Welcome to EVCS! We’re excited to have you on board. This guide will help you understand the basics of charging with us, from the types of chargers available to how to manage your sessions and what affects charging speed.
Understanding charging options
EVCS offers two main types of charging:
Level 2 charging
- Provides a slower charge compared to Level 3.
- Ideal for overnight or extended parking.
Level 3 (DC Fast) charging
- Significantly faster than Level 2 charging.
- Provides rapid charging, ideal for quick top-ups on long trips.
- Ideal for rideshare drivers and high-mileage vehicles.
Charging with the EVCS app or on a Pay As You Go basis
Using the EVCS app
- Pay As You Go: Start a session via the app without a subscription.
- Subscription plans: Choose a plan to enjoy benefits like a monthly charging allotment and reduced rates. Subscription plans provide both effective rates and overage rates for additional charging.
Without the EVCS app
- Pay As You Go (non-members): Use the on-station card reader or scan the station’s QR code with your phone to start a session on the web. This option is available for those who prefer not to use the app.
Connector types supported
EVCS supports various connector types to accommodate different electric vehicles:
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J-1772: Provided on Level 2 chargers
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CCS (Combined Charging System): Available on Level 3 chargers
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CHAdeMO: Also available on Level 3 chargers
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NACS (Tesla): Available for Tesla vehicles on Level 3 chargers
Factors affecting charging speed
Several factors can impact how quickly your vehicle charges:
- Station ratings: Higher-rated stations can deliver faster charging speeds.
- Site load: The total load on the site can affect individual charging speeds.
- Station load: If multiple vehicles are charging at the same station simultaneously, speeds may be reduced.
- Ambient temperature: Extreme temperatures can impact charging efficiency.
- Vehicle charging curve: Includes factors like the vehicle's current charge level, battery condition, battery temperature, and maximum charge rate.
- Demand response: Adjustments by electrical grid operators to manage area-wide electricity demand may affect charging speeds.
Charging time estimates
Charging times vary based on several factors including the type of charger, your vehicle’s battery size, and its current charge level. Here’s a general overview:
- Level 2: Typically takes several hours or more to fully charge a vehicle.
- Level 3: Typically charges a vehicle from 20% to 80% in less than an hour.
Additional resources:
We hope this guide helps you get started with EVCS. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out to our support team.