Topic: Do you need an EV charger for your hybrid car?
Title: All You Need to Know About EV Chargers for your Hybrid Car
The current improvements in technology happening global calls for a shift in different industries. One of the most affected is the transport industry, where a lot of conventional petrol and diesel vehicles will soon go out of style if the trend of increased electric vehicles is anything to go by. Many people seem to be buying the idea of owning electric cars because of convenience and environmental safety. If you are one of those considering buying into the idea of electric hybrid cars, then you may want to sort out a few issues first, including the charging bit.
While it may seem like a big deal moving towards the adoption and full use of electric hybrid cars, they seem to be the future of transport in the world. It is only reasonable, therefore, to prepare for it. This involves gathering all the information you need about how these cars operate and what you need to gain maximally.
How do Hybrids Operate?
Hybrids have been around for a long time, considering the advantages they come with. However, they are slowly taking a back seat with the increase of electric vehicles. It does not mean that they do not exist; on the contrary, their popularity is still high. These cars combine the petrol or diesel engine with an electric motor, meaning that users save on a lot of things, not to mention the tax exemptions they get on something like lower first-year road tax and company car tax. Users also benefit from reduced congestion charges. Environment sensitive people love the fact that these cars emit less carbon dioxide hence cause less air pollution.
But how do these cars charge, and is it so much of a hustle to charge them? As mentioned previously, these cars combine normal fuel engines with an electric motor. First thing, though, it is important to understand the different types of hybrids that exist today.
- Full Hybrids
These cars use their electric powers, petrol power, or a combination of both. They tend to hold and store a small amount of electrical power, which comes in handy when the fuel in the combustion engine runs out. What’s more, it can also use electric power solely, especially when driving short distances at lower speeds. However, there is no need to worry because the battery charges fast. All you need to do is always have a charging point in mind.
- Mild Hybrids
While it has the same features as the full hybrid, it differs in that the two power sources must work together. The electric motor exists to support the petrol or diesel combustion engine.
- Pug-in Hybrids
These cars work when plugged in to use electrical batteries. They fall under the long-range classification. You can still use the combustion engine with it.
- REX Hybrids
Rex Hybrids have petrol-powered onboard generators that charge the batteries. No power from the combustion motor translates to the wheels.
Charging Electric Hybrid Cars
From the examples of cars above, it is clear that everyone can find a suitable match. The next big question, therefore, would be how to charge them. Read on to discover solutions that work.
The charging will depend on the type of car you choose. You can consider public charging points, or install a home one. If you are lucky, your work station may also have one. In case you are considering installing a charging station at home, then you may want to look at the following expert solutions and suggestions.
- Single or 3 phase: This will allow for higher charging capacities
- Wall or pole mounting: In this case, the charging station goes on the wall or pole. You will have to consider the parking space distance vs. charging cable length.
- Charge card: Electric car uses probably own a card pass, which comes in handy when charging at public places. Hold the card in front of the charging station to activate the charging process. A similar solution can work for home use.
- Fixed/separate cable: Charging stations differ. Some come with fixed cables while others need separate cables to work.
- Single/ double charger: The two options work. However, expert advice on the double charger helps cut down on installation costs in case you bring more electric cars in the future.
- Offline poles/ online charging stations: Offline stations are fixed to the car and work when plugged in. Online stations, on the other hand, is flexible since you can remote control it.
Knowing which charging System works for you
Before selecting a charging option, be sure to talk to experts that offer these services. Making a smart choice from the onset spares you the stress of having to undo a mistake. Speaking to an industry expert makes it easy for you to identify the types of chargers you need. There are several options available, depending on your needs. These are:
- Rapid chargers: Comes with AC and DC, each having 43kW minimum power. This translates to an 80% battery charge in half an hour to one hour. It works for cars with more advanced features like the Tesla Model S.
- Fast chargers: These have 7kW and 22kW power and take up to 4 hours to charge fully.
- Slow chargers: They come with 3kW power and work on an overnight charging to get the battery full.
The bottom line is that EV users should always seek advice when it comes to finding charging solutions for their cars. Rushing to find a solution without consulting can be a pricey mistake. Hybrid cars are here to stay considering the direction the world is moving to. As more people accept and adopt these solutions, the need for reliable charging systems will also increase.