How many amps does it take to charge an electric car
Content
If you're thinking about buying an electric car, you might be wondering how many amps it takes to charge it.
Electric vehicles can be charged using three different types of car charging stations that generate different voltage and current ranges. Each type offers a different duration for a full charge. The amp meter can vary by vehicle and it depends on the use you are going to implement.
Electric vehicles (EVs) typically draw 32–48 amps or more, while plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) draw 16–32 amps. The user can set the number of amps depending on where he is, how fast he wants to charge the car and its electrical capabilities.
I'll go into more detail below.
How many amps can a car handle
There are two categories of plug-in electric vehicles: electric vehicles (EV) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV).
In both types, most cars draw between 16 and 32 amps. As a rule, the number of amps given out by a charging point can vary from 12 to 125.
Each amplifier adds a different amount of miles per hour depending on the type of station.
Which charging point to choose and why
There are three types of charging stations for amplifiers:
Tier 1 (AC car charging points)
You can find these types of chargers usually in the workplace or at school.
Level 1 charging stations take many hours to fully charge a car. That is why they are mainly used for emergencies and short trips.
- 12-16 amps provide a range of 3-5 miles (4.8-8 km) per hour.
Level 2 (AC charging stations)
The Level 2 Charging Station is the most common and recommended type.
You can find them in most garages or lots. They offer a bit of fast charging, depending on the amp you have installed.
- 16 amps provide 12 miles (19 km) of range per hour of charge
- 24 amps provide 18 miles (29 km) of range per hour of charge
- 32 amps provide 25 miles (40 km) of range per hour of charge
- 40 amps provide 30 miles (48 km) of range per hour of charge
- 48 amps provide 36 miles (58 km) of range per hour of charge
- 50 amps provide 37 miles (60 km) of range per hour of charge
The Level 2 charging point is perfect for charging your car on long journeys.
Tier 3 (DC fast charging points for electric vehicles)
You can find them at rest stops or shopping malls.
This charger is the fastest of all. A full charge takes less than an hour.
- 32-125 amps can charge a car almost 80% in 20-30 minutes.
Why are the numbers so different
Depending on your needs, you can charge your electric car at any of the above categories of charging stations.
Capabilities of your car
You can find the electrical capabilities of your vehicle in the owner's manual.
However, most electric vehicles have a maximum of 16-32 amps when charging. Some may even adjust accordingly to absorb more amps per hour.
You can find out from a specialist if your car can withstand more than usual number plates in the service station.
How much will you drive
If you are planning a long trip with your car, you need to fill it with as much power as possible.
The booster charging station provides the vehicle with different mileage ranges, depending on the setup. If you need to charge to drive many miles, you will need more electricity to keep your car moving.
Keep in mind that the more amps you put into the car, the more mileage.
How fast do you want the car to charge
Charging an electric vehicle with a few amps can take many hours and may not be completed overnight.
If you need emergency fast charging, you must use a lot of amps for your car. If the vehicle can handle such an electrical load.
Summing up
Consulting with your vehicle's workshop is a sensible option to ensure that your electric vehicle can operate with the amplifiers you provide. However, you can find this information in your vehicle's owner's manual.
You can choose the number of amps you need. It depends on the use of the car, its type and charging speed.
Take a look at some of our articles below.
- How to set up a car amplifier for medium and high frequencies
- What size wire for 150 amps?
Video link
