Detailed guide to select good EV charging station in Singapore
You have now received delivery of your electric vehicle. So what do we do now? How exactly does the process of charging work? Which EV charging station in Singapore is ideal for me, and what do I need to keep in mind when choosing one of these? In the following, we will elaborate on some of the most salient aspects for your consideration.
Commonly we use the term “EV charger”. But, the technical term for a charging station is “EVSE. It is an acronym that stands for “Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment.“
Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment is a device that can supply electric energy to electric vehicles in a secure manner so that the vehicles can be recharged. As long as it is done with the appropriate, safety-certified equipment, charging an electric vehicle is an easy task that is also risk-free. Standard electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) adheres to predetermined protocols to safeguard the user’s, the vehicle’s, and the power grid’s electrical safety during the charging process. These days, almost every charger that can be purchased is designed for use either inside or outside the home.
The process of selecting the appropriate charging station can look like it’s going to be difficult. But the truth is that it doesn’t have to be stressful at all. The initial step is to check to see if there is enough space in your electrical panel to accommodate the installation of the charging station. It is also recommended that you check the EVSE that you intend to purchase to ensure that it comes with a warranty and that customer assistance is accessible. In this article, let us dive into the important things you have to consider when choosing an EV charging station in Singapore.
Which type of charging power is required for my charging station, and how quickly can my electric vehicle be charged?
Some electric vehicles can be charged far faster than others. The required amount of power is different from vehicle to vehicle. It goes without saying that a 3.7 kW electric vehicle can be charged at any charging station that is designed for quicker charging capabilities; however, in this case, the maximum amount of 3.7 kW that can be provided is also the same.
The greatest charging power is the area that needs the most improvement. Firstly, you must get a sense of how quickly your particular electric vehicle could be charged.
Charging times of electric vehicles
Even the most advanced and convenient charging system will be of no use at all if it is installed in an inconvenient position or in an area where drivers do not wish to spend a significant amount of time. To ensure that an electric vehicle charging station provides the best advantage possible, it is necessary to locate locations at which drivers will naturally stop as part of their typical daily routines. This is either going to be the driver’s residence or their place of employment for many of them.
When we have an understanding of where people stop, the next step is to consider why they do so. Have they stopped driving in order to check into a hotel for the night? Are they going to the grocery to conduct their weekly shopping? Are they taking a short rest in the middle of a very lengthy journey?
These are the kinds of things to take into account in order to gain an understanding of the length of time that vehicles are most likely to be parked and to select the most appropriate charging solution based on this information.
Compatibility
Because not all electric vehicles can charge at the same speed or even with the same connection. And also it is even more necessary to think about the types of vehicles that might use the electric vehicle charging station that you have placed. Electric vehicles will be compatible with a wide variety of connectors, have varying maximum charge levels, and will only in some cases be appropriate for rapid charge options.
Even if 22kW charging stations have been installed, this does not guarantee that all electric vehicles can charge at that power level. Even when connected to a 22-kilowatt charging station, the great majority of electric vehicles only charge at 3-11 kilowatts. It is essential to have an accurate understanding of the vehicles that will be utilizing the solution in order to make intelligent investments and to guarantee that the charging station will be as advantageous to both you and the drivers as is humanly possible.
Installation of electric vehicle charger
Even though a lot of residential properties have carports or garages, some people still have to put their charging stations outside. While you are in search of a charging station, pay close attention to how well it can withstand the sun, wind, and rain.
In the majority of European countries, an installation must be performed by an electrician who has their certification. So its advised to follow the same steps when choosing EV charging stations in Singapore.
User-friendliness
Some electric vehicle chargers include displays or apps that are overly sophisticated, making it difficult to control the charging process or view information about it.
There are certain apps, which are available for both iOS and Android devices, that are able to conveniently monitor crucial charging details, schedule or begin a charging session, modify power ratings, and configure time of use charging, among other things. One such app is JuiceNet app Pro or MNL EV charging app that allows owners to control charge with simple voice requests and obtain status regarding charging.
The cost
When looking to choose an electric vehicle charging station in Singapore, drivers of EVs should keep in mind that the station will be an asset over the long term. It is essential to take into account, in addition to the cost of the acquisition, the price of the installation, the eligibility for rebates, and the maintenance over the years. The cost of installation by an electrical contractor is going to be determined by a number of factors, including the design and construction of the charger, as well as the required amperage.
