Top 10 most frequently asked questions about charging stations

If you're a new owner of an electric vehicle, or plan to become one soon, chances are you've got a few questions on your mind when it comes to charging stations. Indeed, when you own an electric vehicle, having a charging station at home is a must if you want to get the most out of the EV experience.

We've put together a list of the most frequently asked questions about buying and installing a Level 2 charging station.

10 most frequently asked questions about charging stations

1. WHAT IS A LEVEL 2 CHARGING STATION?

A Level 2 (240-volt) charging station is a charging station for electric vehicles that offers a higher current flow than Level 1 (110-volt) stations. This means you can recharge your vehicle faster. A Level 2 charging station recharges an EV within 4 hours to 9 hours, depending on the battery's capacity, i.e. 6 to 10 times faster than a Level 1 station. This is the most recommended type of charging station for home charging.

2. SHOULD I BUY A LEVEL 2 CHARGING STATION OR USE THE PUBLIC ONES?

The answer to this question depends on your driving habits and the availability of public or workplace charging stations. However, considering that over 90% of charging is done at home, owning a charging station is a real advantage. For example, you can be sure that the charging station is always available, accessible and functional, which is not always the case with public charging stations, even though the network is constantly evolving. On-road charging stations are also subject to a charge, so investing in a home charging station can bring a better return on investment over time.

3. HOW MUCH DOES A LEVEL 2 CHARGING STATION COST?

The cost of a Level 2 charging station will depend on the make and model you choose. On average, you can expect to pay between $800 and $1,575 for a Level 2 charging station. Installation costs vary, since every home is different. The cost of installing a charging station will depend on the type of installation you choose, the distance between the station and the electrical panel, and any modifications you need to make to your existing installation.

4. ARE THERE ANY SUBSIDIES AVAILABLE FOR THE PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF A LEVEL 2 CHARGING STATION?

The Québec government offers financial assistance of $600 for the purchase and installation of a Level 2 charging station. To take advantage of this program, you must fill out a government form and send it in yourself. Our experts at BEQ Technology can help you with this process. Also, more and more municipalities are offering subsidies to their residents. Check the list to see if your city offers such a program!

5. WHO CAN INSTALL A LEVEL 2 CHARGING STATION?

It is strongly recommended that you use a qualified electrician to install a Level 2 charging station. Make sure that the installer you choose is qualified and also experienced in the installation of electric vehicle charging stations. All installers in the BEQ Technology network are certified to install charging stations. In addition, professional installation is required in order to benefit from the government subsidy on the installation of the charging station.

6. HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO RECHARGE MY ELECTRIC VEHICLE WITH A LEVEL 2 CHARGING STATION?

Charging time depends on several factors, including the capacity of the electric vehicle's battery, the power of the Level 2 charging station and the difference between the battery's current charge level and the desired charge level. In general, a Level 2 charging station can deliver between 7.2 and 12 kilowatts of power, which can recharge a fully discharged electric car between 4 and 9 hours, depending on the battery capacity and vehicle and battery models. It's important to check your vehicle's specifications for more precise information on recharging times.

7. ARE ALL CHARGING STATIONS COMPATIBLE WITH MY ELECTRIC VEHICLE?

Yes, all the charging stations sold by BEQ Technology have a SAE J1772 connector (the charging gun). This connector is compatible with all plug-in electric and hybrid vehicles sold in North America. Tesla models now also include an SAE J1772 connector, despite their different plugs.

8. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A STANDARD CHARGING STATION AND A SMART CHARGING STATION?

Smart charging stations are equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity and offer certain advanced features that standard charging stations do not. For example, a smart charging station comes with an application that connects the station to your cell phone. You can track your charging statistics in real time, start charging remotely and manage access to your charging station from your phone using the included app.

9. DO I HAVE TO CHARGE MY ELECTRIC VEHICLE EVERY DAY?

It's not necessary to recharge your electric vehicle every day. It depends on your daily use of the vehicle and the battery's charge level. Most electric vehicles have a range of over 200 km, with recent models now averaging 400 km. For most people, this is more than enough range for daily commuting without the need for daily recharging. If you use your vehicle for longer journeys, you may need to recharge more often

10. CAN YOU LEAVE YOUR ELECTRIC CAR PLUGGED IN EVEN WHEN IT'S FULLY CHARGED?

Yes, in most cases... because most new-generation cars run battery heating cycles (or cooling cycles during heatwaves) to maintain optimum battery capacity and efficiency. For Tesla cars, among others, it's advisable not to leave your vehicle with a 100% charged battery for too long, especially if you don't intend to use it in the near future. Instead, Tesla recommends limiting recharging to 90%, except on long journeys.

Didn't this article answer your questions about charging stations? Our experts are always available to enlighten you and help you make the right choice, so you can get the most out of your electric vehicle with the best charging solutions. Don't hesitate to contact us!