Smappee EV Charging

An EV charger works by providing electricity to recharge an electric vehicle's battery. It typically connects to the vehicle via a charging cable and transfers the electrical energy from the power source to the vehicle's battery. The charger converts the alternating current (AC) from the power grid into the direct current (DC) required by the vehicle's battery. This conversion process ensures efficient and safe charging. EV chargers come in various types, with differing power levels and charging speeds. They can be found at public charging stations, homes, and certain commercial locations, enabling electric vehicle owners to recharge their vehicles conveniently.

In most cases, electric vehicle (EV) chargers are designed to be compatible with various electric vehicle models. However, it is important to ensure that the specific charger you are using is compatible with your electric vehicle's charging requirements and connector type.  It is always a good idea to check the specifications of both your EV and the charger to ensure compatibility before using it. Additionally, it's worth noting that different chargers have varying power outputs, so make sure the charger's capacity aligns with your vehicle's charging capabilities.

Yes, EV chargers are designed with installation ease in mind. They are typically wall-mounted and can be installed by a qualified electrician. 

Yes, most EV chargers do support fast-charging. There are different levels of fast-charging, such as DC fast charging. However, it's important to note that not all electric vehicles are compatible with all types of fast-charging systems, so it's advisable to check the charging capabilities of your specific EV model.

You can charge your electric car at home, at the office or at any public electric charging station. Fully charging can be done in as short as 15 – 20 minutes at fast charging stations or can take as long as half a day depending on how big the battery is, or the speed that your charging point can charge.

The maximum charging speed  is dependent on your electric vehicle. If the max charging speed of your vehicle is for instance 50 kW, you will not be able to charge quicker than that, not even at a fast charger. 

There are many other variables that can also influence the speed of charging. The emptier the battery, the quicker it charges. The colder the battery, the slower it will charge. Whilst charging, the battery temperature will rise, and so will the charging speed. Some vehicles include the feature of automatically pre-heating the battery, when a fast charger is set as destination in the vehicle’s navigation system. 

To best maintain the battery health and optimal charge time of your electric vehicle, it is advisable to stick to a charge level of between 20% – 80%.

Most cars achieve a maximum charging speed of 11 kW with regular charging (AC) but making use of fast charging services (DC) will allow you to speed up your charging sessions.

Yes, most electric vehicle (EV) chargers today offer remote control and monitoring features. These features allow you to manage your EV charger from your smartphone or other Internet-enabled devices, even when you're away from home. With remote control, you can start or stop charging sessions, adjust charging settings, and even schedule charging sessions to take advantage of lower electricity rates. Additionally, remote monitoring allows you to track charging activity, monitor charging progress, and receive notifications about charging status and any issues that may arise. 

Yes, electric vehicle (EV) chargers generally have built-in safety features to ensure safe and reliable charging. These safety features may vary depending on the specific charger model, but here are some common ones:

1. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI): This feature protects against electrical shock by monitoring the current flowing between the charger and the vehicle. If it detects a ground fault or an imbalance in the current, it interrupts the circuit to prevent electrical hazards.

2. Overcurrent Protection: EV chargers typically have built-in protection against overcurrent conditions, such as short circuits or excessive current flow. These safeguards help prevent damage to the charging equipment and the vehicle's electrical system.

3. Overvoltage/Undervoltage Protection: Chargers may include mechanisms to protect against voltage fluctuations. They can detect and respond to both overvoltage (excessive voltage) and undervoltage (insufficient voltage) conditions to safeguard the charging system.

4. Thermal Management: Many chargers have thermal management systems to prevent overheating during charging. These systems often include temperature sensors and fans that activate when necessary to maintain safe operating temperatures.

5. Surge Protection: EV chargers can be equipped with surge protection mechanisms to safeguard against power surges or voltage spikes caused by external factors like lightning strikes or utility grid glitches.

Yes, EV chargers are compatible with renewable energy sources like solar panels. By integrating your charger with a renewable energy system, you can reduce your carbon footprint and maximize the use of clean energy for charging your electric vehicle.

Level 1 - AC Charging is the most basic form of electric vehicle (EV) charging and typically requires a standard household outlet for charging. Level 1 chargers are commonly included with EV purchases and offer a convenient way to charge your vehicle at home. These chargers typically provide around 1.4 kW of power, which is relatively slower compared to higher-level chargers.

Since Level 1 chargers utilise a standard household outlet, they do not require any special installation or dedicated circuits. However, it's important to note that the charging speed using Level 1 charging is significantly slower than Level 2 or Level 3 charging options.

The main advantage of Level 1 charging is its simplicity and ease of use. You can simply plug your EV into a standard outlet using the included charging cable and achieve a reasonable charge over several hours or overnight. This type of charging is suitable for those who have access to regular charging and don't require fast or frequent charging.

Although Level 1 charging is slower compared to higher-level options, it can still be a viable solution for those with lower daily driving requirements or who have access to additional charging options throughout the day, such as at work or public charging stations.

Level 2 - AC Charging refers to a type of electric vehicle (EV) charging that requires a dedicated final sub circuit within a home or business. It is a step up from Level 1 charging, which uses a standard household outlet for EV charging.

Level 2 chargers are capable of providing faster charging speeds, making them more convenient for EV owners. These chargers typically range in size, with single-phase chargers offering up to 7kW of power and three-phase chargers providing up to 21kW of power.

The charging capacity of Level 2 chargers can vary depending on the specific charger model and the electrical system's configuration. They provide a significant improvement over Level 1 charging in terms of charging time, allowing you to charge your EV more quickly and efficiently.

Having a dedicated final sub circuit for Level 2 charging means that the circuit is isolated and dedicated solely to charging the EV, reducing the risk of overloading other electrical systems in your home or business. It ensures a safer and more reliable charging experience for your EV.

Level 3 - DC higher powered charging is the fastest and most powerful form of EV charging available. Unlike Level 1 and Level 2 charging, which use alternating current (AC), Level 3 charging utilises direct current (DC) to charge the vehicle's battery.

Level 3 chargers are capable of delivering significantly higher power levels, typically ranging from 50 kW to 350 kW. This allows for a much faster charging time compared to lower-level chargers. In some cases, a Level 3 charger can provide an 80% charge in as little as 20-30 minutes, depending on the vehicle's battery capacity and the charger's power output.

To use a Level 3 charger, your EV must be equipped with a compatible DC fast charging port. Due to the high power requirements of Level 3 charging, a dedicated electrical infrastructure capable of handling the current demand is necessary.

In Australia, there are two main types of plugs for AC charging. The Type 1 (J1772 or SAE J1772) and the Type 2 (Mennekes or IEC 62196) plugs are suitable for a wide range of vehicles.

In Australia, the main types of plugs for AC charging of EVs are Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1, also known as the SAE J1772 plug, is commonly used for older EV models and is compatible with Level 1 and Level 2 charging.

Type 2, also known as the IEC 62196 plug or Mennekes plug, is the standard plug used for most modern EVs.  It is compatible with both Level 2 AC charging and Level 3 DC fast charging through the use of different cables or adapters.