Electric vehicles are getting more popular every day. In fact, as of 2018, there were over 2 million electric vehicles on the road. This number is only going to continue to grow in the coming years. One of the reasons for this growth is that electric cars are becoming more and more affordable. But another reason is that charging infrastructure is growing too. There are various ways to charge your electric vehicle, from Level 1 to Level 3! Quest Solar Inc. will discuss the different levels of EV charging and what they mean for you and your car!
Before diving into the different EV charging levels, let’s first see what EV charging is.
The process of charging an electric vehicle using an EV charger is called “EV charging.” An electric automobile charging station receives power from the grid and sends it to the car. An electric car’s batteries store electricity used by a rechargeable electric motor to propel the wheels. In short, EV charging is the process of replenishing the battery power in an electric vehicle. It can be done through a standard household outlet (Level I), a dedicated EV charger (Level II), or the DC Power outlet (Level III).
Commercial and industrial properties are being equipped with EV chargers. Workers and customers utilize these commercial EV charging stations. Also, read our blog on why charging your electric car at home is the eco-style statement of the future.
Consider a few factors when choosing an EV charger. First, it takes longer to charge an electric vehicle than to fill a gas tank. Second, how long it takes to charge your car will depend on the level of charger you are using and the size of your car’s battery. Finally, you will need to plan for EV charging, as it is not something you can do on the fly.
Let’s try to understand the different levels of EV charging.
Level I is the simplest and most common form of EV charging, which uses a standard 120-volt household outlet. This level uses a standard 120-volt outlet, the same kind that you would use to charge your laptop or power your vacuum cleaner. It is the slowest charger level, taking anywhere from eight to twenty-four hours to charge a car battery fully. It is best used for overnight charging or topping off your battery during the day. However, it is also the most convenient option. It can be used anywhere there is an outlet.
If you have an electric vehicle with a small battery or only need to charge up for short trips around town, then Level One charging may be all you need.
The second level of EV charging is Level Two, which uses a 240-volt outlet, like the kind you would use for your clothes dryer or ovens at home. Level Two chargers can charge an electric vehicle battery much faster than a Level One charger – typically in four to eight hours. Many public charging stations are Level Two chargers, so if you need to charge while out and about, this is likely the type of charger you will use.
One of the benefits of Level II chargers is that they can be installed at home with a dedicated circuit. It allows you to leave your charger plugged in, which is ideal if you live in an area with limited public charging options or have a long commute.
The third and final EV charging level is DC fast charging or Level Three charging. This charger uses a very high voltage – anywhere from 400 to 800 volts – to quickly charge an electric vehicle battery. A typical Level Three charger can charge an electric vehicle battery in 30 minutes to an hour.
Not all electric vehicles can use a Level Three charger, so if you consider purchasing an EV, check whether it is compatible with this type of charger.
Level Three chargers are not as standard as Level One or Two chargers. Still, they are gradually becoming more widely available – especially in major cities with a high demand for fast charging options.
They are also much more expensive than Level I or II chargers. They are typically only found at commercial locations like shopping malls or office complexes.
Research and find the charger that best fits your needs!
Level II chargers are an excellent choice if you want a more budget-friendly option. These chargers are widely available and can charge an electric car in about four to eight hours. However, they are not as fast as Level III chargers, so if you need a quick top-off before a long trip, you may want to consider another option.
So there you have it! A quick overview of the different levels of EV charging. Hopefully, this has given you a better understanding of the charging process and what to expect when owning an electric vehicle.
If you require a reliable, high-quality EV charging station, look no further than Quest Solar Inc. We offer EV Charger installation services across Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island, NYC, to meet your needs. Our expert team will ensure that your EV charger is perfect for your property. Contact us today for a free estimate, and let us show you how we can help you save money and make a difference in the world.
