Do public EV chargers have cables? Everything you need to know about public car charging

2 октомври 2024 г.

Ever wondered do public EV chargers have cables? As a new owner of electric vehicles, it can be painful to guess how exactly public charging stations work. Some chargers will have cables; others will not, and that might help you with your planning.

Don't worry, because this article will explain in detail all you need to know about public EV charging: whether the chargers come with cables or not, how it works, and some tips on how to easily charge your car.

Now let's get started.

How important is public EV charging in 2024?

Public charging of electric vehicles is quite important since increasingly more people are moving towards the use of electric cars.

Here is why it matters:

Rising EV Adoption Rate

More people are driving electric vehicles these days. The reasons many drivers choose such vehicles pertain to a desire to help preserve the natural environment and reduce fuel expenses.

The volume of EVs on the road means there will also be a need for more public charging stations. In line with the growing trend, available chargers shall be enough.

Better Infrastructure for Electric Vehicles

Improvements to the charging infrastructure will be crucial in 2024. Cities are working toward constructing as many charging stations as possible and placing them conveniently for motorists with even faster chargers.

In this respect, a good network of public chargers makes it much easier to charge a car along the route.

Benefits of Public Charging Stations

Public charging stations have a number of advantages that make it very convenient for those EV owners who cannot charge at home. You can find these chargers in places like shopping centers, parking lots, and along highways, making it easy to charge while running errands or traveling. They would reduce anxiety over running out of power and give drivers more confidence to go farther.

In other words, it means public EV charging is about creating a structure to support the rise of electric vehicles and ensure that drivers are equipped with what they need to be charged and ready.

How do public electric car charging stations work?

Public electric car charging stations are easy to use and, therefore, a godsend to drivers to charge their EVs.

Here's how they work:

Finding a Charging Station: There are many apps and websites that can help you find charging stations near your location. Most of the charging networks provide maps showing the location of their chargers.

Connecting to the Charge: Once you actually reach a charging station, you get similar things to a petrol pump, a charging unit. Some of these might have attached cables, or many of them require you to carry your connector that fits into your car.

Starting the Charging Session: Begin charging your car by using the instructions given at the station. This can include scanning a Quick Response code, using a membership card, or using an application to pay for your charge. Some allow paying by credit card at the machine, but not many.

Charging Your Vehicle: Once turned on, it supplies the car with electricity. The time it takes to charge mainly depends on what type of charger you use and the capacity of the battery in your car. With fast chargers, this will take less time, and with slower ones, longer.

Ending the Charging Session: When your car is charged or you are ready to get on, stop the charging session accordingly by following the indications given at the station. Later, you can unplug the cable and either return it to the charger or keep it with you in case you brought your own.

These electric vehicle public charging stations are designed with such simplicity and easiness in mind that one can drive anywhere and get the car charged.

How much does it cost to charge your electric vehicle?

As a rough guide, charging your electric vehicle at public stations may come in different types of costs according to where you are.

Here is a rough look at what you might pay on different continents:

Cost of Charging Electric Car at Public Station: UK

The cost of charging electric car at public station in UK can be anywhere between £0.20 and £0.60 per kWh. It is usually much more expensive for rapid chargers but often cheaper for slower varieties. Some places, like shopping centers, may even offer free charging.

Cost of Charging Electric Car at Public Station: USA

The charging cost in the USA differs from state to state, and sometimes it's related to particular networks. You may be able to pay as low as $0.10 to a maximum of $0.40 per kWh on average.

Fast chargers are pretty expensive options, while Level 2 chargers remain more budget-friendly. Some stations will also give free charging for a limited time only or as part of a promotion.

Cost of Charging Electric Car at Public Station: Germany

At public stations in Germany, the prices could go from roughly €0.29 to €0.79 per kWh, since all the prices depend on the charger type. Most of these stations have membership plans that are useful for regular users who would want to save an extra buck.

Cost of Charging Electric Car at Public Station: France

Public charging in France varies from 0.20 € per kWh to 0.60 € per kWh. The prices depend on the type of charger and the location required for charging. Even some cities offer free charging in certain areas to further encourage electric vehicle use.