Israel Goes Electric
Considerations for Choosing an EV Charging System
We are all witnessing the transformation in the automotive world and the accelerated transition to electric vehicles (EVs) worldwide. This change has not bypassed Israel, resulting in what we call "Israel goes electric."
At Advice Electronics Ltd. (Advice), an Israeli company with over 33 years of experience in power systems, we actively participate in this positive trend. It offers drivers a significant shift in consumption habits, aiming for a transition to greener, more efficient, and more economical energy.
All studies in the field indicate that due to changes in the global energy market, the trend toward electric vehicles will intensify over the next decade, to the point where the ratio of electric vehicles to gasoline/diesel cars will reach 50% by 2030.
At Advice, we understand that customers who have recently acquired an electric vehicle or are considering doing so in the near future face many essential questions. A key part of this decision involves the charging method for the vehicle and the charging station they will use. With many players in the market and a lot of confusion, many end users—drivers—are not familiar with all the data being thrown around.
So, let's try to clarify a few parameters that will help users make the right decision when choosing the electric charging system for the vehicle they own or are planning to purchase.
What Charging Options Exist for Vehicles, and What Are Their Limitations?
- Single-phase/three-phase charging circuit – and whether there is a power limitation (kW).
- A vehicle with a single-phase circuit will allow charging between 3.6 kW/h and 7 kW/h, depending on the main breaker and, of course, the vehicle's limitations.
- A vehicle with a three-phase circuit will allow charging at 11 kW/h, assuming the main breaker is 16A three-phase.
It’s important to note that there are currently domestic/fixed chargers on the market that provide charging capabilities of up to 22 kW/h. However, most vehicles in the world do not yet support this power output, so it is crucial to consider this factor when selecting a charging station.
What Is My Electrical Capacity (at Home or at Work)?
To achieve maximum, trouble-free charging, i.e., the highest kW output for charging the vehicle tailored to its electrical circuit, is the electrical panel where the EV charger will connect able to provide the maximum consumption necessary for the quickest and shortest charging time?
Important Parameters for Users When Choosing and Operating an EV Charger
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Plug and Play – Charging the vehicle by simply connecting the charging gun directly to the vehicle’s charging socket, without authorization. This is suitable for private homes where the parking is limited to household members or guests.
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RFID – Charging the vehicle using a chip-based authorization card linked to the charger, allowing only cardholders to operate it. This solution is recommended for apartment buildings where the user or household members may be absent for extended periods. It is an excellent way to prevent unauthorized users from connecting to the station without permission.
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App – Using an app requires a stable and constant internet connection. This method allows user management according to the charging station owner’s permissions, setting charging times, controlling on/off operations, and collecting data. Again, this method is mainly used in shared buildings (where a communication network is required).
Several Important Parameters, Including Protection Against Electric Shock
One crucial term is DC current leakage, a major safety concern. Like any energy source, there is a risk of electric shock. Electric vehicles have high-powered lithium batteries with tens of kilowatts. This energy source can pose a danger if it fails.
There is a non-negligible risk of electric shock from this source, so it is essential to ensure that the EV charger includes a disconnection mechanism upon detecting DC leakage, meaning leakage from the vehicle battery. This mechanism cuts off and stops the charging process to ensure safety.
Advice Offers a Comprehensive Solution for Any Scenario
Whether for private users or public spaces, we offer a range of solutions. Among the options we provide are a single-phase portable charger for electric vehicles (16/32 amperes), a domestic charger (11 kW) model ORA011-PW-82, and a 22 kW charger model ORA220-DPWR-77. These include all the features discussed in this article, such as plug and play, RFID, an app, and, of course, DC leakage protection.
