume of electricity the charging point can deliver. The kW measurement is crucial because it demonstrates the charging speed you can get from a charging station.
For instance, the 50kW charger will charge the EV battery at the same rate. If you connect an electric car with a lower rating to this charger, it will deliver the exact power output. So, the electric current will flow from the charger to the on-board converter via the cable.
The on-board converter will then turn this alternating current into a direct one that stays in the battery. Traditional combustion engine vehicles equate kW in EVs to Brake horsepower. Some engines use the older combustion engine and the modern electric motor.
Thus, you can encounter kW and BHP measurements when assessing these kinds of cars. BHP will refer to the amount of brake horsepower the combustion engine needs. Kilowatts will indicate the power rating of the electric motor.
Kilowatt-hour or kWh
First, learn to differentiate it from kWh to calculate how many kW to charge an EV. A Kilowatt-hour is an electricity unit. For instance, 2kWh translates to 2 electricity units. Another simple way to understand kWh is to check your home’s meter box at the end of the month.
The meter reading refers to the electricity units or kilowatt-hours you have consumed that month. Kilowatt-hour is a popular measure in the electric vehicles world. These autos come with electric motors that draw power from the battery to set the wheels in motion. Therefore, we can say that the EV battery stores DC in kilowatt-hours.
For instance, an EV model with a 100kWh battery can only store 100 electricity units. If you begin to drive your EV, the battery’s kWh reading should decline. If you recharge the car, this reading will increase until it reaches 100 units again.
Calculating the Energy Consumption of an EV
How many kW to charge an EV? The electrical units or kilowatts-hours your EV needs vary based on certain factors. From car usage conditions to the charger’s efficiency level to battery size, calculating your EV’s power consumption is a careful process. Here is how we describe each of these factors:
Battery Size
How many kW to charge an EV? An EV battery stores power in kWh. It represents the maximum power output the battery can handle. Small cars that people drive around the city have a maximum battery size or capacity of about 20kWh.
The upscale one can store up to 100kWh. Taking this kWh reading can enable you to estimate the EV’s range. In short, how many kilometers can the car cover when fully charged? Some factors will directly affect this calculation:
- How fast you Drive – If you speed up your EV, you will raise its power consumption rate. On the contrary, driving at a lower speed will lower the energy consumption rate.
- Climatic Conditions – If your area is cold, the EV battery will be less efficient. On the other hand, driving with the heating function on or air conditioning will cause the car to spend more energy.
- How you drive – How many kW to charge an EV if you drive aggressively? EV drivers can increase the car’s energy consumption rate by driving aggressively. If the road is bad, the EV battery will strain and lose more energy.
- Cargo Capacity – Each EV model can only carry cargo of a given weight. If you overload it with cargo or people, the energy consumption rate will increase.
Cost of EV Charging
How many kW to charge an EV depends on the cost you wish to incur? Some factors affect the charging cost directly, including the location. If you recharge your EV at home, you will spend less. On the other hand, if you charge the EV at a public charging station, you will pay more money.
Home EV charging is convenient, especially, if you have a dedicated EV charger. Another advantage is that you can charge during off-peak hours to enjoy lower power tariffs. A level 1 charger is cheap but increases the odds of a fire accident during a power surge.
This is so because this charger is usually the standard socket you use at home. On the other hand, the level 2 charger is expensive to install initially. However, it is safer and faster than the level 1 charger. How many kW to charge an EV? Another factor influencing the cost is public charging.
How much power does an electric car need to charge at a public charging station? Public chargers are more advanced DC fast chargers. They are more expensive because they add direct current to an EV battery in minutes.
These EV charging points are more expensive because they account for equipment maintenance fees when setting pricing. If you want to minimize the charging costs and prolong battery life, read these tips:
- Plug in the car during off-peak times. These off-peak hours occur at night and involve lower tariffs. Since you will be home, you have no reason not to take advantage of these tariffs. Charge your car overnight and consume cheaply-priced kWh. Explore various electricity companies to locate the ones with the lowest off-peak rates.
- Compatible Chargers – How many kW to charge an EV depends on its model and its kW reading? Check the car’s maximum power rating and choose a compatible charging station. You will take a longer time to charge the car if you go to a charging station with a substantially lower kW rating. This can make you late for work or another event.
How to Increase EV Battery Efficiency When Charging
How many kW to charge an EV without causing battery inefficiency? The most crucial thing to do is to maintain the battery. Many experts recommend an eighty percent battery charge. Getting the charge to 100 percent can lower its efficiency and lifespan.
Batteries perform poorly when you drive in extreme cold or hot weather conditions. Although fast charging is more convenient for fleet and long-distance drivers, it can strain the battery. Thus, charge with fast DC chargers when you cannot help it.
Furthermore, you should pre-condition the vehicle before driving across a hot place. Its thermal management system will cool the EV battery before you arrive and start using a DC fast charging unit. The battery will absorb the current without overheating. This can prolong its life.
An efficient battery will last longer while offering you top-notch services. When you get home from a long journey, allow the battery to charge slowly to stay healthy. On average, a high-quality EV battery can live for eight to ten years.
If you maintain it well when charging, you can hit this life expectancy and perhaps attain an extra year. If you have a small battery with a low output capacity, you might have to charge it often. Frequent charging can lower its life expectancy. However, if you charge it up to 80 percent and decrease your DC fast charger visits, the small battery can last longer.
Depending on your EV model, the manufacturer can give you a warranty of up to eight years. However, they still expect you to maintain the battery and avoid things that can degrade it. Check the battery’s state of health (SOH) if you plan to buy a used auto.
Verdict
How many kW to charge an EV if you have it? First, understand the car’s energy consumption rate and the EV charging requirements. Check the kW and kWh measurements to compute the power range the auto requires per charging session.
Recharge the battery with exact electricity units. Lower the charging cost by plugging in the car during off-peak hours. Take measures to maintain the battery to ensure it lives for eight to ten years.