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6 FAQs about electric car charging with CITA EV Chargers – illustrated with a white EV and green charging station.
6 FAQs about electric car charging with CITA EV Chargers – illustrated with a white EV and green charging station.
Welcome to our informative blog, where we’re here to shed light on the electrifying world of electric car charging. With the electrification of transportation rapidly gaining momentum, electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming an increasingly common sight on our roads. As more drivers make the switch from traditional internal combustion engines to cleaner and more sustainable EVs, questions about charging these vehicles naturally arise. In this blog, we’ve compiled the answers to seven of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about charging electric cars. Whether you’re a new EV owner, considering the transition, or simply curious about this evolving technology, we’ve got you covered.
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FAQs of EV Charging

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Welcome to our informative blog, where we’re here to shed light on the electrifying world of electric car charging. With the electrification of transportation rapidly gaining momentum, electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming an increasingly common sight on our roads.
As more drivers make the switch from traditional internal combustion engines to cleaner and more sustainable EVs, questions about charging these vehicles naturally arise. In this blog, we’ve compiled the answers to seven of the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about charging electric cars. Whether you’re a new EV owner, considering the transition, or simply curious about this evolving technology, we’ve got you covered.

Topics

1

How does electric car charging work?

2

How do you pay for electric car charging?

3

How long does it take to charge an electric vehicle?

4

How much does it cost to charge an EV?

5

How often do you need to charge your EV?

6

If the EV is unused for a while, will it affect the battery?

1. How does electric car charging work?

Electric car charging works by transferring electrical energy from a power source to the vehicle’s battery, where it can be stored and used to power the car’s electric motor. There are different types of electric vehicle (EV) chargers, and the charging process can vary depending on the charger’s power level and the vehicle’s capabilities. Here’s a general overview of how electric car charging works:
Power Source:
The electricity used to charge an electric car typically comes from the electrical grid. This electricity can be generated from various sources, including fossil fuels, renewable energy (such as solar or wind power), or a mix of both.
EV Charger Types:
There are several types of EV chargers, categorized by their charging speed and power levels. Depending on the type of charger, the process of charging varies.
CITA EV Charger product lineup showing AC chargers Smart 7 & 22, Smart 44 (Gen 3), and DC fast charger Smart DC with power options from 7.4kW to 180kW
Connector Types:
Different electric cars use different connector types, which correspond to the type of charger they can use. Common connector types include CCS (Combined Charging System), CHAdeMO, and the GB/T.
CITA EV Charger
Plug-In and Authentication:
To begin charging, the driver plugs the appropriate connector into the vehicle’s charging port. Many public charging stations require authentication, either through a smartphone app, RFID card, or payment via a credit card, to initiate the charging session.
Charging Speed:
The charging speed depends on the charger’s power level, the vehicle’s onboard charging equipment, and the battery’s state of charge. Mode 1 & 2 chargers are the slowest, Mode 3 chargers are faster, and DC fast chargers are the quickest.
CITA EV
Monitoring and Safety:

Electric vehicle chargers and vehicles are equipped with safety features, including temperature monitoring and overcurrent protection, to ensure the charging process is safe and to protect the battery. 

Charging Completion:
Once the battery is sufficiently charged, the charging session ends. The driver can then unplug the vehicle and continue their journey.

2. How do you pay for electric car charging?

Paying for electric car charging can vary depending on where you're charging your vehicle. Here are some common payment methods:

A. Public Charging Stations:

Mobile Apps:
Mobile app for CITA smart EV chargers, enabling remote access, live charging updates, and seamless payment options for EV owners.
Many public charging networks offer dedicated mobile apps that allow you to locate charging stations, start and stop charging sessions, and make payments. You can link your credit card or other payment methods to the app for convenience. CITA EV’s mobile app allows for a smooth payment process where you can set up payment for charging any vehicle at any time.
Mobile app for CITA smart EV chargers, enabling remote access, live charging updates, and seamless payment options for EV owners.
RFID Cards:
CITA Smart EV Charger
Some charging networks provide RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification) cards or key fobs that you can use to initiate charging sessions. These cards are linked to your account, and you’ll be billed accordingly.
CITA Smart EV Charger
Credit Card Payments:
CITA EV Charger app payment method selection screen showing Apple Pay, VISA card ending in 5069, and personal wallet balance.
Many charging stations accept Credit Card, Apple Pay, and Google Pay.
CITA EV Charger app payment method selection screen showing Apple Pay, VISA card ending in 5069, and personal wallet balance.
Subscription Services:
Some charging networks offer subscription plans that provide access to their charging infrastructure for a monthly fee. With a subscription, you may not need to make individual payments for each charging session.
Pay-as-You-Go:
Many charging stations also offer a pay-as-you-go option, where you simply pay for the energy you consume during each charging session. The cost per kWh or hour of charging is typically displayed at the charging station or within the mobile app.
B. Home Charging:
Reliable wall mount smart EV charger, 7–22kW AC, IP65 rated for harsh weather protection.
If you have a Mode 3 (Level 2) charging station installed at your home, you’ll typically pay for the electricity used through your regular residential electricity bill. Your utility company will bill you based on the electricity consumed for charging your EV.
Reliable wall mount smart EV charger, 7–22kW AC, IP65 rated for harsh weather protection.
C. Workplace Charging:
Smart control pedestal EV charger 44kW by CITA
Some employers offer workplace charging as a benefit to employees. In such cases, the cost of electricity may be covered by the employer, or there may be specific payment arrangements.
Smart control pedestal EV charger 44kW by CITA
D. Subscription Plans:
Some electric vehicle manufacturers, such as Tesla, offer their own charging networks and subscription plans for access to those networks. These plans may provide discounted or unlimited charging for a monthly fee.

3. How long does it take to charge an electric vehicle?

A. Charging Level:
Mode 1 & 2 Charging: This is the slowest option and typically provides 2 to 5 miles of range per hour of charging. A full charge from empty using a Level 1 charger can take more than 24 hours, so it’s often used for overnight charging at home.
Mode 3 Charging: Level 2 chargers are faster and can provide 10 to 30 miles of range per hour of charging. The time to charge a completely depleted battery to full capacity varies based on the battery size, but it’s usually in the range of 4 to 8 hours for most EVs.
DC Fast Charging (Mode 4): DC fast chargers can deliver a significant amount of power and are designed for rapid charging. They can add approximately 60 to 80 miles of range in just 20-30 minutes, depending on the EV and charger. However, the charging speed often decreases as the battery approaches full capacity.
B. Battery Capacity:
The size of the EV’s battery pack plays a crucial role in determining charging time. Larger battery packs take longer to charge. For example, a 40 kWh battery will generally charge faster than an 80 kWh battery, assuming similar charging power levels.
C. State of Charge:
Charging times are not constant throughout the process. Charging from a very low state of charge (e.g., 10%) to 80% is typically faster than going from 80% to 100%. Charging slows down as the battery approaches full capacity, which is a safety measure to prevent overheating and reduce stress on the battery.
D. Charger Power Output:
The charger’s power output, measured in kilowatts (kW), determines how quickly the EV battery can be charged. Faster chargers provide more power, resulting in shorter charging times. Common power levels for Level 2 chargers range from 3.3 kW to 19.2 kW or even higher, while DC fast chargers can deliver power outputs ranging from 50 kW to well over 350 kW.
E. Vehicle Efficiency:
The energy efficiency of the EV can also impact charging time. More efficient vehicles will cover more miles per unit of energy, so it may take less time to recharge them for a given range.
"EV Mode 3 charging times from 0 to 100% for popular electric cars – Tesla Model 3 (4-6 hours), Ford Mustang Mach-E (5-7 hours), Jaguar I-PACE (2-3 hours), Nissan Leaf (7-10 hours), Hyundai Kona Electric (9-10 hours), and Chevrolet Bolt EV (8-9 hours) with CITA EV Charger.
Please note: these times are for reference and can vary based on factors like battery size, state of charge, charger power, and battery temperature. Always check with the manufacturer and charging network for the most accurate and up-to-date information for a specific EV model.

