Charging an electric vehicle may sound like a big deal, but it is not as hard as it may seem. With advancements in new technology, you can now charge your electric car even with a portable generator. Shocked??? Well, you need not to be. Charging an electric car with a portable generator can be done under certain scenarios. Let us know how this is possible.
What are Electric Cars?
Electric cars or Electric vehicles (EVs) are battery-powered or fuel-cell-driven electric motors that do not use combustion engines to run. They can be externally charged with charging equipment and are designed keeping in mind the environmental impacts that traditional vehicles have. Electric cars are generally of three types- all-electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, and hybrid electric vehicles.
These cars have multiple benefits, such as they reduce air and noise pollution. EVs are quieter compared to the traditional ones. Unlike traditional motors, EVs can be charged externally. They have the unique feature of regenerative braking. This means while you slow down your car, the motor can be reversed to cultivate electricity.
How can we charge an electric car with a portable generator?
Charging an electric vehicle comes with the biggest challenge of sudden power outages, and without continuous battery power, you cannot drive one. Now, imagine you are on a road trip in your electric car, and you face an unexpected power cut, and you cannot even find a power station nearby. Will it interrupt your road trip? Will it be an impossible problem to solve? No! Absolutely not. You can carry a portable generator in the trunk of your car and power it up easily.
Things to Consider Before Buying the Generator
But hold on. Before you get too excited to hear this fact, you do need to consider a few things before you decide to buy the generator for your EV. Prior to the purchase, you are to consider the below-discussed requirements for the generator-
- Compatibility
Every electric vehicle has its own unique charging method and may not be charged with all types of generators. Thus, to ensure you charge up your electric car safely, compatibility of the generator with it is extremely important. Consider your car’s user manual in this case, and look for the specific charging requirements to take home the suitable portable generator.
- Portability
Portability is another factor to consider while buying a generator. As you are to carry the generator outside in your car, it needs to be easily portable. An easily transported generator with wheels and handles is all that you need for your much-awaited outskirt trip.
- Charging Time
Not all high-power generators can charge faster. Choose a generator that suits your desired charging time. A compatible generator is likely to charge faster compared to other generators.
- Weight
Avoid overloading your car by exceeding its weight limit by buying a heavy generator. A Mighty Atom generator is light and has the perfect weight. However, always consider your car’s weight limit before purchasing any.
- Fuel Type
Your EV may not, but your generator needs fuel to operate. In order to ensure the safe handling of the fuel, choose fuels like LPG over highly inflammable fuels like petrol and diesel for your portable generator.
Power for EV Charging
Electric vehicle owners have three charging modes in general, each requiring a different power level:
Level 1 Charging
Level 1 chargers consume a standard level of 120-volt power source. EV owners having a level 1 charging cable may need a circuit outlet to power up their cars. This has a slow and steady charging speed of approximately 5 miles per hour.
Level 2 Charging
Level 2 chargers require 240-volt of power to get charged. These chargers need to be charged at a power station. This is the best choice for drivers preferring a fast-charging experience in between their journeys. It charges at a speed of 25 miles per hour.
Level 3 Charging
This is the fastest level of power charging your electric car. This can be charged at petrol stations or charging points in cities. As they use direct current to get charged up, it gives you a speedy charging of around 200 miles per hour.
Now that you have found the answer to your question- “Can an electric car be charged with a portable generator?” you are likely to consider all the charging factors before you pick that portable generator for your electric car.
