FAQs

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions About EV Charging Stations

What is ENERGY STAR® Certification?

ENERGY STAR certified EV chargers save money by consuming less energy in standby mode.In addition to saving energy, purchasing Energy Star-certified equipment can qualify for tax credits.

Against the backdrop of increasing global energy shortages, the ENERGY STAR(ES) program has been adopted by a number of countries, including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and the European Union, with a market recognition rate of over 90% in North America.

In summary, ENERGY STAR certified products symbolize the endorsement of the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, giving consumers confidence in purchasing energy-efficient products.

What is IP and IK rating?

The Ingress Protection (IP) rating refers to the product's water and dust resistance rating, indicating its ability to resist liquids and small solids. The Impact Protection (IK) rating is the level of impact protection of the product's enclosure on a scale from 0 to 9. The higher the number, the greater the protection.

The first number in the IP rating represents resistance to solids, and the second represents protection from liquids. For example, IP (8X) indicates that an EV charger's enclosure has the highest dust protection, preventing solid particles from entering the facility's interior. The IK rating represents the level of protection an EV charger enclosure has against mechanical shock, with a rating of 8 indicating the ability to withstand the impact of a 5.51-pound hammer at a height of 15.7 inches.

What is OCPP?

OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol) is a communication protocol used between the charging post and the central management system, acting as a translator facilitating barrier-free communication. The newly launched OCPP 2.0.1 enhances functions from OCPP 1.6J, such as supporting ISO 15118 and smart charging capabilities.

what is ISO15118?

ISO 15118 is a standard related to electric vehicle (EV) charging that specifies communication protocols between EVs and charging stations. It is part of a series of international standards developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) to ensure the interoperability and compatibility of EV charging infrastructures.ISO 15118 focuses specifically on Vehicle to Grid (V2G) or Grid to Vehicle (G2V) scenarios. 

Key aspects of ISO 15118 include:

Plug and Charge: ISO 15118 introduces the concept of "Plug and Charge", whereby electric vehicles and charging stations automatically communicate and authenticate each other when a charging plug is inserted. "Plug and Charge" simplifies the user experience and eliminates the need for separate authentication methods.

Authentication and authorization: The ISO 15118 charging standard defines secure authentication and authorization methods between electric vehicles and charging infrastructure, ensuring that only authorised users and vehicles can access charging services.

Communication profiles: ISO 15118 defines communication profiles based on use cases and billing scenarios, including different profiles for AC (alternating current) and DC (direct current) charging and different power levels.

Information exchange: The ISO 15118 standard facilitates the exchange of information between vehicles and charging stations on capacity, charging requirements and other relevant data, optimising the charging process.

Smart charging: ISO 15118 supports smart charging features that allow electric vehicles and charging stations to communicate and negotiate charging parameters.

Enhanced Grid Integration: ISO 15118 supports bi-directional communication, allowing EVs to provide feedback to the grid and participate in demand response or other grid management strategies, contributing to the integration of EVs with the grid.

Overall, ISO 15118 plays a critical role in standardising EV charging communication protocols, facilitating interoperability between devices from different manufacturers, and improving EV charging infrastructure's overall efficiency and reliability.

The difference between Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 EV charger

Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 EV chargers refer to different charging levels for electric vehicles (EVs), each with distinct charging speed, power output, and application characteristics. The following are the main differences between level 1, level 2, and level 3 electric vehicle chargers:

Level 1 EV Charger:
Voltage: Typically operates on a standard household voltage of 120 volts (V).
Power Output: Provides a charging power of around 1 to 1.5 kilowatts (kW).
Charging Speed: Relatively slow charging speed, adding about 3 to 5 miles of range per hour of charging.
Application: Suited for residential charging where longer charging times are acceptable. There's no need for rapid charging. Uses a standard household electrical outlet.

Level 2 EV Charger:
Voltage: Requires higher voltage, typically 240 volts (V).
Power Output: Offers a higher charging power, ranging from 3.3 kW to 22 kW or more, depending on the charger and vehicle.
Charging Speed: Faster than Level 1, providing around 15 to 25 miles of range per hour of charging, depending on the power level.
Application: Suitable for both residential and commercial use. Uses specific connectors, such as SAE J1772 in North America or Type 2 in Europe.

Level 3 EV Charger (DC Fast Charger):
Voltage: Operates at higher voltages, typically 200 volts (V) and above.
Power Output: Provides a much higher charging power, ranging from 50 kW to 350 kW or more, allowing for rapid charging.
Charging Speed: Significantly faster than Level 1 and Level 2, adding 60 to 100 miles of range in about 20-30 minutes, depending on the charger and vehicle.
Application: Primarily used in commercial and public settings, including highway rest areas and urban charging stations. Enables long-distance travel and rapid charging when needed. Uses specific connectors such as CHAdeMO, CCS (Combined Charging System), or Tesla Supercharger.

In summary, Level 1 and Level 2 chargers are more common for daily charging at home, workplaces, and public locations, balancing charging speed and convenience. Level 3 DC fast chargers are designed for rapid charging on the go and are typically found along highways and places where quick charging is essential for longer trips.

About warranty

Joint offers a comprehensive warranty service with varying durations depending on the product. If any quality issues arise within the stipulated warranty period, excluding instances caused by improper use, you can contact Joint at your convenience. Joint dedicated team is committed to promptly addressing and resolving any concerns you may have.

For further details on our warranty terms, please don't hesitate to contact us.

More Questions

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