Have high fuel prices finally gotten you to break up with the gas station and buy an electric car? Don’t say we didn’t say, “I told you so.” According to AAA, as of this writing, the average price of gasoline in Manhattan was $5.12. That might make you nostalgic for our March 2022 post, when we reported the Manhattan average at $4.80.
Guess what. You’re not alone. Despite a scarcity of semiconductors and raw materials–as well as other supply chain issues–that held back production and caused prices to skyrocket, car buyers are purchasing electric vehicles at an unprecedented rate. The New York Times reported that Ford sold 15,300 electric cars from April through June, a 140 percent increase from a year earlier.
When it comes to electric vehicle (EV) chargers, PK Electric NYC is your trusted partner. As experienced electrical contractors, we specialize in electrical panel wiring, commercial electrician services, residential electrical services, home renovations, and electrical repairs. With the rising popularity of electric vehicles, it’s essential to have a reliable and efficient charging infrastructure. Our team ensures seamless installation and maintenance of EV chargers, providing you with a convenient and eco-friendly charging solution. Whether you’re a homeowner or a business owner, we have the expertise to meet your EV charging needs. Drive into the future with PK Electric NYC.
So, say you’re lucky enough to get your hands on your first electric car this year. Your fuel woes will be over, but one question will remain. How are you going to charge it?
Five Fun Facts About Electric Car Chargers
1 – They Come in Three Varieties
As we wrote on this blog in March 2021, EVSE (electric vehicle supply equipment) or chargers come in three types that require different degrees of voltage.
- Level 1 chargers are the slow pokes of the bunch. They require 120 volts of power and can take 16-40 hours to fully charge your car. The plus is you can plug them in basically anywhere.
- Level 2 chargers are significantly faster. They require 240 volts and, depending on your car, can deliver a full charge between 3.5 and 8 hours. You’ll have to have a Level 2 charger professionally installed.
- Level 3 chargers won’t be found in too many residential settings. They can deliver a full charge in as fast as 15 minutes. They require 480 volts of power and can usually only be found at public fueling stations.
2 – You Can’t Just Use an Extension Cord
Electric cars are pretty high-tech. First off, the plug on a standard extension cord won’t fit. Secondly, there is a communication process that needs to take place between the car and the EVSE. If the “handshake” doesn’t take place, the car won’t accept power.
3 – The Charger is Inside the Car
EVSE chargers aren’t really chargers at all. The charger is actually inside the car. EVSE units connect your car to electricity and then tell your call how much power it is allowed to draw. Most importantly, they disconnect your car from electricity once a charge is complete or if anything should go wrong.
4 – One Size Fits All Most
EV chargers are not universal. Most electric vehicles use a J1772 charger for Level 1 and Level 2 charging. Most (but not all) EVs use a CSS Combo connector for fast charging. Some cars use the CHAdeMO plug. Tesla uses its own proprietary equipment for its superchargers.
5 – They Can Be Smart
Like just about everything else you can plug into your home, EVSE equipment can talk with Alexa, Google, Apple, or any of a variety of smart home systems. Smart home-enabled chargers can set up reminders, schedule charging time, send you notifications if your charging is interrupted, and a bunch of other features that can save you a lot of money.
Are You Ready to Take Charge?
We perform all manners of level 2 charger installations for both inside and outside your home or business. And as a licensed contractor approved by Con Edison, all work done by PK & Altman Electric’s expert staff is guaranteed to meet New York City safety code standards.
Call us today for a free consultation. From estimate to project completion, our team of licensed electricians in on-hand to help you choose and install the charging solution that’s right for you.
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