Electrical vehicles, also commonly known as smart cars, have been the talk of the town for quite a while now, owing to their convenience, sustainability, and technologically advanced nature. EV chargers are the devices used to keep the battery of an electric vehicle full so that it can run effectively. However, not everyone is up to date with recent conversations that have opened up about EV charging and what the process should look like. The debate we’re addressing in this article is the following: should you have an intelligent charger, or will a dumb one suffice? Let’s find out!
Do you really need a smart EV charger?
The simple answer is no, not necessarily. But for you to understand the logic behind this conclusion, we need to get into the nitty-gritty of smart and dumb EV chargers, compare their advantages, and finally announce our verdict.
Smart EV chargers are connected to the Cloud. Hence they provide users with much more than merely charging their electric vehicles and managing relevant payments. They have access to massive and essential datasets that allow users to set reminders for charging, schedule their charging sessions, and track how much electricity is consumed. Since each kilowatt-hour used is carefully monitored, the charging station charges precisely according to that usage rate. However, smart chargers also have an issue of EV owners leaving their cars at the station and preventing others from using that spot. This can be a source of frustration for third parties, especially if they’re in a rush to charge their vehicle. Some great examples of smart EV chargers that are also portable include our very own Low-Power Charger (3.6 kilowatts), High-Power chargers (7.2 to 8.8 kilowatts), and Three-Phase Charger (16 kilowatts). You can get all of these and more from our website at Hengyi; more on that below. On the other hand, dumb EV chargers can’t be connected to Cloud or any other computer system or network. It’s a basic charger you’ll see anywhere: a simple power outlet with a Type 1 or 2 plug. You can plug your car into the socket and charge your EV. There’s also no mobile application that assists dumb chargers in their work, unlike the case for intelligent chargers. If you use a 3-pin socket, you might be able to access basic information, such as the length of your charging sessions and the power delivered to your car.
Now the debate begins!
Smart EV chargers are quite advantageous…
Are smart EV chargers actually a necessity when it comes to charging your electric vehicles, or are they all bite and no bark? Smart EV chargers charge way faster in a safe manner compared to our traditional power outlets. Since these chargers are analyzing and processing all the available information they can gather from the Cloud, they can check if the vehicle and charging device is safely connected. You can also track how much electricity you have consumed so that you’re charged accordingly. The notifications to charge your car can also save you from the hassle of panicking and rushing to the nearest station when you’re in a hurry to get to work but the battery is low. In addition to this, you can also see using the network whether or not the charging station you have your eyes set on is available for use. This can help you manage your time and money more efficiently as well. And lastly, your intelligent EV charging station at home can also be a source of income for you if you lend it to other EV owners!
…but they’re not the only option!
Smart EV chargers are great, but as we’ve discussed already, there’s also the alternative of dumb EV chargers. Despite not having the same Cloud connectivity as its rival, these EV chargers are just as fast when it comes to the charging session itself. They can charge up to 7.4 kilowatts on a single-phase charging system. Furthermore, a dumb charger can be an efficient alternative if your current smart charger is already in use. Purchasing and installing these chargers is also a very inexpensive and straightforward process. Dumb chargers can range from $450 to $850, whereas smart chargers can start at $1500 and go up to $12500. The cheaper option is clearly apparent!
The verdict
Ultimately, there are advantages and disadvantages to both types of chargers. When asking if EV chargers have to be smart, the answer is clearly no! It all comes down to your personal requirements. If all you’re looking for is plugging in your charger and fueling your vehicle without exploring any data, a dumb charger will work just fine. However, if you want to be regularly notified to charge your car and are interested in accessing information that can improve your experience with electric vehicles and EV chargers, you’d want to opt for a smart charger.
Before you sign off, we have a treat for you for sticking with us till the very end. We want to introduce you to Hengyi, the one-stop shop for all your electric vehicle needs. Hengyi has been working in the EV industry for twelve years and is a highly well-known EV charging station manufacturer and EV supplier. We have a wide range of top-tier products, from basic EV chargers to portable EV chargers, adapters, and EV charging cables.
We also provide effective solutions for any concerns customers might have with their vehicles, whether those customers are new to the industry or EV experts. In addition to this, if you’re interested in installing a charging station at your home instead of spending lengthy charging sessions at your local public station, we provide efficient and professional installation and after-sales services. In a nutshell, if you’re involved in EV charging in any capacity, you should definitely check us out at evcharger-hy.com and browse our products and services. You’ll thank us for it!
Post time: Sep-13-2022
