When you look around on the roads, you will notice an increasing number of electric vehicles (EVs). Governments worldwide are actively encouraging companies to develop new energy technologies and advocating for people to embrace electric vehicles as a green way to protect our planet.
With the rapid development of EVs, EV chargers have become essential for many vehicle owners. There are several EV charger types available in the market, and we will provide a brief introduction to them below:
Classification by Charging Type: EV chargers can be mainly divided into AC chargers and DC chargers.
AC chargers are categorized as Level 1 and Level 2 EV chargers, commonly referred to as slow EV chargers and fast EV chargers. Level 1 chargers can be used at home directly, while Level 2 chargers require the installation of a 240V outlet.
DC chargers are also known as super EV chargers or Level 3 EV chargers. Level 2 chargers are typically used in home charging stations, often referred to as home EV chargers, while Level 3 chargers are more commonly found in public charging stations. Level 3 chargers can charge your car quickly, which is why many people call them super EV chargers.
Main EV Charger Connector Types: Two primary connector types for EV chargers are the J1772 connector and the Mennekes Connector.
SAE J1772, also known as a J plug or Type 1 connector, is a charging standard primarily used in North America and Japan. It features five pins and can deliver up to 80 amps using a 240V input, providing a maximum power output of 19.2 kW.
Mennekes, also known as Type 2 connector, is a charging standard prevalent in Europe. It features seven pins and can deliver up to 40 amps using a 400V input, providing a maximum power output of 22 kW.
Classification Based on Service Objects: EV chargers can be categorized into public EV chargers, dedicated EV chargers, and home EV chargers.
Public EV chargers are typically procured by government agencies and other public service institutions. They are available for use by any electric vehicle owner and are often located in public places, such as public parking lots.
Dedicated EV chargers are primarily installed by companies and are intended to serve their customers and internal employees. These chargers are commonly found in shopping mall parking lots.
Home EV chargers are private charging stations installed in residential areas and are not open to the public.
EV Charger Plug Types for power supply: Different countries may use various plug types for EV chargers. For example, North America uses the US Type or NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association) connectors.
The most common plug for Level 1 and Level 2 EV chargers in North America is the NEMA 5-15 or NEMA 14-50 plug. The former is a standard household plug, while the latter is a 240V plug commonly used for Level 2 chargers..
Classification Based on Installation Conditions: EV chargers can be divided into vertical EV chargers and wall-mounted EV chargers.
Vertical EV chargers do not need to be mounted against a wall, making them suitable for outdoor parking spaces or residential parking areas.
Wall-mounted EV chargers must be fixed to a wall, and they are suitable for both indoor and outdoor parking spaces, including underground parking areas.
AMPROAD is an EV charger factory that focuses on the North American market, supplying Level 2 home EV chargers with J1772 connectors. These are AC EV chargers which can be both vertical and wall-mounted installation.