Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Improving Air Quality
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the timing system, the transmission, and the exhaust system – that are basically no longer relevant or part of an EV.
6.4 Charging
As mentioned earlier, EV charging can be done at three main levels.
Level 1 charging requires a 120- volt outlet, which is typical for a household outlet and can add between two and five miles of range per hour
of charging. Level 2 charging requires a 240- volt outlet and provides 10–
25 miles of range per hour. Level 3 DC fast charging provides an 80%
charge in around 30 minutes (Schaal, 2018). For a Honda Clarity Electric,
for instance, getting a full charge using level 1 charging takes 19 hours,
level 2 charging takes 3.5 hours, and an 80% charge can be achieved
in 30 minutes when using DC fast charging (‘Clarity FAQs’, 2017). It
is important to note, however, that different EVs have different power
“acceptance rates” and charging stations have varying power delivery
ratings. If an EV has a higher acceptance rate than the charging station’s
delivery rating, then the time it takes to charge will be limited by the charging station. If a charging station is rated for higher power delivery than
an EV’s acceptance rate, the amount of time needed for charging will be
determined by the EV (Guinn, 2018).
Many new developments in technology aimed at making EV charging more
convenient for drivers are arising. For example, Electrify America launched a
mobile app that allows users to locate a charger, pay for the charge, and track
the charging session as the EV is charging (Electrify America LLC, 2019).
Another app called “ampUp – reserved EV charging” allows users to reserve
charging stations in advance, which can be very beneficial for long- distance
trips where users need to know when and where they can recharge along
the way (ampUp). ChargeHub has a similar app that even allows users to
rate their charging experience and leave comments for other users to see
(ChargeHub, 2019).
There are several secondary issues related to EV battery charging, in addition to the basic issue of plugging in and taking in electricity. One of the
secondary issues was mentioned earlier: EVs typically have a thermal management system, and it is important to note that this system uses energy. If
the thermal management system has to cool the battery the entire time that
the EV is parked in the hot sun, some of the EV’s charge will be drained
(Connor, 2011). SPCSs combat this issue by providing shade for the EV so it
can sit in a cooler environment during the day and use solar energy for charging. For example, Envision makes SPCSs for parking lots that include solar
panels with sun- tracking technology, which is said to increase electricity production 18– 25% (Motavalli, 2010).
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the timing system, the transmission, and the exhaust system – that are basically no longer relevant or part of an EV.
6.4 Charging
As mentioned earlier, EV charging can be done at three main levels.
Level 1 charging requires a 120- volt outlet, which is typical for a household outlet and can add between two and five miles of range per hour
of charging. Level 2 charging requires a 240- volt outlet and provides 10–
25 miles of range per hour. Level 3 DC fast charging provides an 80%
charge in around 30 minutes (Schaal, 2018). For a Honda Clarity Electric,
for instance, getting a full charge using level 1 charging takes 19 hours,
level 2 charging takes 3.5 hours, and an 80% charge can be achieved
in 30 minutes when using DC fast charging (‘Clarity FAQs’, 2017). It
is important to note, however, that different EVs have different power
“acceptance rates” and charging stations have varying power delivery
ratings. If an EV has a higher acceptance rate than the charging station’s
delivery rating, then the time it takes to charge will be limited by the charging station. If a charging station is rated for higher power delivery than
an EV’s acceptance rate, the amount of time needed for charging will be
determined by the EV (Guinn, 2018).
Many new developments in technology aimed at making EV charging more
convenient for drivers are arising. For example, Electrify America launched a
mobile app that allows users to locate a charger, pay for the charge, and track
the charging session as the EV is charging (Electrify America LLC, 2019).
Another app called “ampUp – reserved EV charging” allows users to reserve
charging stations in advance, which can be very beneficial for long- distance
trips where users need to know when and where they can recharge along
the way (ampUp). ChargeHub has a similar app that even allows users to
rate their charging experience and leave comments for other users to see
(ChargeHub, 2019).
There are several secondary issues related to EV battery charging, in addition to the basic issue of plugging in and taking in electricity. One of the
secondary issues was mentioned earlier: EVs typically have a thermal management system, and it is important to note that this system uses energy. If
the thermal management system has to cool the battery the entire time that
the EV is parked in the hot sun, some of the EV’s charge will be drained
(Connor, 2011). SPCSs combat this issue by providing shade for the EV so it
can sit in a cooler environment during the day and use solar energy for charging. For example, Envision makes SPCSs for parking lots that include solar
panels with sun- tracking technology, which is said to increase electricity production 18– 25% (Motavalli, 2010).