Networked vs Non-networked
Both types of chargers provide the energy necessary to recharge an electric vehicle (EV); however, they have significant differences in the initial costs, ongoing costs, accessibility, and maintenance.
Networked charging stations are connected remotely to a larger network and they are part of a system of connected chargers. As such, the chargers have remote access to online management tools through an online portal known as an EVSE network. Non-networked charging stations are stand-alone units that are not part of an EVSE network. Due to the fact that they are not connected to a network infrastructure, they are not accessible remotely.
Typically non-networked stations are less expensive to purchase as they do not have integrated technology that allows them to connect to the EVSE network, however, the installation of the wiring required for both non-networked and networked EV chargers is the same and varies depending on the site.
Networked charging stations are typically the most logical choice for a business application because the usage can be restricted or controlled by the owner, networked units are discoverable by EV drivers through charging station maps, and they can be monetized compared to non-networked which will provide a free charge for anyone that plugs into the charging station.
WiFi/Cellular Enabled
WiFi connectivity is a feature that is available for both Networked and Non-Networked charging units. The WiFi connection can be used with a smartphone app for optimal control, but it cannot be used to join an EVSE infrastructure with a Non-networked unit. WiFi enabled charging stations can be controlled via an App along with voice control using Amazon Alexa or Goggle Home. Smart charging allows you to set a charging schedule, shows the percentage of charge completed and can even be set to charge during times when rates are lower.
Cellular (4G/LTE) connectivity is an available option in many Networked charging units, but it is not available for Non-Networked models. Having cellular enabled provides many of the same features as WiFi, but it is not reliant on the user’s WiFi network and strength of signal. It is also a good option for businesses that may not have an internet connection available for the charging unit.
Level 2 vs Level 3
There are three levels of EV charging: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. The higher the level of charging, the faster the charging process, as more power is delivered to the vehicle. The car always determines how much power it accepts, so there’s no need to worry about plugging into a charging station that can deliver more power than your EV can handle.
Level 1 is essentially a common 120-volt household outlet, and the electric vehicle will charge relatively slowly.
Level 2 charging is the most commonly used level for daily EV charging. Level 2 charging equipment can be installed at home, at the workplace, as well as in public locations like shopping plazas, train stations and other destinations. Level 2 charging can replenish between 12 and 80 miles of range per hour, depending on the power output of the Level 2 charger, and the vehicle’s maximum charge rate.
Level 3 charging is the fastest type of charging available and can recharge an EV at a rate of 3 to 20 miles of range per minute. Unlike Level 1 and Level 2 charging that uses alternating current (AC), Level 3 charging uses direct current (DC). The voltage is also much higher than Level 1 & 2 charging, which is why you don’t see level 3 chargers installed at home. Very few residential locations have the high-voltage supply that is required for level 3 charging.
Adjustable Amperage
Load management capability allows the charging unit to adjust amperage based on usage, or to be set by the owner.
Commercial Load Management: When multiple charging units are in use the load can be balanced in a variety of ways to accomodate several electric vehicles based on the maximum circuit allowance.
Residential Load Management: The amps used by the EV charger can be reduced to fit the available amps in a home electric panel and avoid a costly upgrade to the electric service in the house.
Bulbs.com offers a wide range of electric vehicle charging solutions for both commercial and residential applications. The number of electric vehicles on the road has been rapidly increasing over the past several years with more importance being placed on the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Many of the largest vehicle manufactures in the world, have pledged to only produce electric vehicles within the next ten years. This pledge, along with legislation from federal and state governments have paved the way for electric vehicles to become more affordable.
Bulbs.com is proud to be partnering with Blink®, Wallbox® , Tesla®, Flo®, and ChargePoint® to offer a line of EV charging units for any application. Non-Networked units are perfect for residential use but can also be used in certain commercial applications. Networked (smart charging) units allow the owner to be able to monetize charging, allow access to only certain individuals, keep it open to the public and/or any combination that is required.
Federal and many state governments have combined to allocate billions of dollars to help build the infrastructure needed to support the growing number of electric vehicles. In many areas, the cost of the charging station and installation may be covered in full by incentives offered in these programs. Bulbs.com can offer a turn-key approach to any project by finding the best unit for the application, coordinating the installation process and maximizing the incentive money available to help reduce or even eliminate the cost of the project.
For more information, please give us a call at 888-455-2800 or send an email to customerservice@bulbs.com.