Whether or not an upgrade is necessary in the electrical panel of a home is determined by the amount of available space in that panel. Upgrades have the potential to drastically drive up installation prices. Because the majority of electric vehicle owners can fully recharge their vehicles with a 30A charger in six to eight hours, they may not have a need for a greater output. However, in order to install a 30A charger, a dedicated 40A dedicated breaker is recommended. Last but not least, it is important for drivers to think about where the charger will be installed and how far it will be from the electrical panel. The cost of installation will increase proportionately with the distance from the panel.
Durability
A charger case that is constructed out of materials that are more robust can have a better resistance to potential impacts and can resist wear-down over time, which helps to prevent disruptions in charging or breaking. Some use plastic, while others have glass or aluminum faceplates. EV drivers should search for chargers that are resistant to water, heat, frost, and corrosion, in particular when considering outdoor installations of the charging stations for their vehicles.
The quality of the connector is another key factor to take into account, as it is required to withstand large electrical transfers, which can cause it to wear out over time and compromise the quality of the charge as well as the connection to the vehicle. Connectors that are of a high quality should be able to withstand over 10,000 charging cycles or 10 years of use.
Indoor or outdoor
Consumers should also consider whether they intend to place their charger inside or outside their home while making this decision. If they choose to place the charger outside, they will need to make sure that it is resistant to the elements and can function in temperatures that are suitable for their climate.
This is because some chargers are not designed to function properly in temperatures that are either extremely hot or extremely cold. There are certain electric vehicle chargers that have the ability to resist temperature ranges from -40 degrees Fahrenheit to 122 degrees Fahrenheit. When installing an electric vehicle charger outside, drivers of electric vehicles need to take into consideration whether or not the charging cable will remain flexible even when exposed to extreme temperatures. This ensures that the cable can be extended to their vehicle without causing any damage or breaking.
Availability of smart features
The customer is able to maintain a connection to their charger through their mobile device or desktop computer thanks to the smart features. The user will typically be able to examine their activity, usage history, and the current state of a charging session from within a user portal when these capabilities are enabled. Smart chargers also enable the possibility of scheduling features, which help to take advantage of your local utility’s off-peak energy savings programs. In addition, smart chargers are able to receive new software and firmware updates, which ensures that they are compatible with new electric vehicle models.
A non-smart charger, sometimes known as a “dummy” Level 2 charger, does not offer any of the functions described above; yet, it is still capable of providing a faster charge in comparison to the Level 1 chargers that are available. Users run the risk of being prevented from accessing new software and firmware upgrades, which could potentially limit compatibility with new electric vehicle models and ultimately require some users to make a fresh investment in a new charger in the future.
Is it hand wired or plugged?
Hardwiring an electric vehicle charger, as opposed to plugging it into a 240-volt outlet, is a popular option among owners of electric vehicles. This allows for a more permanent and tidier installation, and in certain settings, it may even be required. This is your only choice if you want a unit that has a capacity of 48 amps or more.
However, a charger that can be plugged into a 240-volt outlet has a few advantages over others. One advantage is that it may be moved to any other area that has an outlet that is compatible with it; however, even if you never do this under normal conditions, moving to a new house will not require the services of an electrician to release your property. It is recommended that you install a 240-volt outlet in your garage so that you can use additional appliances there, such as a heater. Traditionally, the plug has been an additional cost when the manufacturer has supplied separate plug-in and hardwired versions of the same item.
Cable length
For many years, it was possible to purchase a Level 2 charger with a cord that was shorter than 20 feet in length. 12 and 18 feet were the most common lengths, but it appears that the industry is moving toward settling on 25 feet as the standard now, or is just trying to simplify things in response to the overwhelming demand.
There is still a possibility of other choices, particularly if you think about purchasing a pre-owned device. If you have guests who need some juice but you don’t want to move their cars around, a longer cord is handy. Likewise, if you can’t park close to the charger, a longer cord is helpful. It is important to keep in mind that the location of the charging port in a car can vary depending on the model. A long charging cable might compensate for the fact that it may not be doable or cost-effective to run the circuit to just where you want the charger to be located. This may be the case if you find that it is impossible to locate the charger right where you want it.
If everything else remains the same, the cost of a longer cable will increase proportionately. If there is a negative to the longer cord, other than the cost, it is probably just the weight and manageability, which is something that concerns more if you acquire a plug-in charger and expect to travel it.
Conclusion
Choosing an EV charging station in Singapore involves more than just pricing. The power output should be at least as excellent as the on-board charger and ideally higher to be sufficient in the future.
Consider whether you need a charging station in Singapore with a smart system that can interface with other stations or the household. For a corporation, a payment system may be useful. The last choice is between a universal charging station and one with an integrated cable.
