The waterproof and dustproof grades of electric vehicle chargers and their purchasing relationship

When choosing an electric vehicle charger that supports multi-protocol charging, it is necessary to comprehensively consider multiple aspects such as the compatibility of charging protocols, charging power, safety, brand and reputation, as well as the convenience of installation and use. The following is a detailed selection guide:

First, clarify the type of charging protocol

The charging protocol for electric vehicles is the rule for communication and coordination of the charging process between the charger and the vehicle. Different brands and models of electric vehicles may adopt different charging protocols. Common charging protocols include:

CHAdeMO: Led by Japanese automakers such as Nissan and Mitsubishi, it is mainly used for fast DC charging.

CCS (Combined Charging System) : It combines AC and DC charging functions and is a standard adopted by many automakers in Europe and the United States, such as BMW, Volkswagen, and Ford.

GB/T: A national standard of China, applicable to the majority of domestic electric vehicles.

Tesla Supercharger: A proprietary fast charging protocol of Tesla, which is only applicable to Tesla models. However, some Tesla chargers can support other protocols through adapters.

When choosing a charger, first clarify which charging protocols your vehicle supports, and then select a charger that is compatible with these protocols.

Second, pay attention to the charging power

The charging power directly affects the charging speed. The higher the power, the shorter the charging time. Multi-protocol chargers usually support charging modes of different powers, such as:

AC charging: The power is generally between 3.3kW and 22kW, suitable for slow charging in homes or offices.

DC charging: The power can reach 50kW to 350kW or even higher, making it suitable for fast charging at public charging stations.

When choosing a charger, one should select the appropriate power range based on their own usage scenarios and requirements. For example, if charging mainly at home, a 7kW or 11kW AC charger might be sufficient; If you often need to travel long distances, you may need a DC charger that supports higher power.

Third, attach importance to safety

Safety is an important factor that cannot be ignored when choosing a charger. Chargers with the following safety features should be selected:

Overcurrent protection: Prevents excessive current from damaging the vehicle battery or charger.

Overvoltage protection: Prevents damage to the vehicle caused by excessively high voltage.

Short-circuit protection: Automatically cut off the power supply when a short circuit occurs to prevent safety accidents such as fire.

Leakage protection: Detect and prevent leakage phenomena to ensure personal safety.

Temperature monitoring: Real-time monitoring of the temperature of the charger and vehicle battery to prevent overheating.

Fourth, consider the brand and reputation

Choosing a charger from a well-known brand and with a good reputation can ensure the quality of the product and after-sales service. You can learn about a brand and its reputation through the following channels:

Online reviews: View user reviews of chargers on e-commerce platforms, auto forums, etc.

Professional evaluation: Refer to the evaluation reports of chargers by professional automotive media or evaluation institutions.

Brand history: Understand the brand's development process, technological strength and market share.

Fifth, evaluate the convenience of installation and use

Installation method: Select the appropriate installation method based on the charging scenario, such as wall-mounted, column-mounted or portable.

Operation interface: Select a charger with a simple and clear operation interface that is easy to use.

Intelligent functions: Some chargers support intelligent functions such as remote control via mobile phone APP and real-time viewing of charging status, enhancing the user experience.

Sixth, other precautions

Adapter and Converter: If the charger does not support certain protocols but the vehicle does, you may consider using an adapter or converter. However, it should be noted that the use of adapters or converters may affect charging efficiency and safety, so they should be chosen with caution.

Price and Budget: Multi-protocol chargers are usually more expensive, but considering their compatibility and convenience, they may be a worthwhile investment in the long run. One should choose a suitable charger based on their budget and needs.

Warranty and after-sales service: Understand the warranty period and after-sales service policy of the charger to ensure that any problems encountered during use can be resolved promptly.