EV Frequently Asked Questions

Electric Vehicles

What types of electric vehicles are there?

Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs)
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs)
All-electric vehicles (EVs)—also referred to as battery electric vehicles (BEVs)
Fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs) - future

What benefits do electric vehicles offer?

The benefits include improved fuel economy, lower fuel and operating costs, reduced emissions and state/federal incentives.

Is there any fuel cost savings with electric vehicles?

Electricity costs are 2¢–6¢ per mile - compare this to gasoline up to 18c per mile.

How Do EV Emissions Compare With Gas Fueled Vehicles?

Generally, all-electric vehicles produce a third of the emissions compared to gas. Purchasing or installing renewable energy sources will further reduce emissions.

What type of connectors or charge ports are on each electric vehicle?

SAE J1772, also known as a J plug, is a North American standard
Combined Charging System (CCS): also known as J772 combo
CHAdeMO: most common of the three connector types
Tesla: Tesla vehicles have a unique connector and offer an adapter

What standards are there for the electric vehicle connectors?

SAE International, formerly named the Society of Automotive Engineers

What is the description of the J1772 connector?

L1 - AC Line 1
N - AC Neutral for 120V AC AC Level 1 or C Line 2 for 208-240V AC Level 2 charging
PP - Proximity Pilot (PP) - (plug present), electrical lock or interconnect between charger and vehicle
CP - Control Pilot (CP) - signal charging communication between the vehicle and charger
PE - Protective Earth (Ground)

What is the description of the Combined Charging System (CCS) connector?

L1 - AC Line 1
N - AC Neutral for 120V AC Level 1 or C Line 2 for 208-240V AC Level 2 charging
PP - Proximity Pilot (PP) - (plug present), electrical lock or interconnect between charger and vehicle
CP - Control Pilot (CP) - signal charging communication between the vehicle and charger
PE - Protective Earth (Ground)
DC+ - high-current DC pin
DC- - high-current DC pin

What type of battery is in a EV?

Lithium-Ion Batteries

What is the typical manufacturer’s EV battery lifetime and warranty?

8 years/100,000 miles. Expected battery lifetime is 8–15 years depending on climate conditions. Check with your vehicle’s manufacturer for vehicle and battery warranty information.

What EV Models Are Available?

For up-to-date information on available models use these two searches:

Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) Vehicle Search tool
Find a Car tool on FuelEconomy.gov

Where do I find further details on alternative fuel vehicles?

You can find more information at the US Department of Energy Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy website.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Chargers

What level of chargers are there?

AC Level 1 - trickle charge - comes with electric vehicle
- Typical use: home charging
- Power source: 120 volt (V) AC hardwire or plug (NEMA 5-15 or 5-20) under 20 Amps
- EV connector: SAE J1772
AC Level 2
- Typical use: home, workplace or public charging
- Power source: 208 or 240 volt (V) AC hardwire, up 80 Amps and 19.2 kW
- EV connector: SAE J1772
DC Level 3 - also called DC fast chargers (DCFC)
- Typical use: public charging
- Power source: 208 or 240 volt (V) AC hardwire, up 80 Amps and 19.2 kW
- EV connector: CHAdeMO or CCS (SAE J1772) combo

How far can I go on a full charge?

Single battery charge is known as its “all-electric range”. All-electric vehicles can typically go 100 to more than 400 miles on a single charge. PHEVs can typically go 15–50 miles on battery power alone. Several factors affect actual range, including driving conditions, driving habits, and use of climate controls.

What is the range per hour of charge?

AC Level 1: 2-5 miles range per hour of charge
AC Level 2: 10–30 miles of range per hour of charging
DC Level 3: DC fast chargers (DCFC): 100–200+ miles of range in 30 minutes

What is the estimated charge time for a 80% charged battery?

AC Level 1: up to 48 hours (2 days)
AC Level 2: up to 14 hours
DC Level 3: DC fast chargers (DCFC): up to 90 minutes

Where can I charge my EV?

You can charge your car at home, at your workplace, and at public charging places.

How do I find public charging stations?

You can find them using the Alternative Fueling Station Locator which is also available as an iPhone and Android app

In the US, what is the percentage of EV charging stations currently installed?

AC Level 1: less than 5% of public EVSE ports or plugs
AC Level 2: over 80% of public EVSE ports or plugs
DC Level 3: over 15% of public EVSE ports or plugs

Where do I find more details on the available electric vehicle and charger incentives?

State: PA DEP Driving Forward Grants
Federal: US Dept of the Treasury - Internal Revenue Service (IRS) - up to 30% tax credit, Form 8911, Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit
Electric fuel Laws and Incentives: Alternative Fuels Data Center

What national electric code (NEC) section does EV chargers comply with?

ARTICLE 625 Electric Vehicle Charging and Supply Equipment Systems and Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment. UL 2202-2009

Is there a another name for EV chargers?

Yes- Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE)

Is EV charger an energy saving device?

No - This adds to electric consumption and demand but decreases the demand for gas

Siemens AC Level 2

What is the name of the Siemens AC level 2 charger?

It is the VersiCharge.

What type of vehicle connection does the AC level 2 VersiCharge have?

It has a J1772 plug with a 20 ft cable.

Can the VersiCharge mounted be outside?

Yes, the charger carries a NEMA 4 rating for indoor and outdoor applications.

What power ratings are currently available with Versicharge AC Level charger?

The power ratings current available are 40A - 9.6 kW and 48A - 11.5 kW.

What supply voltage and circuit protection is needed for the level 2 charger?

single phase 208V / 240 V AC, 60 Hz
40A - 9.6 kW …. 50A two pole breaker
48A - 11.5 kW …. 60A two pole breaker

Does the VersiCharge have built in protection?

Yes - ground fault, over voltage and over current.

What is the weight and dimensions of the VersiCharge?

The weight is 17 lbs.

What are the charger mounting options?

The charger mounting options include wall or post mount.

What charger accessories are available?

There is single and dual post - Dimensions (HxWxD) 16.10 in x 7.09 in x 3.78 in and also cable retraction.

What communication interfaces are currently available with the VersiCharge?

The communication interfaces include Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Modbus RS-485, Modbus TCP/IP or cellular.

How does the charger authenticate an user?

RFID or QR code - either can be used for the driver.

How does charger get configured?

It gets configured via Siemens mobile app

Are there cellular plans available through Siemens?

Yes - AT&T 1year data plan 2GB or 5GB.

What is the standard warranty on the VersiCharge?

The standard warranty is 3 years for the charger.

How do you select a charger? Make sure to consider these 8 things:

Charger size: 40A - 9.6 kW and 48A - 11.5 kW
Communication: Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Modbus RS-485, Modbus TCP/IP or cellular
Post or cable retraction options
Access Control: RFID or QR code
Cloud services Options
Cellular plans
Extended warranties
Additional power distribution

Can you bill users for the use of the charger?

Yes - this can be a revenue generator with the correct charger, communications and management services.

Does the Siemens charger have a proprietary communication protocol?

It is built into all EV chargers, Siemens has a secure open standard OCPP (open charge point protocol) communications. This includes Support CARE, Management packages CONNECT, CHARGE or CONTROL, and Online commissioning (ACSETUP).