48 Amp EV Charger: Fast Charging Solution for Your Electric Vehicle

The days when the words electric vehicle and speed couldn’t be used in the same sentence are long gone. This is true in terms of both: how fast the modern EVs and how quickly these bad boys can be charged. 

And in today’s world, timing is everything. We all want quality and we don’t want it to take much time. This is exactly why the 48 Amp EV Charger is the go-to solution for many an EV owner - they are super fast!

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Do I Need the 48 Amp EV Charger?

Most typically, EVs come with a charging wire as standard, but these are not universally applicable. Each EV brand includes a separate charging device, but the problem is that the levels of juicing power tend to vary quite a bit. 

Even within the same EV brand, the charging kit that comes with the electric vehicle varies depending on the model you buy. Some of these included chargers are Level 2 - 240 volts (as an example, that’s the outlet your oven is using). These are true powerhouses that can fully charge your EV’s battery while you’re having a good night’s sleep, as they typically provide an impressive 10 to 20 miles of range per hour. For more details on Level 2, read: what is a Level 2 charger. 

On the other hand, there are Level 1 chargers that can also be the default that car manufacturers supply and these are intended to be plugged into a standard household 120-volt outlet. These trickle chargers provide power at a far slower rate than their Level 2 equivalents, often topping you out at 3 miles per hour. Level 1 chargers are appropriate for the majority of plug-in hybrids (PHEVs). After all, PHEVs have smaller batteries than complete EVs, ranging from 5 to 20 kilowatt-hours (kWh) against 60 to 100 kWh for a pure EV.

So, the key question here is: do I need the 48 amp EV charger if the charger provided by the manufacturer is sufficient for my new EV?

Perhaps the best way to answer this question is to figure out if the default charger is capable of fully charging your EV’s battery overnight. If yes - you're good to go, and you probably don’t need the 48 amp EV charger. 

If, however, the answer is no, then buying a 48 amp EV charger is a good idea. 

Bear in mind, though, that any Level 2 charger will need a 240-volt outlet, so if you don’t have one installed in your garage or wherever you intend to plug in, be sure to install one (but more on this later in this article). 

It is also useful to mention Level 3 EV chargers that go even further by often exceeding 100 amps. A Level 3 charging station is typically found at public charging stations, along highways, and at commercial locations. For more info on level 3 and mode 3 EV charging, read: what is mode 3 charging. 

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How to Install the 48 Amp EV Charger

Right, so I guess you've opted for the 48 amp EV charger, and now it’s time to install it at home.

The Amp Headroom and the Separate Circuit

Since an EV charger of 48 amp will pack a solid punch, it is a good idea to have a dedicated circuit for it. It’s almost like a separate “fast” lane on a highway for those who don’t take kindly to speed limits, and your 48 amp EV charger will need its own circuit. 

According to safety rules, a 48 amp EV charger will require a little more headroom to handle the power surges, which means you should go with a separate 50 or 60-amp circuit. For reference, a standard 32-amp charger will need a 40-amp circuit, and so on. 

48 Amp EV Charger: the Installation Process 

By now, you probably know that there are two types of home EV chargers in terms of installation: hardwired and plug-in. 

Unlike portable, plug-in chargers that are simply attached near a conventional 240-volt outlet as a yet another home appliance device, your 48 amp EV charger is a hardwired unit that needs to be installed permanently on your garage wall, with wiring coming straight from the fuse box. 

As for the wiring, the 48 amp EV charger will also require lower gauge (thicker) wires. It is recommended that you use a 6-gauge cable. To always be on the safe side, consider running it to a 60-amp breaker, as safety codes typically require electrical circuits to be rated for 25% greater amperage than the output.

This is why, regardless of your electrical skills, it is typically and highly recommended to get a certified electrician to complete the task of 48 amp EV charger installation for you. This is due to Level 2 EV chargers providing significant quantities of power for extended periods of time. You’ll agree that, in these cases, a correct installation that follows standards is critical. 

Here’s a circuit wiring diagram for the 48 amp EV charger to help you out:

Pro Tip: 

Since these extra 8 amps of a 48 amp EV charger means that you need to install a hardwired charging unit, you may find less powerful plug-in EV chargers that are likely to brim your battery overnight anyway. This depends on the EV model you have. So, for that sweet spot of power and cost-efficiency, it might just be the case that a trusty 40-amp plug-in charger with a NEMA 14-50R outlet will do the trick. Also, your 48 amp EV charger may boast more power than your EV can handle, in which case your EV model itself might be stopping you from taking full advantage of a 48 amp EV charger. 

