If you’re planning on buying an electric vehicle, you might quickly find that not all electric vehicle chargers are the same. They will all eventually get your vehicle up to a full charge, but some will definitely be faster than others. Let’s take a look at the different types of EV chargers.
Level 1 Charging
Level 1 charging uses standard 120V household outlets and is the slowest form of EV charging. You’ll typically use this if you do little driving or drive short distances. It is convenient in that you only need an electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) cable and a spare electrical outlet. An EVSE is typically included with an electric vehicle, but you can purchase an additional level 1 EV charger if necessary.
While it is nice to be able to charge your electric vehicle in your home, level 1 charging is incredibly slow. You can usually expect to get between 3 and 5 miles of range per hour of charging, and it can take up to 40 hours to fully charge some vehicles with larger batteries. Still, it’s a cost-effective option that doesn’t require any special equipment or installations, and it should suit your purposes if you only drive short distances.
Level 2 Charging
Level 2 charging is the most common form of EV charging. It’s much faster than level 1 charging, and can often fully charge a vehicle in under 8 hours. It does require a dedicated charger that needs to be plugged into a NEMA 14-50 outlet or hardwired directly into a home’s electrical system. This can get expensive, especially if your home requires electrical upgrades before a level 2 charger can be installed.
DC Fast Charging
DC fast charging – also known as Level 3 charging – is used for rapid charging and can charge a vehicle to about 80% in 20 to 40 minutes. DC Fast chargers are typically found at public charging stations in high-traffic areas or along highways. They’re compatible with most electric vehicles, although Tesla and some other vehicles have their own proprietary connectors.
While DC fast chargers are great if you need to stop during a road trip for about a half-hour to charge your vehicle, it can be expensive. Expect to spend between $15 and $40 to fully charge a vehicle at a fast charging station. It also lowers your battery’s lifespan faster than other charging methods. That’s why it’s recommended that you do most of your EV charging at home with level 1 or 2 chargers and only use DC fast charging for quick recharges during road trips.
If you’re interested in owning an electric vehicle, home charging is usually the way to go. If you live in Delray Beach, FL or a surrounding area and need EV charger services, make your first call to Assurance Power Systems.
