Powering Up: How Residential Electric Vehicle Charging Technology Has Evolved
Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular. This is especially true since the cost of gas continues to rise and puts a strain on people’s wallets. But without convenient charging options, they wouldn’t be as practical. The evolution of residential EV charging technology has been critical in making electric cars a viable option for many people.
Early Days of EV Charging
The first electric vehicles appeared in the late 19th century, but their adoption was limited due to several factors. Limited range and a lack of charging infrastructure were significant hinderances, and residential charging technology was not even a thing. Early charging stations were simple outlets that could take hours to fully charge a vehicle. It was a slow and inconvenient process that prevented the widespread adoption of EVs.
The Rise of Level 1 and Level 2 Charging
As EV technology advanced, so did charging options. Thus, level one and level two chargers came onto the scene. Level 1 charging uses a standard household outlet and is suitable for overnight charging. While convenient, it’s relatively slow. Level 2 charging stations provide faster charging speeds and are typically installed in homes, workplaces, and public charging stations.
Modern Chargers Contain Smart Technology
Modern chargers are packed with a whole host of smart technology. They can communicate with your car to optimize charging speed and efficiency. Imagine being able to control how your car charges from your phone. These chargers come with smartphone apps that let you start and stop charging, set charging schedules, and even monitor the level of your car battery. Some chargers can tell you how much it costs to charge your car to help you manage your energy usage. It’s like having a personal assistant for your electric car.
The Future of EV Charging
The future of EV charging is bright with ongoing research and development focused on improving charging speeds and expanding charging infrastructure. Wireless charging technology is also gaining traction to offer a convenient and hassle-free charging experience. As the number of electric vehicles continues to grow, we can expect to see even more innovative residential charging solutions emerge.
Whether you have an older EV charger or one with smart technology, maintenance is critical. This will allow a licensed electrician to find and fix minor problems to avoid major disasters. During your service call, the electrician will inspect all the wires and cables, clean the system thoroughly, and repair or replace components that need it. For the best results, you must schedule maintenance annually. If you have not had maintenance performed on your EV charger this year, call Henninger Electric in Cedar Falls, IA without delay.
