About GWI
About the Company
Founded in 1998, Gateway International 360 is a SDVOSB, 100% Certified Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business, SAM Certified 8XTC8 and Delaware Supplier Diversity, Certification Number: DE21073849
Our Mission
To exceed customer expectations through excellence in people, products, and services. GWI innovates through thoughtful product design, efficient manufacturing and logistics, and excellent customer service.
Total Product Solutions
GWI has grown and progressed through careful cultivation of client relationships and our continued effort to provide “Total Product Solutions”. Gateway International 360’s experienced staff of professionals is dedicated to assisting North American customers in achieving energy efficient lighting control and reliable EV charging stations.
Knowledge Base
How does electric vehicle charging work?
Electric vehicle (EV) charging involves transferring electricity from an external source to the vehicle’s battery. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:
Types of EV Chargers
Level 1 Chargers:
– Power Source: Standard 120-volt household outlets.
– Charging Speed: Slow, typically adds about 2 to 5 miles of range per hour of charging.
– Use Case: Suitable for overnight home charging or where longer charging times are acceptable.
Level 2 Chargers:
– Power Source: 240-volt outlets, like those used for clothes dryers.
– Charging Speed: Faster, adds about 10 to 60 miles of range per hour.
– Use Case: Common for home charging, workplaces, and public charging stations.
DC Fast Chargers (Level 3):
– Power Source: Direct current (DC) from high-voltage sources.
– Charging Speed: Very fast, can add 60 to 100 miles of range in 20 minutes.
– Use Case: Ideal for quick top-ups on long trips, commonly found along highways and at public charging stations.
How often do I need to charge an EV?
How often you charge your electric car depends on the battery size of the vehicle, how energy-efficient your vehicle is, and, of course, your driving habits.
Recent electric vehicles have ranges of more than 300 miles, with batteries that can store from 50 to 200 or more kilowatt-hours (kWh). EVs get, on average, two to six miles per kWh, so a 50 kWh battery has a range of somewhere between 100 and 300 miles, depending on how efficient the car is at using energy. (As in a gasoline vehicle, how efficient your EV is depends on your driving habits.)
Do I have to charge my EV 100% every time?
No. EV manufacturers typically recommend you keep your battery charged between 20% and 80% of charge, which extends the lifetime of the battery. Only charge your battery up to 100% when you plan on going on a long trip.
It’s also recommended that you leave your vehicle plugged in if you’re going away for an extended period of time.
How long does it take to charge an EV at home?
The answer depends on the type of charger you have. Level 1 chargers use a standard 120-volt outlet, which will give your battery about five miles of range per hour. That would mean charging for at least six hours daily if you commute 30 miles per day. Considering this, most home owners prefer Level 2 charging, which utilizes a direct feed and offers a fast charging time (depending on the size of the incoming circuit. Note that charging speeds are slower in cold weather.
Should I install a high-speed charger at home?
Some EV owners get by with just a standard household 120-volt outlet. Even if a Level 1 “trickle charge” takes seven to 10 hours to reasonably recharge your vehicle, it can be ready for you in the morning if you have plugged in the night before and charged while sleeping.
A Level 2 charging station will provide a quicker charge because if driven more miles on a daily basis. The purchase and installation of a Level 2 charger will likely require an electrician and some additional cost vs. plugging into a 120V outlet. If your need for fast charging is infrequent, it may be less expensive to use a high-speed public charging station for the few times you need it.
Can I power my home off of my EV's battery?
An electric vehicle is itself a large battery backup, and recent innovations in EV technology allow you to supply power to your home in an emergency. Not every EV is capable of vehicle-to-home charging, however, and few are claiming this feature at the current time. In addition, it would require modified electrical infrastructure for charging back to the house.
What happens if my battery runs out of charge?
Most electric vehicles will give you a warning when your battery is running low, and their navigation system can identify the nearest charging stations. When your charge gets dangerously low, your EV is likely to shift into economy mode. This reduces the maximum speed you can drive and sets regenerative braking to its highest level. Ultimately, if you the battery down low enough it will cease to drive.
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Total Product Solutions
Our vision is to assist companies in securing products and components beyond existing domestic markets.
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Ready to partner with a leader in innovative engineering and total product solutions? Contact us today to discuss your project needs and discover how Gateway International 360 can help you achieve your goals.
