Understanding the EV charging process

Understanding the EV charging process

Because EVs do not operate on gasoline, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates them differently than traditional gas-powered vehicles. Rather than being assessed at miles per gallon, the battery-operated EV is rated by the number of kilowatt-hours (kWh) it takes for the car to drive 100 miles. To replenish its batteries, an electric vehicle must be able to plug into electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), also commonly referred to as a charging station or electric recharging point. Unlike traditional vehicles, when an EV is approaching “empty,” you can’t simply pull into the nearest gas station and refuel in under five minutes. Electric vehicles require not only a specialized charger, but also sufficient time to replenish their batteries. 

Prior to purchasing an EV, it is critical for drivers to evaluate their commute and typical driving distances against the particular model’s battery capacity. For example, if a driver’s daily round-trip commute registers 125 miles but their EV battery covers just a 150-mile radius, this mileage window may prove risky, especially considering that EV charging stations aren’t readily available at every corner like gas stations. The good news is, charging networks are continually expanding. To help motorists-on-the-go navigate their next charge more easily, PlugShare offers a convenient map that highlights every charging station across North America.