4. How much does it cost to charge an EV?

Understanding the cost of charging an electric vehicle (EV) is a crucial aspect for potential EV owners and those interested in sustainable transportation. Charging costs can vary significantly depending on several factors, including geographic location, the type of charger used, and local electricity prices.

To provide a comparative overview, we will explore the approximate charging costs in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the United Kingdom (UK), and Europe.

Comparison of EV charging costs in UAE, UK, and Europe – showing home and public charging rates per kWh and per minute in AED, GBP, and Euro.

5. How often do you need to charge your EV?

The frequency with which you need to charge your electric vehicle (EV) depends on several factors, including the EV model, your driving habits, the battery capacity, and your daily driving range. Here are some considerations that can help you determine how often you need to charge your EV:
Battery Capacity:
The size of your EV’s battery pack significantly affects how often you need to charge. A larger battery provides more range on a single charge, which means less frequent charging. Smaller batteries, on the other hand, may require more frequent charging.
Daily Driving Distance:
Your daily commute and driving habits play a crucial role. If your daily driving distance is well within the range of your EV on a full charge, you may only need to charge every few days or even once a week. However, if your daily driving exceeds the range of your EV, you may need to charge more frequently.
Charging Infrastructure:
The availability of charging infrastructure in your area can influence your charging frequency. If you have convenient access to home charging or workplace charging, you may not need to charge as often at public charging stations.
Charging Speed:
Faster chargers can reduce the time required for a recharge. If you have access to Level 2 chargers or DC fast chargers, you can top up your battery more quickly, allowing for less frequent charging.
Range Anxiety:
Some EV drivers prefer to maintain a certain level of charge in their battery to avoid running low, a condition known as range anxiety. In such cases, you may charge more often to ensure you always have a comfortable buffer of range available.
Trip Planning:
If you plan to take longer trips, you may need to charge before the journey to ensure you have enough range for the entire trip. This may lead to more frequent charging.
Battery Management:
Some EVs allow you to manage your charging settings to preserve battery health. This can include limiting the maximum and minimum state of charge, which may influence your charging frequency.
Regenerative Braking:

Some EVs offer regenerative braking, which can extend your range by capturing energy during deceleration. This can affect how often you need to charge. 

Overall, there is no fixed schedule for charging an EV because it depends on your unique circumstances and preferences. Many EV owners find that charging at home overnight is convenient and fits their daily driving needs, which means they rarely need to visit public charging stations. It’s essential to assess your specific situation and adapt your charging habits accordingly to ensure your EV meets your transportation needs.

6. If the EV is unused for a while, will it affect the battery?

Electric vehicles (EVs) use lithium-ion batteries, and like all batteries, they can be affected by their usage patterns. If an EV is left unused for an extended period, there can be some effects on the battery, but they are generally manageable. Here are some key points to consider:
Self-Discharge:
Lithium-ion batteries have a self-discharge rate, which means they slowly lose their charge over time even when not in use. The rate of self-discharge is relatively low, so leaving your EV unused for a few weeks or even a couple of months is unlikely to have a significant impact on the battery.
Battery Degradation:
While non-use can lead to a very small amount of battery degradation over time, it is not the primary factor in battery aging. Lithium-ion batteries are affected more by factors such as depth of discharge (how much you deplete the battery between charges), charge/discharge cycles, temperature, and overcharging. Therefore, it’s not the non-use itself but how the battery is treated during its operational life that has a more substantial impact.
Storage Recommendations:
If you plan to store your EV for an extended time, some general recommendations include keeping the state of charge between 50% and 80%, as extreme states of charge (fully charged or fully depleted) can stress the battery. Additionally, storing the vehicle in a cool, dry environment can help mitigate the effects of temperature on the battery.
Maintenance:
Regular maintenance of your EV is crucial. This includes ensuring that the battery is in good condition, checking the state of charge, and addressing any issues promptly.
Electric Car Charging – Everything You Need to Know
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