How does an electric vehicle (EV) charging station work?

@narciso 

An electric vehicle (EV) charging station works by supplying electricity to recharge the batteries of an electric vehicle. Here are the basic steps involved in how an EV charging station works:

1. Connection: When an electric vehicle is brought to a charging station, it is connected to the charging infrastructure using a charging cable or connector. Charging stations can have alternatives such as AC Level 1, AC Level 2, DC fast charging, or wireless charging pads. The type of station and connector used may vary depending on the vehicle and the charging station's capabilities.
2. Authentication: Many charging stations require users to authenticate themselves, either through an RFID card, smartphone app, or credit card. This process ensures that only authorized users can access and use the charging station.
3. Communication: The charging station interacts with the electric vehicle through a communication protocol like OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol). This allows the station to communicate charging rates, energy usage, and other relevant information between the vehicle and the charging network.
4. Power Delivery: Once the EV and charging station are connected and authenticated, the station supplies the vehicle with the required amount of electricity. The charging station converts AC (alternating current) power from the grid into DC (direct current) power suitable for the vehicle's battery.
5. Charging Rate: The charging rate depends on the type of charging station and the vehicle's capabilities. AC Level 1 chargers typically provide the slowest charging rate (using a standard household outlet), while AC Level 2 chargers (using higher voltage) offer faster charging. DC fast charging stations can provide the quickest charging rates by bypassing the vehicle's onboard charger and directly supplying DC power to the battery.
6. Monitoring: During the charging process, the charging station continuously monitors the battery's state of charge and adjusts the power delivery accordingly. This ensures that the vehicle's battery is charged safely and efficiently.
7. Completion: Once the battery is fully charged or the charging session is complete, the charging station stops supplying electricity, and the vehicle can be disconnected. The charging session details, such as energy consumed and charging time, may be recorded for billing or monitoring purposes.

Overall, an EV charging station serves as a bridge between the electrical grid and the electric vehicle, providing a safe and efficient way to recharge the vehicle's batteries.