Electric Vehicle charging
Electric Vehicle Charging
Electric Vehicle (EV) charging is the process of replenishing batteries of electric vehicles with a plug-in charge from an external source and therefore, charging cables are a vital element of owning and operating an electric vehicle, with the technology and electricity infrastructure surrounding EV charging constantly evolving.
One of the main benefits of plug in EV charged cars and vans is that they greatly help towards reducing our dependence on ozone damaging fossil fuels such as petrol and diesel. Full Electric vehicles produce zero emissions whilst being driven so do not further damage air quality within our delicate environment. This is especially important in built up areas, where air pollution is a significant problem that causes proven health risks. Hybrid Electric Vehicles HEVs have a smaller internal combustion engine so still emit harmful carbon dioxide, albeit to a far lesser extent than a pure 100% combustion engine vehicle. They do not require an external charge however given their batteries are charged through regenerative braking.
Given the high cost of petrol or diesel means it can often be more cost-effective to fully charge an electric vehicle, rather than to fill up a traditional internal combustion vehicle with fuel. Additionally, the maintenance costs of a 100% electric vehicle, due to their reduced reliance on moving parts, is generally lower than that of a traditional combustion engine vehicle, which therefore contributes to further cost savings.
The EV charging infrastructure is also becoming more widely available, making it easier for electric vehicle owners to charge their vehicles. Charging stations can be found in various locations such as public parking lots, shopping centres, and motorway service stations. The government and private companies are also heavily investing in the development of EV charging infrastructure, which means that more charging stations will be available in the future.
You will find EV Charging points installed at homes or at the workplace, enabling people to charge their vehicles whilst they are parked. This is especially beneficial for those who have long commutes or do not have access to public charging stations. Home and workplace charging can also be carried out via an App, allowing the vehicles owner to schedule charging times and hence taking advantage of off-peak electricity rates. This means that there is no need to plan a trip to a petrol station or wait in line to fill up with fuel.
It is worth noting the three main types of electric vehicles are BEVs are known as Battery Electric Vehicles, PHEVs are known as Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles and HEVs are Hybrid Electric Vehicles.
Similarly, there are many types of home and workplace IP rated EV chargers installed externally on walls, driveways, car parks and forecourts across the UK, and because they are subject to all types of weather, they are supplied with long manufacturers warranties. They can be expensive pieces of equipment, so a host of products exist to protect them, such as protection barriers and posts.
Many Chargers are now Solar power compatible and can be electronically cable locked to prevent unauthorised use. Single gun is the most popular but dual gun options are great for families or organisations with two vehicles or more. Stand-alone charging cables normally come in 5m, 7.5m, 10m or 15metre lengths, but some charging units are tethered, thus meaning a charging cable is permanently attached to its charger. EV Chargers are available in AC or DC options, with the DC units able to rapid or ultra-rapid charge your vehicle.
Majority of EV Chargers are now Pro-Earth which are much preferred by homeowners and electricians. They negate the cost of installing a separate earth spike and range in power from 7.3Kw to 300Kw or more, with single or three phase electricity supply options.
When choosing an EV Charger, consideration should be given as to the requirements of BS7671 and specifically, the management of PEN faults. Different earthing configurations exist within properties, and it may not be possible to export the earthing arrangements of your property to your new EV charger. As a result, your installer may be required to install a dedicated earth rod adjacent to your charger, or alternatively, install additional PEN fault protection. Thankfully however, majority of chargers nowadays come equipped with pro-earth technology built in, thus negating the need for additional earth protection. Again, before purchasing an EV Charger, do discuss with a qualified electrician.
Electricity is required to power the EV charger itself and hence installing a 3core or 5core power cable, and dependant on the length of the cable run needed to reach your charger, will determine what conductor size of copper cable your electrician will install. This cable will go from your Fuse-board (consumer unit) or Distribution board directly to the EV Charger. If all or part of this cable run is under ground, your electrician will install an XLPE insulated, SWA Steel Wire Armoured (aka armoured cable) which affords it mechanical protection – SWA cables are also UV rated and come with various options, such as PVC outer sheath, or Low Smoke Zero Halogen (LSZH) black outer sheath.
Should a non-armoured multicore cable be used and be clipped to a wall along its entire length, without passing through a wall, your electrician may not deem it necessary to RCD protect the cable. With non-armoured cables and for flexibility in regards bending radius, electricians sometimes opt for double insulated PVC cable such as NYY, or H07RN-F Tough Rubber Sheathed cable, again in UV rated Black.
On the other hand, if clipped direct, a non-armoured cable passes through a wall at any point, it will require RCD protection. Your Electrical Supplier now stock an integrated EV power/data cable. It is installed between your consumer unit and your EV Charger and besides its three or five power cores, it has an integrated Screened Cat6 data cable built in. This eliminates the need for a separate stand-alone Duct Grade Cat6 data cable, which appears to be the preferred choice for installers over screened Cat5 cable, noting however that some electricians still prefer to run power cables separate to data signalling cable. Importantly, your electrician will best advise whether separate RCD protection is required because there are so many other safety factors involved, they will also advise on the best cable to use.
In conclusion, EV charging is an essential component of owning and operating an electric vehicle. Electricians are undertaking additional training to be able to competently install the infrastructure required for this transition and this also comes with the need for testing equipment such as MFT Multifunction Testers. With the future of transportation being electric and EV charging being an integral part of that future, this has also created additional revenue stream for these skilled workers.