|
ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING SOLUTIONS |
| |
|
The age of the electric vehicle (EV) is here! |
|
|
|
All major vehicle manufacturers have now released pure electric and
hybrid (fossil fuel and electric) electric vehicles to the market.
There are also electric buses now operating on the public highway. The
release of these vehicles has introduced the need for innovative EV
charging solutions (compliant with IEC 61851 standard) in domestic,
commercial and industrial locations. |
|
|
|
EV charging in reality. |
|
|
|
As of today, most EV charger installations deploy two so-called modes
of EV charging. We take you through these modes below, known as Mode 3
and Mode 4 charging. |
|
|
|
MODE 3 charging. |
|
|
|
If you own an electric vehicle, it will probably be compliant with
Mode 3 charging, known as ‘Fast Charging’ at either a power typically
of 7.2Kw (single phase, 230V AC, 32amps) or 22Kw (three phase, 400V
AC, 32 amps per phase) and will take between 3 and 4 hours to fully
charge. This type of charging is suitable for properties with
off-street parking such as a driveway or garage and public spaces such
as carparks and on-street. The fast chargers in these instances are
connected to the vehicle via Type 1 ‘Yazaki’ BSEN 62196-2 plug or Type
2 ‘Mennekes’ BSEN 62196-2 compliant plug. The Type 2 Mennekes plug is
the most common variant of EV charger connection in use in the market
today. In the instance of off-street Mode 3 EV chargers, such chargers
are socketed and require a separate charging cable terminated in
either a Type 1 Yazaki plug and an inlet connector or Type 2 Mennekes
plug and an inlet connector. |
|
|
|
In the instance of on-street/public space Mode 3 EV chargers, such
chargers are usually equipped with tethered charging cables
(permanently connected to the EV charger) terminated in either a Type
1 Yazaki plug or Type 2 Mennekes plug. This tethered cable then plugs
directly into the electric vehicle to charge it. |
|
|
|
In both instances of Mode 3 EV charger, the AC power is delivered to
the vehicle, with the DC charger being contained within the vehicle. |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
MODE 4 charging. |
|
|
|
Some electric vehicles support Mode 4 charging. This enhanced type of
charging is known as ‘Rapid Charge’ and can only be delivered to
vehicles that are Rapid-Charge compliant. This is because Mode 4 rapid
chargers can deliver up to 150Kw power. The EV charger in this mode
can deliver direct current (DC) at up to 600 volts at 400 amps. This
is the only mode of charging where the DC charger is off-board, i.e.
it is not incorporated in the vehicle. As such a large volume of power
can be delivered, inter charger/vehicle communication is required
along with stringent electrical safety features. The DC charging
connection to the electric vehicle will be invariably by tethered
charging cable terminated in a Combined Charging System (CCS) plug to
a compliant vehicle input connector. |
|
|
|
AETCS Electrical Contractors Ltd is fully qualified to City &
Guilds 2919-01 (Domestic, Commercial and Industrial Electric Vehicle
Charging Equipment Installation). We can deliver: |
|
|
|
> |
Pre-EV charger installation
load surveys and earthing type and quality assessments. |
| |
|
|
> |
Circuit design for all
types of EV charger installations. |
| |
|
|
> |
Advice on circuit
protection and installation of EV charging solutions. |
| |
|
|
> |
Full inspection and testing
of EV charger installations. |
|
|
|
|
> |
Maintenance and testing of
EV charging installations. |
|
|
|
|
Contact AETCS Electrical Contractors today for expert advice and
delivery of your EV charger solution that meets your needs. |
|
|
