With the increasing popularity of electric vehicles (EVs), planning a road trip requires a bit more preparation compared to traditional gas-powered cars. EVs offer numerous benefits, including reduced environmental impact and cost savings on fuel, but they also come with unique challenges, such as finding a vacation rental, hotel or camping site that offers the possibility of charging to reduce range anxiety.
This article explores the essentials of charging levels and offers guidance on choosing the right charger for your vehicle and trip.
First of all, planning in advance where to stay can be an effective way to ensure that you have the possibility to charge your EV when you need it. Before booking your holiday home, find out about the type of electric vehicle chargers available and their accessibility. We recommend that you confirm the dates of your stay a few days before your arrival to ensure that the charger is free to be used during your stay. A reliable charging solution can improve your holiday experience, allowing you to concentrate on enjoying your trip rather than worrying about charging your vehicle.
What to know about different charging levels
Level 1 Chargers
The most basic ones, typically supplied with the electric vehicle purchase. They use a standard 120-volt AC household outlet and supply power at a slow rate, between 1.2 kW and 1.4 kW.
These chargers are ideal for:
- Overnight home charging, especially if you choose a long stay at hotels or vacation rental.
- Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), having smaller batteries compared to fully electric vehicles.
- A backup charging alternative when faster charging options are not available.
Level 2 Chargers
Level 2 chargers use a 240-volt AC outlet and deliver power between 3 kW and 19 kW, depending on the specific vehicle and charger capabilities.
These features make Level 2 chargers ideal for:
- Overnight home charging for all types of EVs, .
DC Fast Chargers
Also known as Level 3 chargers, they use direct current and they are the fastest type of EV chargers available. DC Fast Chargers deliver between 50 kW to 350 kW and can charge an EV to 80% in 20 to 40 minutes.
These features make DC Fast Chargers ideal for:
- Long-distance travels, allowing drivers to quickly stop during road trips and recharge on the highway.
Therefore, selecting the appropriate EV charger for your vehicle and trip depends on several factors, including your travel itinerary and the duration of your stay.
It is then important to check the compatibility of your vehicle with the charger at your holiday location. Usually EVs have JI772 connectors for Level 1 and Level 2 charging, while Teslas come with an adapter for these chargers.
With the El-Monde app you can access a network of private chargers in your holiday home, thanks to which you no longer have to worry about wasting time looking for public charging stations, thus being able to fully enjoy your electric car journey.
El-Monde is a unique new app that helps you to discover vacation homes with EV chargers on various booking platforms at one place!
In conclusion, knowing the different types of electric vehicle chargers and knowing how to choose the right one for the type of trip you want to take is crucial for a trouble-free holiday. You can thus ensure an enjoyable and uninterrupted experience.
