Range anxiety is one of the biggest barriers to adopting electric vehicles. Sharing private charging stations helps to eliminate this issue for EV owners.
EV drivers can use a smartphone app to locate nearby chargers, which type of vehicle they can charge at and whether the station is functional. They can also book a specific one hour time slot. Discover more at betl.
Level 1
Using regular household outlets, level 1 charging is simple and cost-effective. Most EVs come with their own level 1 charging cable and can be plugged into standard outlets without any additional equipment or installation.
Level 1 charging is the slowest and most affordable option, but it’s still sufficient for daily commuting and overnight charging. It takes roughly eight hours to replenish the average EV’s battery to full capacity.
Level 1 EV chargers can be installed indoors or outdoors and can be fixed to walls or pedestals. Some have features that help to prevent abuse and vandalism – like locked holsters – and create safer environments for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists – like cable management solutions. Some also have connected features, enabling visibility, reporting and energy management capabilities. These features make level 1 charging an ideal choice for public, on-street EV charging. EV drivers appreciate the simplicity and affordability of this type of station. It is also an excellent way for organizations to attract EV drivers and support local businesses.
Level 2
Level 2 sharing charging stations provide a higher voltage of electricity to EVs. They offer a faster charging experience than their 120-volt counterparts and can help reduce range anxiety for EV drivers. They are ideal for commercial spaces like office parking lots and multifamily communities.
These charging stations use a specialized connector, called a J1772, which is compatible with most EVs. They also have standard safety features. Some homeowners may not have enough electrical capacity to support a Level 2 charger, but an electrician can add additional circuits to accommodate this equipment.
In addition to providing a convenient charging solution, these stations feature engaging media screens that elevate the user experience. They are a great way to attract attention, promote your brand, and encourage usage among your customers and employees.
Load Management
Load management is essential for commercial EV charging. It distributes power according to specifications so that you don’t exceed your site’s maximum electrical capacity and cause a power outage. This feature is important because it can prevent you from paying high electricity rates during peak demand times.
The best smart EV chargers support load sharing and provide a better user experience for drivers. With features like dual connectors, APP control, and CE certification, these charging stations foster a sense of inclusivity and trust within the community.
A centralized cloud-based management platform also provides data about how charging station performance is performing. This information is analyzed and visualized in real-time. The system can then adjust the distribution of power to improve efficiency, enabling more vehicles to charge. This method of distributing power is also referred to as dynamic allocation. It adjusts the amount of power distributed to each EV charging station based on current and future demand.
Private Chargers
For many EV drivers, an at-home charger is a critical part of the charging experience. It allows them to control usage, charge during off-peak hours, and save energy costs while increasing property value.
When it comes to multifamily properties, some tenants may prefer private charging over shared arrangements. It’s also common for owners of multifamily buildings to install a mix of private and shared chargers, allowing them to split the upfront and ongoing network fees, software, upgrades, etc.
In any case, the amount of use a charging station receives can affect its performance. High usage can lead to more maintenance requests and downtime, while fewer uses can increase the lifespan of the hardware. In either case, implementing a booking system is a great way to avoid these issues and ensure consistent use.
