The future of driving is in flux, and EV cars and EV chargers seem to be at the crux of it. Are you ready, Austin? Central Texas is the hub for all things electric vehicles (EVs) in our great state, and Austin is poised to be the movement’s leader in 2023. With government incentives to go electric and growing infrastructure that makes EV chargers more accessible, the perfect time to join the revolution is now. 

Learn how advances in the field of EV charging are making electric vehicles more than innovative and environmentally friendly; they are turning EVs into a wise and practical choice for efficiency and convenience. In this article, we guide you through the different levels of electric vehicle chargers and help you plan for the future of your property. Join us as we explore all things EVs with honesty and excitement.

Infrastructure and EV technology continues to improve as 2023 Austin, Tx, advances further into the future and people discover more of the environmental benefits of going electric; it’s no surprise, then, that a sizable increase of EV ownership in Austin, Tx, is changing the way the city operates. A change of this nature comes with a need for lightning-quick charging stations and infrastructure to support the changes. 

Currently, Austin’s infrastructure is well-suited for the number of people driving electric vehicles, with close to 1400 EV charger stations. An energy research company, BloombergNEF, estimates that by 2030, 29% of the global automobile market will belong to electric vehicles, with that number nearing 60% in the United States. To keep up with the growing number of EV supporters, public utility companies have committed to installing 4,000 new EV charging stations by 2030 throughout Austin, Round Rock, and surrounding rural areas. 

With the number of electric vehicles on the road increasing so rapidly, the technology that supports it must also increase – most notably, electric vehicle chargers. Technological advancements have already increased their EV charging rate of 2 – 5 miles per hour at level 1 to level 3 chargers that can recharge your electric vehicle in 10 to 30 minutes.

Austin, Texas, is leading the way in the development and implementation of electric vehicle charger infrastructure. Now drivers can choose to utilize different levels of EV chargers that cater to their specific needs and reside in the most convenient places– namely, at home or strategically picked businesses such as roadside dinners, hotels, and apartment complexes. 

EV chargers work by transforming electricity from the grid into power your car can use; you simply plug your vehicle in and let the charger work its magic. However, the rate at which it can do that varies based on the level of charger you are using. Charging technology has come a long way and will continue to improve as more work is done in favor of a cleaner future.

• Level 1 charging is the oldest form of charging your electric vehicle. They use a standard 120-volt outlet which sends in electricity that can be transformed into 2 to 5 miles worth of power in an hour. It typically takes 8 to 24 hours for a complete charge and is most beneficial for at-home overnight use.
• Level 2 chargers use 240-volt connections to draw power from the grid; therefore, they have twice as much electricity moving through them. This means that L2 chargers can replenish about 10 to 30 miles per hour and provide a complete charge in just a few hours as opposed to the 8 to 24 of a level 1 charger. Level 2 charging is most efficient for public use because people can more quickly access the station and move on. Level 2 chargers can be installed for personal use, but you may encounter issues with your battery due to overcharging.
• Level 3 chargers utilize the most advanced EV charging technology and are the newest (and fastest) additions to the charging family. Their specialized high-voltage connections can generate enough power to refuel an electric vehicle by 80% in just 30 minutes. As the newest charging level, this infrastructure is not as common as L 1 & 2 technology and does not yet exist for in-home use. Still, this technology is most beneficial for public charging areas like gas stations where there will be a high demand and need for vehicles to reach full charge quickly.

As the world moves towards a greener future, cities like Austin, Texas, continue to embrace electric vehicles and sustainability initiatives. The city is taking steps toward the future of EVs and EV chargers as they encourage widespread EV use as part of the greater eco-friendly movement. With more and more drivers switching to electric cars, the need for efficient and accessible charging stations is becoming increasingly important. 

Luckily, Austin is a city that is always ahead of the curve, and the future is looking bright for EV charging infrastructure. However, it is also important that you are prepared for the change. Start by ensuring you know where all of the charging stations are in the city so that you never have to worry about running out of charge. Next, understand you should never let yourself get below a 20% charge. This trick ensures you are never too far from a charging station. Finally, consider installing a charging station at home. There is no greater convenience than being able to charge your car when and however much you want. Oftentimes there are courtesy rules at charging stations, such as never charging past 80%; if you have an electric vehicle charger at home, you never have to worry about an incomplete charge.

The rise in electric vehicles is not just trendy, and it’s an opportunity that businesses must pay attention to. As a business owner, investing in EV chargers draws in a larger customer base and prepares you for the future of transportation. Making this investment could also be infinitely more beneficial if you are located along a highway or where people commonly drive for long stretches. One good thing about the state of charger technology is that you can choose from several options depending on what works for your business. For example, hotels may opt for level 1 or 2 chargers because guests can leave them plugged in. Restaurants and convenience stores, on the other hand, will find more value in level 2 and 3 chargers because patrons can achieve a quick refuel while grabbing a bite to eat. Roadstops, in particular, could benefit from level 1 chargers because more people can use your charging stations and continue their trips more efficiently. Other businesses that could benefit from EV chargers include grocery stores, movie theaters, shopping malls, and so many more. Every type of establishment could benefit from an electric vehicle charging station if leveraged for the benefit of their customers correctly. 

By offering this convenience to your customers, you show that you prioritize sustainability and innovation – more importantly, however, you show them that you prioritize their needs. Furthermore, with government incentives and tax breaks, it costs more not to incorporate EV chargers into your business model.

As the popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) continues to rise, homeowners and business owners are faced with the challenge of finding adequate means of charging their vehicles. Fortunately, smart technology solutions can help accommodate this demand by encouraging both residential and commercial properties to install level 1 or 2 chargers at home. Doing so ensures your vehicles charge quickly, efficiently, and fully. 

Chargers can go in garages, parking lots, and anywhere else, which makes it easy for drivers to keep their EVs fully charged. Some systems even have features like automatic scheduling and remote monitoring. EV chargers make electric vehicles a convenient and sustainable solution for transportation and are changing the way homeowners and business owners alike go through their day.

Owning your own EV charger comes with a multitude of benefits, including convenience, control, and cost savings. At home, electric vehicle chargers work faster for quick charging or can be left overnight. You’ll never have to worry about finding a public charging station or waiting in line to access it. With your own charger, you can charge your EV at any time, any day, and ensure that it’s fully charged whenever you need it.  

Furthermore, installing an EV charger increases your home’s value and decreases your carbon footprint. EV charging technology integrates well with smart home technology and can therefore be powered by clean energy and utilized to optimize the time of day charging and speed.   

Austin, TX, is taking steps in sustainability as electric vehicles become the main source of transportation. To stay current and dive head-first in the EV movement, it is time to think about EV charging and how you can prepare yourself for the shift from gas-powered to electricity-powered vehicles. This change is affecting everybody, not only individuals interested in electric vehicles. Business owners, for example, need to decide whether they want to install electric vehicle charger stations outside of their establishments– especially in businesses where people can spend a lot of time, like a restaurant or hotel. 

The number of electric vehicles on the road is expected to skyrocket throughout 2023 when and so it is important to ensure that you’re ready. Understanding the current state of electric vehicles in Austin, levels of EV charging, and the benefits of owning your own charger are all integral to whether you should have a charger installed. 

If you have any questions about EV chargers, the different levels, or anything else, consider calling one of the experts at Alpha Team Electric. With our team of highly experienced installation technicians, you’ll be able to find the answers you’re seeking and make wise decisions on what fits your needs. We can satisfy your needs more quickly than a level-3 Tesla charger can charge an EV so that you can return to a convenient and hassle-free driving experience. Make sure that your future is charged up and ready with Alpha Team Electric!