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EV Charging Modes play a big role in the lifespan of your EV battery. So, choose wisely!
Mode 1 is used to charge EVs by connecting them directly to a household socket outlet. This can lead to electric shock since most household sockets are not designed for EV charging.
Mode 2 uses a dedicated EV charger that connects to a household power point at one end and the vehicle at the other. This mode offers more control and protection functions than Mode 1.
Mode 1
This mode allows an EV owner to charge at home with a standard socket outlet. It’s slow, typically overnight charging, but a good choice for those who don’t have a dedicated charger and just want to top up their vehicle’s range between trips.
A common feature of EVSEs in this mode is the ability to communicate with your vehicle to control its charging rate and provide safety functions such as temperature sensing. The EVSE also provides information such as current (amps) draw and time remaining until full charge.
This mode requires a dedicated EVSE with built-in communication between the power point and your EV’s on-board charger, as well as a system for personal protection against electric shock integrated into the connecting cable. It’s mainly used in the workplace, where companies can offer their employees portable EVSEs. By regulation, this type of EVSE cannot be placed within 300mm of a power point in order to minimise the permanently live cabling section.
Mode 2
EVs will usually come with what’s known as a Mode 2 charging cable. This cable can be connected to a standard socket outlet, but incorporates a number of safety features that make it much safer than mode 1 connections.
Mode 2 cables have a 3-pin standard plug at one end, a type 1 or type 2 EV connector at the other, and an in-cable control and protection device (IC-CPD) that manages functions like temperature sensing, current limitation and power monitoring. The IC-CPD also creates a pilot contact voltage of about 6 V, indicating to the vehicle that it is ready to charge.
The IC-CPD also allows the socket to reset if it’s overloaded, protecting people and cars. The socket itself shares the same switchboard outgoing circuit as other power outlets, so if too much electricity is consumed by the car, the household circuit breaker will trip and stop the charging session.
Mode 3
There are a variety of options for charging your EV, from Level 1 to DC Fast Charging. Which one is right for you will depend on your daily driving habits and the availability of public charging stations in your area.
Mode 2 is a standard AC plug designed for use with dedicated EV supply equipment (EVSE) that provides the DC current to your electric vehicle. The EVSE has a control pilot function and system for personal protection against electric shock integrated into the connection cable, between the standard socket outlet and the EV.
EV charging stations in workplaces are becoming increasingly popular, as they can help to increase the adoption of EVs among employees and improve productivity and job satisfaction. These charging stations can be Mode 3 or DC Fast Charging compatible, with the latter offering the fastest charging speeds. The charging cables used are special, as they have to be able to withstand the higher DC power levels that are needed for a quick charge.
Mode 4
A dedicated charging station offers the fastest mode of EV charging available, and it’s ideal for long-distance driving. You can charge your EV in minutes at these stations, which are often found along busy roads and highways.
EV drivers who choose this option have the ability to set their car’s charging schedule, which allows them to take advantage of off-peak electricity rates and save money on their electric bills. However, this feature isn’t available for all EV models.
When you choose this mode, you’ll use a special charging cable that connects your EV to the charging station. This cable is designed to withstand the higher levels of power required for DC fast charging and is usually liquid-cooled to help it deal with the heat generated during this type of charging. It can be built into a station or removable and is sometimes included with EVs as an accessory.