Types of EV charging stations

With over 40 million electric cars (EVs) now roaming the globe. Electric car charging locations & solutions are becoming more important than ever. What we have learnt over the years is that there is no one size fits all approach. Our electric cars have different support but we also have our own individual preferences on how and when we charge. We'll explore the different types of charging stations available, from the convenience of home chargers to the accessibility of public stations. Whether you're charging overnight in your garage or topping up on the go, we'll help you find the perfect charging solution for your needs.

Public charging stations

The global number of public EV chargers grew 40% from 2022 to 2023. Public charging stations are located in various locations, including shopping centres, parking lots, and along motorways/major highways. Typically, these stations offer Level 2 and Level 3 (DC fast charging) options, allowing you to top up your EV's battery while running errands or on long journeys. Access to public charging stations may require a membership or payment per charging session, depending on the charging network.

Although really important, it is the public charging stations that people encounter more issues/faults when using and recent increases in kWh pricing makes finding reliable and affordable chargers more difficult to find.

Destination chargers

Destination charging refers to charging stations installed at locations you expect to spend a fair amount of time at. For example hotels, restaurants, and other destinations to attract EV drivers. The definition overlaps with public charging stations quite a bit. But the key difference is that public charging stations typically promote active charging, where as destination chargers reflect a passive charging behaviour. To put it simple, charging your EV is just icing on the cake for the activity you want to do.

These chargers provide a convenient way to charge your EV while you dine, shop, or stay overnight, enhancing the overall EV ownership experience. Destination chargers typically offer Level 2 charging and may be free to use for patrons or guests of the establishment.

Home chargers

Home chargers, also typically Level 2 chargers, are installed at your residence and provide a convenient way to charge your EV overnight. These chargers typically require professional installation performed by a certified electrician and offer faster charging speeds compared to standard household outlets. Home chargers come in various models and power ratings to suit different EVs and charging requirements.

Mostly associated with houses that have driveways, a lot of businesses are actually exploring how we expand our charging capability on-street so that those without drive-ways still have options. And there are some creative ways using services like CoCharger to actually make your home charger available within a public network.

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