If you are considering making the switch to electric cars, you should first and foremost find out about charging stations.
If you are considering making the switch to electric cars, you should first and foremost find out about charging stations. In fact, there are several types that differ according to power, charging speed and other points. It is important to know how to identify the one that is right for you and the car you are planning to buy. Just discover the different charging stations available in Quebec.
Level 1 charging stations are considered to be the least powerful on the market and offer the slowest charging time. To charge your car, simply plug the cable supplied with your vehicle into a standard wall outlet. The level 1 terminal uses alternating current and has a power of 1.2 kW.
Since the charging time is relatively long, it takes up to 20 hours to obtain 36 kWh, or the equivalent of a range of 180 km. This terminal is therefore impractical for quickly obtaining autonomy. On the other hand, since you use a regular wall outlet, you can charge your car just about anywhere.
Level 2 charging stations use alternating current. The power they deliver ranges from 6.2 to 7.2 kW, but some commercial models can go up to 19.2 kW. It is the most common charging station currently and the most recommended for electric vehicle users, whether for domestic or commercial use.
Level 2 charging stations are space-saving and their installation costs are quite respectable. Level 2 charging stations in Quebec use a universal SAE J1772 connector compatible with the main North American electric vehicle models.
Three sub-categories of Level 2 charging stations are available, namely:
This type of terminal is installed at home for domestic use. It is essential to have it at home if you have an electric car. This station allows you to charge your vehicle when you are not using it, giving you full autonomy every time you go out with it. It charges your battery five times faster than a level 1 station, allowing you to fully charge your car overnight. Residential charging stations can be installed both inside and outside. The models from the biggest brands can withstand temperatures ranging from -40°C to 50°C.
Unlike residential charging stations, commercial models are intended for more intensive use. A terminal can recharge a fleet of cars and has a power of up to 19.2 kW. It can be installed in an open-air car park or indoors, and depending on the model, it can be mounted on a base or fixed to the wall. Some terminals are also equipped with a cable management system in order to minimize the risk of damage to them in busy areas. Finally, smart functions can be installed on commercial terminals. In particular, this makes it possible to distribute power fairly over the entire network of terminals in a building.
Level 2 public charging stations are generally located in curbside parking areas. These devices are specially designed to allow quick charging and intense use. These bollards are very resistant to falls and possible acts of vandalism. Public charging stations are used both for people who do not have terminals in their home, and for people who pass through a public place and who want to take advantage of them to refuel.
This third type of charging station uses direct current to function. The charging time is very fast, restoring almost 80% of the car's battery capacity in a very short time. Above this percentage, the charging speed slows down in order to preserve the battery. The power of a Level 3 charging station can range from 25 kW to over 350 kW.
This type of charging station is particularly expensive to install. In fact, it is much more cumbersome because of its power. The use of direct current also requires the establishment of a specific infrastructure.
Level 3 charging stations are very useful when you make long trips that cannot be done all at once with the autonomy of your vehicle. Thanks to this device, you can get back on the road in a few minutes, time to have lunch or take a break at a rest area.
Generally located in public areas, Level 3 charging stations are designed to be weatherproof and vandalism proof. They are very reliable and are compatible with almost all existing electric cars.
Charging stations are the symbol of the transition to electricity, which is an effort to preserve the environment. The Quebec government, like many other authorities around the world, welcomes this gesture and encourages households to go electric. To do this, a grant of 600 dollars is offered to you for any purchase and installation of a 240 V charging station in your home.
Since January 1, 2021, it is necessary to provide proof of installation of your device in order to benefit from this financial assistance. According to the “Drive Green” program established in Quebec, a bonus of $7,000 is given to you when you buy a new electric vehicle with a maximum MSRP of $65,000.
