Plug-In Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
The automobile manufacturers are starting to meet the public demand for more fuel-efficient and alternative-fuel vehicles. Some of the newest Plug-in Electric Vehicles (PEV’s) with extended driving range are now available at automobile dealerships across our country. Although it will take time for electric vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles to become the norm, they are a part of the automobile industry future and are becoming a viable option for the consumer looking to save money on fuel and reduce CO2 emissions.
To support the vehicle industry change to Plug-in Vehicles, electrical charging stations need to be available for the consumer using passenger cars and small SUV’s. The purpose of the charging system is to pump electricity into the batteries quickly and monitor the batteries to avoid damage during the charging process. The technology to make charging stations faster and smarter is developing quickly. Recently seven major automakers agreed to standardize electric vehicle chargers in the USA and Europe; this will help facilitate the planning of future infrastructure and is a good sign for consumers. The charging stations have safety features to eliminate energy theft, smart card readers for billing purposes and some of the newest designs will offer driver assistance programs for trip mapping and station location.
NEI Electric has qualified electrical designers and technicians to help prepare for one of the PEV’s or hybrid electric vehicles. Our technicians have experience installing the electrical requirements for Level II charging stations and have completed installations at commercial locations in MN and WI. Recently one of our service technicians re-worked the circuits in an existing panel to provide the required 20A grounded dedicated circuit for a new Chevrolet Volt, one of the newest hybrid electric vehicles. We are also working with customers as they prepare to provide Level II charging stations for their employees.
There are two main levels of charging an E-V currently available to the consumer:
Level I charging involves plugging the E-V into a 120v 20A grounded receptacle on a dedicated circuit. This level is adequate for over-night charging and if the EV owner has the time to wait for the charging to complete. A full charge may take from 8-22 hours depending on the type of E-V and battery pack. A full charge is not necessary to drive your E-V within 40 miles; you can drive, re-charge overnight and be ready to drive locally again the next day.
Level II supplies fast charging through a manufactured charging station capable of reducing the charge time to 4-8 hours. This is a safe, durable charging option suitable for commercial and residential applications. A Level II charging station requires a single phase, 208-240v 40A dedicated circuit which is similar to the electrical requirements of an electric dryer or range. Certain hybrid electric vehicles require a 20A or greater as previously mentioned for the Chevrolet Volt. These charging stations come as pedestal, wall or pole mounted units complete with cord holders and monitoring displays; they look like a very modern gas pump. 
Along with the local demand for convenient chargers as the industry grows, we will begin to see more of the DC Fast Charge Stations showing up as public charging stations along our roadways. These systems are able to provide up to 40 miles of range for every 10 minutes of charging. You will be able to plug-in your vehicle and go have a latte’ & scone, then off you go.
One research source forecasts that nearly 400,000 electric vehicles will be sold annually by the end of 2015. Currently most of the Plug-in Electric Vehicles used for personal use are local travelers in large metropolitan areas especially on the west coast. Fleet operators are starting to realize cost-savings by converting to plug-in or hybrid vehicles for their local and predictable routes. The driving distance of an E-V will range from about 90-100 miles to a high of 300 miles; the range on a battery charge for a hybrid electric vehicle is about 40 miles and then the gas engine recharges the battery for long distance driving. As technology continues to advance the speed and increase the driving distances to meet the demand of the consumer, we will see increasing use of electric vehicles by individuals and businesses. 
NEI Electric has qualified designers and technicians to help you prepare for Plug-in Electric Vehicles and hybrid electric vehicles. We will assess your current electrical system and help you plan for the future.
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