Fleet Electrification Step 2: Review ZEV and EVSE Training Materials

ZEVs are vehicles that can produce zero tailpipe exhaust emissions of any criteria pollutant (or precursor pollutant) or GHG when operating. This definition includes electric vehicles (EVs), which include BEVs and PHEVs, as well as fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEVs).

ZEVs include EVs, which are defined as a "plug-in electric drive vehicle" in Section 131 of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA), to mean a vehicle that: (A) draws motive power from a battery with a capacity of at least 4 kilowatt-hours; and (B) can be recharged from an external source of electricity for motive power (42 U.S.C. § 17011). EVs are further defined as follows:

Battery Electric Vehicles

Battery electric vehicles (BEVs) or "all electric vehicles" are powered primarily by an electric motor drawing current from rechargeable batteries or other portable sources of electrical current (about 150-500 miles in 2023 models). BEVs are most suitable in cases where vehicles drive less than 200 miles per day. As explored in more detail in Step 15, Support Drivers in Operating ZEVs and Using EVSE, real-world driving range is more sensitive to ambient temperatures, ranging from 120% of rated range at 70ºF to 50% at -2ºF.

Low-Speed Electric Vehicles

Low-speed electric vehicles (LSEVs) are electric-powered low-speed vehicles and are also referred to as neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs). LSEVs are four-wheeled vehicles weighing less than 3,000 pounds with top speeds of 20 to 25 mph. LSEVs are used on slower traffic roads (less than 45 mph) such as local distributor streets and have successful use cases on campuses settings.

Plug-In Electric Hybrid Vehicles

Plug-in electric hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) are propelled by both an internal combustion and heat engine and to a significant extent by an electric motor that draws electricity from a battery (with a capacity of at least 4 kilowatt-hours) that can be recharged from the grid. This makes it possible to drive moderate distances using just electricity (about 15 to 60-plus miles in 2023 models), commonly referred to as the "electric range" of the vehicle.

The other type of ZEV is an FCEV, which is propelled by an electric motor using power derived from one or more cells that combine oxygen with hydrogen fuel stored on board the vehicle to generate electricity (as defined in section 30B(b)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 as amended by EPAct 2005 (26 U.S.C. 30B(b)(3))). 
 

Although they draw propulsion energy from both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor that draws electricity from a battery, these vehicles cannot plug in to off-board sources of electricity to charge the battery. Instead, the vehicle recovers energy from regenerative braking and the internal combustion engine to charge the battery.

EVSE ensures the safe transfer of electricity between the power source (transmission or generation) and the EV.  EVSE is only one component of an EV charging system.  The two other components are the power source to deliver electricity to the EVSE and the EV itself to control charging of the vehicle batteries from the EVSE.

Power Source

Typically, power is delivered to the electric vehicle charging station through the grid (transmission) or from an on-site power source (e.g., renewable generation). This electricity is properly managed through transformers, switchboards, and load centers. The power source should be connected to the EVSE through a dedicated circuit correctly sized to the power requirements.

EVSE

The EVSE is a set of components that link the power source to the vehicle: (1) the interface to the power source or unit, (2) the cord, and (3) connector to the vehicle. The connector, once inserted into the EV inlet, creates an electrical connection for charging the batteries and communicating charging-related information.

Electric Vehicle

Once the EV inlet and EVSE are coupled, power is delivered via an onboard charging system to the batteries.

EVSE charging speeds are generally delineated by SAE International standard J1772 as alternating current (AC) Level 1, AC Level 2, direct current (DC) fast chargers (DCFC or DC Level 1), and extreme fast chargers (XFC or DC Level 2). 

The table below illustrates the amount of driving range charged per hour for a Chrysler Pacifica and a Ford Mach-E for each of EVSE type. The Pacifica PHEV can fully recharge its 32-mile range in about 11 hours with a Level 1 EVSE and 2 hours with a Level 2 EVSE.  Like most PHEVs, the Pacifica PHEV is not capable of using DCFC and XFC.  The base model 2022 Mach-E BEV can fully recharge its 230-mile range in under 10 hours with a Level 2 EVSE, in roughly 1.4 hours with DCFC EVSE, and in 30 minutes using XFC EVSE.

Example BEV and PHEV Charging Times by EVSE Type

While most EVSE units are connected to the local power distribution system, another option is to place portable charging stations on site which can stand alone without a grid connection. Instead of a grid connection, these portable EVSE units typically have a solar PV array, a battery storage system, and Level 2 charging ports. These portable chargers are typically a skid-mounted solution that can be moved with a trailer to areas of high demand, require no trenching or concrete work, and are not impacted by power distribution system outages.