Electric Vehicle Connectors
Green is no longer just a color; it is a movement rooted in environmentalism and sustainability. As people around the world have realized that we must protect the planet if we want it to remain healthy and beautiful for future generations, more and more products have entered the market to fuel the green movement. Electric cars are one such development, giving consumers the option to be more environmentally friendly in their daily transportation. Although most Americans own and use gasoline cars, electric vehicles are gaining popularity and, as their technology advances, they will become even more convenient and appreciated. Electric vehicle connectors are an integral part of this new form of transportation; cars need them to start. But before we get into the details, let’s look at the basics of electric vehicles.
Electric vehicles are a type of automobile that uses one or more electric motors or traction motors for propulsion. Unlike gas-powered cars, these run on electricity, which can come from a variety of sources (fossil fuels and nuclear power, but also renewable sources like tidal, solar, and wind power). They require less maintenance because they don’t have as many parts as traditional vehicles and they offer tax benefits. Electric vehicles are also easy to charge at home, run on renewable energy, and emit no pollution from their exhaust pipes. Owning an electric car has many benefits, but like most things, it also has its downsides. Electric vehicles can take several hours to charge and cannot last on long road trips. They will also increase the demand for electricity and there are currently very few models available.
Charging an electric vehicle is easy, but it will require some patience. The most convenient (but also expensive) option would be to buy a charging station for home use. If you charge your car overnight, you will always be ready for the morning ride.
To make the process of charging an electric car more convenient, national societies and commissions work together to establish industry standards for electric vehicle connectors. The common connector for the United States is the J1772 combination connector, which was chosen by the Society of Automotive Engineers. It allows both AC and DC charging, has a diameter of 43mm and contains five pins. Designed for 120V or 240V single phase electrical systems, electric vehicle connectors use a 1 kHz square wave at +/- 12 volts on the pilot pin (to detect the vehicle, communicate the maximum allowable current, and control the process of load) . These connectors will often be located outdoors, so it is important that they can withstand environmental concerns such as wind, rain, and heat. They are also equipped with many safety features such as shock protection, connector pins located inside (so humans don’t have physical access), and pins that have zero voltage when not in use.
Advances in technology and growing popularity are helping consumers see electric vehicles as a viable alternative to their gas-guzzling cars, but it will take a little longer for them to truly compete. Right now, electric cars are just a great alternative for environmentally conscious drivers looking to make a change.