Where to Install My 48 Amp EV Charger?

Now, let’s see where to park your charger. 

This is where thinking strategically comes into play. You will definitely want your charging cable to be able to comfortably reach your EV’s charging connection, even if you park in a slightly different way each day. 

Also, it’s important to think of your future cars. Different EVs have charging connections in different locations and sides, so you don't want to have trouble with your home 48 amp EV charger every time you transfer cars. This is why a central spot in your garage is usually the best option. It ensures simple access no matter which EV beauty you bring home next.

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Tips for Using Your 48 Amp EV Charger the Right Way

Once you have your 48 amp EV charger installed in your home driveway or garage, it’s important to use it wisely and keep it in peak condition for years of dependable service. 

Here are some key tips to have in mind:

• Coil up the cable: When the charge is complete, neatly coil it to prevent accidental run-overs.
• Mind the connector: When not in use, keep it holstered in its designated spot to shield it from dirt and moisture. 
• Storm protection: Lightning indeed strikes fear, so make sure to unplug your charger during electrical storms to avoid any potential damage.
• Connector safety: Don’t leave the connector sprawled on the ground. 
• Cost-efficiency: Schedule charging during off-peak hours 

Maximising Battery Mileage

It could be tempting to brim the battery every night. However, certain EV manufacturers recommend a different approach for long-term battery health. So, do check out what your model’s recommendations are and try to aim at the 80% sweet spot if necessary. 

Some EVs have a recommended daily charging maximum of approximately 80% to help with battery longevity. Only switch to 100% when extra range is required for a long journey.

Pro Tip: 

Many EV owners claim that leaving the charger plugged into the car after it has finished charging is a bad idea. This is actually a kind of myth. The 48 amp EV charger shuts off power when the target level is met. So don't worry about overcharging; you may leave it plugged in for as long as you need.

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Breaking Down Circuit Breaker Ratings

Circuit breakers come in different ratings, so it’s important to understand what expressions like "circuit breaker (amps)," "maximum output(amps)," and "power delivery (kW)" mean and why these are key factors.

Let’s break it down. 

• Circuit breaker (amps): Ranges from 15 to 100 amps.
• Maximum output (amps): Varies between 12 and 80 amps.
• Power delivery (kW): Ranges from 2.8 to 19.2 kW.

It is highly recommended to match your 48 amp EV charger power rating to the correct circuit breaker amperage, as this will greatly influence your EV charging speed.

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So, Is the 48 Amp EV Charger Powerful and Fast Enough?

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In short: yes. But let’s put this into perspective and some numbers. 

Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs), for example, have a smaller battery to refill. A typical PHEV will typically require around 16 amps, which is perfectly adequate for its shorter electric range.

However, fully electric Electric Vehicles pack larger and more potent batteries for maximum electric range. As a result, they require a more substantial energy intake. Modern EVs are designed to guzzle electrons at rates between 30 and 48 amps, depending on the model.

However, as mentioned before, understanding your EV’s charging appetite is key, and you might not want to get hung up on the fastest charging speed, especially if you’re common MO is to only top up the battery rather than filling it from empty every night.

A classic rookie mistake is grabbing the most powerful charger available, only to realise that a less expensive, lower-powered device would be optimal for their EV. Remember, you're not going to drive into your garage with a dying battery every night, so be sure to prioritise recharging the daily distance over going from zero to hero every time.

Here’s a handy table showing how much range various EV charger types can bring and how fast each type will charge a medium-sized battery (think Chevrolet Bolt EV's 65 kWh battery) and a larger one (think Tesla Model S with its 100 kWh battery). It also specifies the power output in kilowatts, the range added per hour, and the average charging time from flat to empty.

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However, even when you get your perfect home EV charger, it is still paramount to find the perfect app for streamlining your public EV charging.  

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Maximise Public EV Charging With an OVO Charge Powered by Bonnet

All EV owners know that looking for an available charging spot can often be a hassle. This is where the OVO Charge powered by Bonnet app comes into play to mitigate all those annoying and unnecessary EV charging excursions. 

We collaborate with a robust network of public charging providers to give you real-time information about local charging stations and bring you the following: 

• Access to thousands of charging points
• Simple pricing
• Innovative features 
• Ease of use

… and so much more. 

The app simply directs you to the nearest charging station and helps you get there faster with simple navigation (linked to Waze, Google Maps, and Apple Maps), taking into account availability, charging speed, and even costs. 

You can even save 15% on every charge and enter weekly incentive drawings for up to £20 in credit. So, download OVO Charge powered by Bonnet today to make the most out of public EV charging.