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Recharging Electric Cars Away From Home: What To Expect

 
8 1,175 views August 13, 2010

Mitsubishi i-MiEV electric car at quick charging station

Mitsubishi i-MiEV electric car at quick charging station

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If there's one thing any advocate of the electric car gets asked more than anything else, it's about range: "How far will it go? How long does it take to recharge? 8 hours!? I'd take me weeks to travel across the country!..."

Help is at hand though, as there are several organizations here in the U.S. whose aim it is to develop an electric vehicle infrastructure that's comprehensive and advanced enough to make EV travel as convenient - if not more so - than it is in fossil-fuel powered cars.

Representatives from ChargePoint America, ECOtality, the Eaton Corporation and General Motors were all present to provide consumer advice at a press conference a few days back hosted by the Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA).

One of the subjects covered was the public charging network. A comprehensive network is vital to the mainstream success of the electric vehicle (although early adopters are less likely to require them).

While cars like the 2011 Tesla Roadster (roughly 200 miles) and 2011 Nissan Leaf (up to 100 miles) are fine for shorter journeys, only the upcoming 2011 Chevrolet Volt can be considered truly usable as a primary car thanks to its range-extender gasoline engine.

Fans of pure electric cars however will have to wait for fast chargers if they're to tackle longer distances.

The good news: they are coming.

Mike Dixon, Product Line Manager on electric vehicle chargers at the Eaton Corporation, explained how the different types of chargers available would be strategically placed for best effect. Residential "Type 1" 120 volt chargers would be effectively useless outside of home charging, because they take so long, so the network focus is on "Type 2" 240 volt and "Type 3" fast chargers.

You're most likely to encounter a Type 2 charger at your place of work. The 4-6 hour charge time at 240v and 30 amps would allow you to hop into your fully-charged EV at the end of the working day. Other areas you're likely to encounter type 2 chargers are in restaurant or movie theater parking lots - places where you're likely to get a good 2 or 3 hours of charge time while you enjoy your evening.






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Comments (8)

  1. By Essiemme Posted: 8/13/2010 9:44am PDT

    Well,
    Here, in Portugal, I can see already reserved spots in Malls's parking zones. The equipment is still not there, though, but our government is very commited to help implement this revolutionary structure.
    That's it folks, we ARE really watching live a great vehicle revolution, starting to happen...
    (Essiemme) - Portugal / Europe
     
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  2. By Eletruk Posted: 8/13/2010 9:58am PDT

    First off, people need to understand the EV is the car you use for everyday driving... home - work - home. That's 70% of your yearly driving. You can also use the EV for those random trips to the store or to pick the kids up from soccer, or whatever. Not buying an EV because you can't drive across country (yet never actually ever drive cross country) makes as much sense as people that buy SUVs because it can tow a boat or trailer that they don't own or ever actually buy. The argument has no merit. Most people never drive farther than 25 miles from their home (which is why most accidents occur within 25 miles of their home). The real issue is that people are used to getting 300 or so miles on a tank, yet never actually drive that 300 miles in a day. It takes a little rethink to say "I really only drive about 50 miles a day, so 100 miles is more than enough.", especially when you consider that in the morning, you are already refilled (assuming you plugged in last night) and never have to stop at a gas station again.
     
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  3. By egm Posted: 8/13/2010 5:13pm PDT

    Level 3 fast-charge is great news, 500V DC at 100A or 50 kW, will charge a 25 kWh battery like the Leaf to 80% in 20 minutes.
    EV Oasis uses underground battery "bunkers" to store electricity from renewables or off-peak grid, then deliver fast charges as needed.
    www.EVoasis.com
     
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  4. By Jimza Skeptic Posted: 8/13/2010 6:02pm PDT

    As much as this crowd may hate to hear it, I am willing to bet that Walmart figures out how to optimize placement of chargers at their stores throughout the country and make it work. They will profit from a nominal charging fee along with you running in to purchase a few items. Admit it guys, they have the muscle to pull it off.
     
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  5. By alec Posted: 8/13/2010 11:11pm PDT

    @Jimza.From your mouth to god's ears.But Jimza,why do you think that we hate Walmart?I think that you have got the wrong impression about the people on this site.Let us hope that everybody places fast chargers everywhere( I mean all the big guys,McD,....) and then people will decide where to charge.....as long as there is option it's all good!
     
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  6. By B-Man Posted: 8/14/2010 12:36pm PDT

    Oh, this country is full of entreprenours! There will be charging stations everywhere within about 3-4 years. This gig is gonna start slow and build larger and larger as time moves along.
     
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  7. By  Lifted trucks Posted: 8/16/2010 3:53am PDT

    I am also a very big fan of electric cars, and I have my own 2011 Tesla Roadster and I am very happy with it's performance; but for long picnics I never use it and wish to get some new electric car with 500 miles capacity.
     
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  8. By Estong Posted: 11/21/2010 3:37am PST

    Auto makers of electric cars are competing on which one of their makes can go further distance on battery charge. Why not build electic car that accepts and used standard battery. A one for all type of battery that fits every electric car on the market. This way there is no need for charging station. Auto battery manufacturers can develop a universal battery. Distribute them and ready at every gas station. Drivers of electric cars can just stop at gas station swap the weak battery with the fresh one and off they go. No need for hours of waiting to charge battery. We have the technology. This may open another market for auto battey makers. Instead of auto battery charging station, this could be just a auto battery store recycling station.
     
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