FREQUENTLY Asked QUESTIONS

Why should I buy from you?
A&K EV Solutions sells, installs, and services EV Charging equipment from the top manufacturers in the US. Names like ChargePoint, EVBox, EvoCharge, WallBox, BTC, and many others. We are EV Charging experts, and we are constantly updating ourselves on the newest technologies available. We offer very competitive pricing and expert installation by qualified and trained electricians. We offer solutions for any type of property from home non-networked chargers to advanced networked chargers for your business or fleet

When can I get an EV Charger?
Many of our manufacturers have product readily available to ship and we can fill most orders in a timely manner.

Why should I drive an electric vehicle?
EV’s are more environmentally friendly. EV’s are also very fun to drive and many are loaded with the newest in high tech gadgetry that makes the driving experience more enjoyable

Are EV Chargers readily available to anyone owning an EV?
Yes. There are many public chargers available, and, with the passing of the new infrastructure bill, the number of public network chargers will continue to grow significantly. Keep in mind, even if there are public chargers available near you, you still need to have a good quality home charger

What does EVSE stand for?
EVSE, or Electric Vehicle Service Equipment, is the technical name for anything related to the maintenance of an electric vehicle. IN this case, it informally refers to a charging station. They are available in various voltages and most come with a J1772 plug which is an industry standard for most EV’s.

What is a BEV vs. a PHEV?
A BEV, or Battery Electric Vehicle, is one that runs only on a battery and must be charged in order to operate. A PHEV, or Plugin Hybrid Electric Vehicle, is a vehicle that can run on gasoline and/or a small battery as well. These vehicles are not as efficient as a BEV but they do not have to be charged in order to operate.

What type of charger do I need?
here are primarily three types of EV Chargers. Which one is right for you will depend on your usage patterns and the type of EV you have. Here is the basic breakdown of EV Chargers.

• Level 1 – Basic, “slow,” “trickle” charging – Residential – 120 volts AC (alternating current) – Typically will take 3-7 Hours for PHEVs and 9-20 Hours for BEVs. Vehicles plug directly into a typical 120‐volt outlet. Electrician will evaluate the circuit to determine if upgrades or modifications to the property’s main electric panel or circuits are required, and it should be a dedicated circuit (no other appliances should use the same circuit.)

• Level 2 – Fast, or “quick” charging – Residential and commercial – 208 – 277 volts AC – Typically will take 1-3 Hours for PHEVs and 4-8 Hours for BEVs. Requires a charging station. Electrician will determine if upgrades or modifications to the property’s main electric panel or circuits are required.

• Level 3 DC – Very fast charging – Commercial – 480 volts DC (Converts 3-phase AC to DC) or higher –Typically will take 5-20 minutes (80% charge) for PHEVs and 10-30 minutes (80% charge) for BEVs. Requires more complex installation and electrical infrastructure upgrades.

Do all EV’s use the same plug?
The Society of Automotive Engineers has established a uniform “connector” standard (J1772) for Level 1 and Level 2 charging. Most electric cars currently on the market or due to launch over the next several years comply with this standard. DC fast charging connectors are available in several standards and will vary depending on the make and model you choose.

Are EV’s cheaper to own than an ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) vehicle?
Yes. In 2019, the TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) of an EV fell below that of an ICE vehicle for the first time. Advances in EV technology, especially battery technology, are expected to widen that gap.

Gas prices fluctuate but, when they are low, does it still make sense to drive an EV?
Yes. Since gasoline prices can fluctuate at any given time, it is difficult to predict the cost of owning and operating a standard internal combustion engine vehicle. Since electric prices historically do not fluctuate at the same rate of gasoline, it is much easier to predict the cost of owning/operating an EV

Isn’t the selection of electric vehicles limited to just a few models?
No, There are many models available on the market today and almost every major vehicle manufacturer has announced plans to become 100% electric within the next 5 years. Additionally, there is a model to fit every application from high performance sports cars to crossovers and SUV’s.

Are there differences in driving an electric vehicle vs. a gas car?
Yes! And they’re all good! Electric cars are really quiet, and at the same time, are capable of exhilarating acceleration and rapid braking, and the braking recharges the car! In addition, with a battery electric vehicle, there are no more trips to the gas station because you can charge at home, work, or in a public charging station. Plug-in electric vehicles are extremely efficient and are usually loaded with all fun high-tech gadgetry. Most plug-in electric vehicles have a display screen which gives the driver tons of useful information. They are also equipped with regenerative deceleration, which captures kinetic energy during deceleration to recharge the battery while driving.

I’ve read that Fuel Cell (Hydrogen) Technology is better than EV Technology?
This is a misconception. Hydrogen requires much more energy to produce than electric. Additionally, there is no readily available infrastructure to support a hydrogen vehicle and building such an infrastructure would be very costly. With the advances being made in EV Battery Technology, Fuel Cell technology will become obsolete.

Aren’t electric vehicles, a relatively new and unproven technology?
No. Here is part of what Wikipedia says about EV’s.

From Wikipedia
The history of the electric vehicle began in the mid-19th century. An electrical vehicle held the vehicular land speed record until around 1900. The high cost, low top speed, and short range of electric vehicles, compared to later internal combustion vehicles, led to a worldwide decline in their use. At the beginning of the 21st Century, interest in electrical and other alternative fuel vehicles has increased due to growing concern over the problems associated with hydrocarbon fueled vehicles, including damage to the environment caused by their emissions, and the sustainability of the current hydrocarbon-based transportation infrastructure.

Why choose A&K EV Solutions as my EV Charging partner?
The answer is simple. A&K EV Solutions staffs a number of EV Experts that work daily to understand the ins and outs of EV Charging. Additionally, AKEVS leverages many strong industry relationships with several industry experts who are ready at a moments notice to assist with any EV Charging Project no matter how simple or complex.

Are there any issues with installing an EV Charging station that I might not be aware of?
Yes. From local electrical and building codes to available rebates and incentives, A&K EV Solutions researches and understands all of these issues for each of its Customers.