EV Charging Basics: How to Provide Mobile EV Charging Services

As electric vehicles (EVs) rise in popularity, new methods of EV charging are beginning to emerge as a way to keep up with the growing demand. EV charging services are on the rise as lead times for electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) grow. These EV charging services are designed to support the growing number of EVs on the road and enable drivers to charge their vehicles conveniently and efficiently. In this blog post, we will go over the basics of EV charging services and answer commonly asked questions.

What are the three types of EV charging?

The three types of EV charging are broken up into three levels. Level 1 charging, Level 2 charging, and DC fast charging (also known as Level 3 EV charging) represent different charging speeds and power levels. 

Level 1 Charging

This method of charging is the slowest and most basic form of EV charging. This is the charging that comes with the electric vehicle. It uses a J1772 charge port and plugs directly into a common household outlet. Level 1 EV charging typically provides 2 to 5 miles per hour, and is commonly used for overnight charging at home or when no other charging options are available. This Level is not nearly as efficient as the following charging methods.

Level 2 Charging

Level 2 EV charging is faster than Level 1 and requires a higher volt supply. Typically used for public EV charging stations, Level 2 delivers about 10 to 30 miles of range per hour, depending on the vehicle and the charging equipment. Level 2 charging is commonly found in workplaces, some residential settings, shopping plazas, and rest stops. 

DC Fast Charging (Level 3 Charging) 

This charging method is the fastest form of EV charging available. It uses high-powered charging stations that provide direct current (DC) electricity to the vehicle's battery. DC Fast Chargers can deliver charging speeds of 60 to 100 miles of range in approximately 30 minutes - 1 hour. The DC fast charge is typically found along highways, major travel routes, and in some public charging stations. Additionally, the Combined Charging System (CCS) has emerged as an industry standard for DC fast charging, working with various EV models and manufacturers.

What is the process of EV charging?

The good news about EV charging is that it’s an easy and user-friendly process for all EV drivers, valuing simplicity. This process is explained in the following steps:

Plug in the vehicle

Remove the charging port cover (if present) and insert the cable into the hybrid electric vehicle or fully electric vehicle. Note that DC fast charging is typically not compatible with hybrid vehicles.  

Connect the Charging Cable

Take the charging cable, which is typically equipped with a connector at one end, and insert it into the charging port on the EV.

Connect Cable to a Power Source 

Plug in the other end of the charging cable into a power outlet or if you are at a public charging station, enter your payment method to start power.

Bring EV to Desired Charge and Disconnect 

Once the vehicle is plugged in and charged, a display monitor should show the charging percentage. When the desired charge is reached, remove the cable or manually stop the charging session.

Why should I only charge my EV to 80%?

You can charge your electric vehicle beyond 80% but here are some best practices to ensure you're getting the most out of your EV charge. 

Keep your EV charge above 20% 

Keeping your state of charge above 20% ensures that your vehicle will have enough energy to properly warm the battery up when being driven. Charging your car from 20% is the optimal starting point when using DC fast charging. Charging from 20% to 80% using DC fast charging is often faster than charging from 80% to 100%. 

The charging process becomes slower and less efficient as the battery approaches its full capacity. The best practices for DC fast charging would be to charge up to 80% and then use an at-home charger or Level 2 charging station to trickle charge overnight. 

If you don't have access to an at-home charger or public charging stations, there a services like SparkCharge Mobile that deliver the charge to your vehicle. 

The process of EV charging is designed to be simple and easy for all drivers to feel comfortable with. Similar to how you would get gas at a gas station, EV charging only requires a plug-in and a wait time to have your vehicle fully charged. 

So should I not charge my EV to 100%?

Charging an electric vehicle (EV) to 100% is generally fine and won't cause harm. However, for everyday use and to promote long-term battery health, it is advisable to not fully charge an EV battery all the time. Charging an electric car to 100% is like eating a lot of food until you're full. It won't make you sick if you do it once in a while, but it's better for your body if you don't do it all the time. Just like our bodies, electric car batteries also like to stay in a comfortable range, not too full and not too empty. This helps the battery last longer and keeps it healthier. It's like eating a good amount of food to stay satisfied without overeating. Keeping these EVs charged at a comfortable spot will allow for a healthier battery. 

What is the lifespan of an electric car?

The lifespan of an electric car can vary depending on several factors, including the specific make and model of the vehicle, the quality of the battery, and how well the car is maintained. A popular electric vehicle like the Nissan Leaf can be preserved for a decade or more if given the proper care required for any automobile.

The battery in an electric car is like its fuel tank. It stores the electricity that powers the car's motor. Over time, the battery can start to lose its ability to hold as much electricity as it used to. This battery can be replaced or repaired, extending the EV’s lifespan. 

Do electric cars lose charge when parked?

Electric cars do lose a small amount of charge when parked, but the rate of discharge is generally quite slow. Electric cars have things inside them, like computers and systems that need a little bit of electricity to keep working properly even when the car is not being driven. It's like when you turn off a light in your room, but the light switch still needs a little bit of electricity to work and be ready for when you want to turn the light on again. The weather can also affect the charge and range of EVs. Extreme temperatures, both hot and cold, can impact the efficiency and performance of EV batteries, affecting how fast charge may be lost when the vehicle is parked. 

SparkCharge EV Charging Services

Here at SparkCharge, we provide fast and easy charging solutions for all EV owners. We offer a variety of level 3 (DC Fast Charging) charge delivery services, including Fleet, Out of Charge, and SparkCharge Mobile App. When using our charging services, you are guaranteed 99.9% charge readiness at all times, along with low-cost energy and compatibility with any EV. 

SparkCharge Fleet is ideal for any business with on-the-road operations. This service can be operational in as little as 14 days, prioritizing efficient energy delivery regardless of access to the grid. Our Fleet service will remove the burden of owning EV chargers, making the process of fleet charging simple and convenient. 

SparkCharge Out of Charge allows drivers to request on-demand EV charging when a vehicle is low on range. This service offers 25-50 miles of range, highly beneficial for businesses that need frequent EV charging.