Understanding Electrify America’s Fast Charging Tier System for Electric Vehicles

Electrify America's fast charging system is designed to provide optimal and efficient charging experiences for electric vehicle (EV) owners. The tier system is dynamic and adapts to the state of charge of your vehicle, ensuring that you receive the most suitable charge level for your battery. In this article, we will delve into how Electrify America determines the appropriate tier of fast charging for your electric car, and the implications for pricing and membership.

Understanding the Tier System

Electrify America's fast charging system operates on a tiered approach based on the power level required to fast-charge your EV battery. The power level is determined at the start of each charging session based on the state of charge (SOC) of your battery. Essentially, the charger will deliver the lowest available power tier that both matches the car's and the charger's capabilities. This ensures that the charging process is safe and efficient.

Power Level Adaptation

When you arrive at an Electrify America charging station, the system checks the battery level of your EV. If your battery is severely depleted, the charger will initiate at a higher power level to provide a rapid charge. Conversely, if your battery still has a moderate charge, the charger will start at a lower power level before gradually increasing to the maximum allowed by the station.

Charging Process Overview

For example, imagine a scenario where you have an empty battery. In this case, the charger will deliver the highest possible power to achieve a significant charge quickly. However, when your battery is only 20% depleted, the charger will start with a lower power level and gradually increase as it approaches a full charge. This dynamic power control is crucial for both battery health and safety.

Charging Levels and Power Delivered

Electrify America's DC fast charging stations offer a range of power levels, from 50kW to 350kW, each with its own performance thresholds. The actual power delivered during a charging session is the minimum value between the maximum capability of the charger and the capability of the vehicle's battery pack and thermal management system.

DC Fast Charging Station Range

50kW Charger: Ideal for older EV models or those with less advanced battery chemistry. 150kW Charger: Suitable for most modern EVs and high-capacity battery packs. 350kW Charger: Best for newer, high-performance EV models with advanced battery technology.

Each charger is clearly labeled with its maximum power output, so you can easily identify the appropriate charger for your vehicle. This labeling ensures that you are using the most efficient charger for your specific needs, optimizing both speed and battery health.

Understanding the Pricing Structure

The pricing for Electrify America's fast charging is structured around the power level at which the charging session begins. The costs are calculated and displayed per-minute at the charging station, or through their app before you start the charging session. This dynamic pricing model ensures that you pay only for the actual power used during the charging process.

Power Level Pricing

This new pricing model is known as 'power level pricing.' Once you select a charger, the system will start the charging session with the power level that is most suitable for your battery based on its current state of charge. The cost per minute is dependent on the power level you start with and the power level provided by the charger.

Using the Help Feature

To get a clear idea of the costs before you begin your charging session, use the 'Help' button on the charger screen or log into the Electrify America app. The app provides detailed information on the cost per minute based on your location and the power level of the charger you are using. This allows you to plan your charging accordingly without any surprises.

Conclusion

Electrify America's tiered fast charging system is designed to provide a seamless and efficient charging solution for electric vehicle owners. By dynamically adjusting the power level based on the state of charge of your battery, the system ensures that you receive the most suitable charge for your vehicle's needs. This not only maximizes the efficiency of your charging session but also promotes the longevity of your battery. Whether you are an EV enthusiast or a frequent user of fast charging stations, understanding this system is key to making the most of your charging experience.