ELECTRIC VEHICLE (EV) CHARGING

Charging your electric vehicle shouldn’t be complicated

Installing an EV charging station at home does not have to be a daunting task!
At Solar Electric Africa we specialise in providing residential, office and commercial electric vehicle charging installation services. We offer comprehensive consultation from site assessment, design, procurement, installation and project management.
Since we are an independent installation company we can offer you an EV charging solution that best suits your needs.
Installing an EV charger at home can make ownership of an electric vehicle more practical, convenient, and cost-effective. It’s not only convenient but increases your EV’s battery range and improves the resale value of your home.
Not sure which charger is right for you. Make an appointment today and we will gladly visit you for an obligation free quotation and free assessment of your existing electrical infrastructure to determine what type of EV charger is right for you.

What are the different types of EV Chargers

EV chargers are not complicated but they are a bit more involved than filling your car with petrol. As an EV owner, you need to understand charging speeds, battery sizes and different types of connectors. It can seem a bit confusing at first but we will try and give a high-level overview of the different types of chargers and plugs. There are three types of chargers: Slow, Fast and Rapid.

Level 1 - Slow EV Charger

Level 1 chargers are the most economical and common type of EV charger, and they come standard with the purchase of an electric car. They are designed to plug into a standard 230 Volt socket outlet, so no additional wiring is required to install them. The main drawback of Level 1 charging is that it can take significantly longer to charge an EV compared to Level 2 or Level 3 DC fast charging options. Depending on the model of the electric vehicle and its battery size, it could take over to 24 hours to fully recharge a battery with a Level 1 charger.

Level 2 - Fast EV Charger

Level 2 chargers provide faster-charging speeds than Level 1 chargers, as they are connected directly into your main distribution as opposed to 240V wall plug outlets. These chargers can typically recharge an EV battery in about four hours, depending on the size of the battery. However, installing one requires additional electrical wiring that needs to be done by a professional electrician in order for it to be done safely and correctly. Level 2 EV chargers are commonly installed in homes and businesses.

Level 3 - Rapid EV Charger

Level 3 DC fast charging which is currently the fastest way available for charging an EV battery. This type of charger uses direct current (DC) instead of alternating current (AC), and depending on the model of EV can recharge up to 80% of its battery in 30 minutes or less! Like Level 2 chargers however, they require installation by a professional electrician due to their high voltage rating which poses potential dangers if handled incorrectly. The cost to install a Level 3 charger can become fairly pricey and that is why most commercial properties stick with Level 2 chargers.