Demystifying Electric Car Chargers: What They Really Are

TLDRElectric car chargers are not actually chargers, but rather access points to the power grid. They are called EVSE (electric vehicle supply equipment) and are a controlled entry point for the power grid. These devices are basically fancy light switches and the actual charger is inside the car. The EVSE communicates with the car to determine the amount of power it can safely pull. The industry-standard connector for EVSE is the SAE J1772 connector.

Key insights

🔌Electric car chargers are actually EVSE (electric vehicle supply equipment) and are not chargers themselves.

🚗The actual charger is inside the electric car, which is responsible for handling the charging process.

💡EVSE devices are like fancy light switches, controlling access to the power grid.

🔋EVSE communicates with the electric car to determine how much power it can safely pull.

🔌The industry-standard connector for EVSE is the SAE J1772 connector.

Q&A

What is the purpose of an electric car charger?

—The purpose of an electric car charger, or EVSE, is to provide controlled access to the power grid for the electric car to charge itself.

Are electric car chargers the same as the chargers for smartphones and laptops?

—No, electric car chargers are not the same as chargers for smartphones and laptops. Electric car chargers, or EVSE, are access points to the power grid, while the actual charger for the car is inside the vehicle.

How do electric car chargers communicate with the car?

—Electric car chargers, or EVSE, communicate with the car through signaling protocols, such as the control pilot and proximity pilot, to establish the connection and determine the charging capabilities of the car.

What is the industry-standard connector for electric car chargers?

—The industry-standard connector for electric car chargers, or EVSE, is the SAE J1772 connector. This connector is used by most electric vehicles in the US.

Do electric car chargers vary in charging speed?

—Yes, electric car chargers can vary in charging speed depending on the capabilities of the charger and the electrical circuit it is connected to. Faster charging speeds require higher power supply and may require dedicated circuits.

Timestamped Summary

00:00Electric car chargers, or EVSE, are access points to the power grid, not actual chargers.

09:23EVSE plays a critical role in ensuring the car does not overload the circuit.

11:20EVSE uses signaling protocols to communicate with the car and establish the charging capabilities.

13:10Load sharing allows multiple electric cars to be charged from a single circuit.

14:27The cost of electric car chargers is mainly attributed to the charge cable and safety features.

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