Electric vehicles (EVs) are going from strength to strength globally, and their rise has taken hold in Ireland, with more people choosing electric when upgrading their car.
The most obvious difference between electric vehicles and petrol or diesel fuelled cars is that they have a battery, which is powered by electricity rather than burning gas.
For the battery to run, it must be charged by an electric vehicle charger, which come in three different Levels and are made up of a number of components. We’ll explain everything you need to know about these different electric car chargers, and explain the function of each of the EV charger components.
![Electric-Vehicle-Charger-Components Electric Vehicle Charger Components](https://energyefficiency.ie/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Electric-Vehicle-Charger-Components.jpg)
Table of Content
What is an EV Charger?
An electric vehicle charger is what is needed in order for your car to run. It charges the battery by way of electricity, which can come from the main power supply for home chargers.
The type of electricity used depends on the level of charger that is being used – Level 1 and 2 use AC electricity, while Level 3 chargers, which are generally not used for home charging, use DC electricity.
Both Level 1 and Level 2 are commonly used for home EV charging, and while they can both charge the battery of your car, there are many benefits that Level 2 chargers have which set them apart from their Level 1 counterparts.
![EV-Home-Charging-in-Ireland EV Home Charging in Ireland](https://energyefficiency.ie/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/EV-Home-Charging-in-Ireland.jpg)
Type 1 Charger
Type 2 Charger
Type 3 Charger
What components make up an EV Charge Unit?
There are a number of components that make up an electric car charger, including the power source, the connector, power cable, control board and user interface.
Each of these components have their own unique function, and work together in order to provide the battery of electric vehicles with the electricity they require.
The Cost of EV Chargers in Ireland
With the grant of €300 from the SEAI, it could cost between €800 and €1,200 to have a charge unit installed in your home. The grant is open to everyone, whether they own an EV or not.
To receive the €300 grant (previously €600 before January 2024), a Safe Electric Registered Electrical Contractor must be used. Eligibility criteria also include off-street (at home) parking, and the charger being connected to the back of the home.
![Cost of EV charging station for business Cost of EV charging station for business](https://energyefficiency.ie/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Cost-of-EV-charging-station-for-business.jpg)
Get a Quote Today
Get a FREE quote for a Type 2 electric vehicle charger for your home today to have a more reliable, quicker and convenient EV charging experience!
![Get an EV charging station quote today Get an EV charging station quote today](https://energyefficiency.ie/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Get-an-EV-charging-station-quote-today.jpg)