Electric Vehicle ReCharging Station Summary How would you like to be able to conveniently refuel your vehicle while at home? Recharging stations in support of electric vehicles are able to do just that. These stations add convenience to using electric vehicles, which are fast emerging in California and Arizona in response to legislation requiring their use for cleaner air. Recharging stations, sized for slow recharge while the vehicle is parked, are being developed along with the vehicles to enable home refueling.    
Typical Electrical Vehicle Recharging Station.
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Photo Courtesy of ETEC. |
Disclaimer: The information on the system, product or material presented herein is provided for informational purposes only. The technical descriptions, details, requirements, and limitations expressed do not constitute an endorsement, approval, or acceptance of the subject matter by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD/FHA), The Partnership for Advancing Technology in Housing (PATH), or any PATH-affiliated Federal agency or private company. There are no warranties, either expressed or implied, regarding the accuracy or completeness of this information. Full reproduction, without modification, is permissible.
Details The full-sized electric vehicle recharging station can be wall, floor, or pole mounted and wired directly into an electric service panel with a single 40-amp branch circuit. Conductive- and inductive-type charges are available. A safer vehicle charge plug for use with 208-240 volt charger receptacles has been standardized; the higher voltage speeds recharging. Electric vehicle recharging stations are becoming more sophisticated to eliminate ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) nuisance tripping, improve safety, economize on power demand, and provide diagnostic and billing services.
Installation Home recharging systems are often purchased with the electric vehicle and installed by approved contractors arranged through local utility companies. Installation costs to the home owner are reported to be around $300 to $1,500.
Benefits/Costs The main advantage of recharging stations is the increased convenience they provide owners, which results in greater consumer acceptance of electric vehicles. These stations make using electric vehicles easier because they are readily installed in new homes, where they can be used at the owner's convenience. The initial costs for full size electric powered vehicles are currently more than double conventional fuel models, but costs are expected to come down as production increases. Operating costs are currently several times more than conventional fuel vehicles. More economic, but smaller electric utility vehicles are now available for neighborhood trips.
Limitations Although electric vehicles have no tailpipe emissions, the energy produced at electric plants for the recharging station may still have a negative environmental impact. However, power plant emissions can be controlled more easily at single source under carefully controlled conditions, rather than at the vehicle's tailpipe. The use of recharging stations is affected by the limitations of electric vehicles, such as frequent recharging. However, improved batteries are being developed to resolve this issue. Economic fast-recharging systems are being developed to overcome nominal two to six hour charging times. The manufacturer of one 50kW fast charging model claims to recharge full-size electric vehicles in a matter of minutes rather than hours. Funding for ongoing research and development of battery technologies is provided by the United States Advanced Battery Consortium (USABC), a partnership between the big three auto makers, battery manufacturers, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), and the Electric Power Research Institute that was established in 1991.
Code/Regulatory Electric recharging stations must comply with numerous industry standards including SAE, UL, FCC, and NEC. Look for compliance with the newly adopted SAE-J1772 and SAE-J1773 Electric Vehicle Conductive and Inductive Coupling Recommended Practice. National Electric Code Article 625 makes provision for electric vehicle recharging equipment. Ventilation is not required in garages if nonvented storage batteries are used.
Availability Information on electric vehicle recharging stations can be found through the contacts listed below as well as by referral from various electric vehicle manufacturers and advocates. Electric vehicles are expected to become more popular as they become more economical.
Contact(s) Do you have a specific question about this technology and/or its 'real life' applications? Try the contacts listed below: Electric Transportation Engineering Corporation
401 S. Second Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85003
602-716-9576 ext. 24
www.etecevs.com Alternative Fuels Data Center (DOE)
9300 Lee Hwy.
Fairfax, VA 22031
800-423-1DOE
hotline@afdc.nrel.gov
www.eere.energy.gov/cleancities/afdc/ | 
