Do you ever wonder if charging your electric vehicles (EVs) in the rain might pose any danger? Twirling in the rain is exhilarating, but you may think charging in the rain might be a little skeptical. Many EV users have no concerns about charging when the weather is bright and shiny, but their ears tingle, and their heart races when the weather becomes cloudy and set for a downpour, especially with the knowledge that water is a conductor of electricity.
No wonder your mind plays tricks on you, making you feel a shock, sparks, or even electrocution is looming. Come find out what to expect when charging in the rain.
1. Is it safe to charge my car in the rain?
EV owners want individuals to answer this one of the most important questions, and the direct answer to this question is definitely YES. Such concerns about the certainty of charging your EVs in the rain or weather are only natural. But these concerns have been foreseen by the engineers of these EVs. Also, solutions have been provided to eliminate such myths and misconceptions. They have been able to find solutions to these concerns as best as possible by enveloping its charging plugs in protective layers. And this makes charging plugs very safe for charging in the rain or whatever type of bad weather. Thereby renewing EV owners’ trust in using electric vehicles and charging accessories in any weather.
2. Levels of outside home charging stations
There are three levels of outside home charging, varying according to voltage and location. For instance, the level 1 charging station emits a 120 volts power outlet which charges an EV at 8km per hour. With a level 1 charging station, charging takes up to 12 to 20 hours to fully charge. In comparison, a level 2 charger emits a 240 volts power outlet and charges faster than the level 1 charging stations. The third level is the level 3 charging station, typically known as fast chargers. This type of charging differs according to the electric vehicle’s specifications. But charging can take about an hour to three hours to completely charge.
3. Which level charging station is best for outdoor use?
Usually, the level of charging stations suitable for outdoor use is the level 2 and level 3 charging stations. This is because of their ability to charge faster than the level 1 charging stations. And while a level 1 charges at 120 volts, it’s the reason they are only installed for home use. Hence, charging can be done while it’s parked in your garage. Additionally, when charging outdoors, you don’t want to spend too much time sitting around and waiting in your car to get charged. Therefore, level two and especially level three will enable you to get charged and move in no time.
4. Benefits of charging outside
As stated above, the first and very important benefit out of the numerous benefits of charging outside is the speed of charge. When charging outside at an EV home charging station, you’d be charging with a level 2 or a level 3 EV charger. This level of charging takes little time to get your EV all charged and fired up to drive. Another crucial benefit is that when charging outside, you’re provided with charging stations already installed at a charging station by a private company. Therefore, all you need to do is pay the charging fee at such charging stations.
5. Recommend Charging Location
When searching for a charging station, a few factors must be considered. Some of these factors assist in seamlessly finding a charging station. And they are not limited to but include these:
- Proximity: closeness to your office or home is essential for EV owners because they don’t want to have to go very far in search of a charging station only to drain the charge before getting back.
- Reduced charging fees: although charging stations are installed by private companies as their corporate social responsibility to their community, consumers will have to pay for their charging fees, which help maintain these stations. Therefore, getting a charging station that charges a lot less for charging EVs is crucial.
- Fast chargers: The best benefit of charging outside is locating a fast-charging station. With ultra rapid chargers, you spend less time waiting for your EVs to complete their charge. This is why finding a fast-charging station is extremely recommended.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, if you can dance in the rain, sing in the rain, definitely you can also charge your electric vehicles in the rain. Brilliant and innovative engineers had foreseen a drawback like this and have provided inventive ways of curbing these myths. Conclusively, bad weather should not make your heart skip a beat when you decide to charge your EVs via a home-installed charging point or charging at various charging stations located all around you.
