Electric vehicles (EVs) are rapidly gaining acceptance in countries across the world, and if you own one or plan to become an EV driver, it’s important to learn about the various types of charging for your vehicle. Not all chargers work the same; there are different types of charging speed, power level, connector shape, and use cases. This post will look into the key distinctions between Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast chargers, and how each of them affects your EV charging experience.
Level 1 Charging: Simple and Slow, but Convenient at Home
Power Output:
The least powerful are what’s known as Level 1 chargers, which generally rely on a 120-volt AC standard electrical socket, like the one you plug in your home appliances.
Charging Speed:
This approach is the slowest, and provides about 2 to 5 miles of range an hour of charging. A fully discharged EV can take between 20 and 40 hours to fully recharge, depending on the size of the battery.
Best Use Case:
Level 1 charging is ideal overnight at home, particularly for plug-in hybrids or EVs with smaller batteries. There’s no special installation needed, so it’s a nice shopping point for prospective new EV owners.
Pros:
- Quick, easy, and inexpensive installation (uses existing outlets)
- No professional installation required
Cons:
- Very slow charging speed
- Not useful for longer daily commutes or larger EV batteries
Level 2 Charging — The Sweet Spot For Everyday Living
Power Output:
Level 2 chargers run on 240-volt power, of the sort used for electric dryers or ovens. These chargers are much higher power and are widely found at public charging stations and in home set-ups with their own circuit.
Charging Speed:
Level 2 chargers can add 10 to 60 miles of range per hour, depending on the charger’s amperage and what the vehicle can accept onboard. Level 2 can fully charge most EVs in 4 to 10 hours.
Best Use Case:
Perfect for home charging or businesses/workplaces with parking for an extended time. Most EV owners install a Level 2 charging station in their homes to charge overnight and to avoid standing in lines.
Pros:
- Much faster than Level 1
- Ubiquity in both public and private locations
- Compatible with most EVs
Cons:
- Stainless Steel. Professional installation and a 240V circuit are required
- More expensive initial investment in equipment and installation
Level 3: Quick Does Not Do It Justice DC Fast Charging: Fast Power for Road Trippers
Power Output:
DC Fast Charging is not restricted by the vehicle’s onboard charger, enabling it to provide power directly to the battery in a direct current (DC) instead of alternating current (AC). These get the juice flowing at an output voltage between 400 and 800 V, and their power ratings range from 50 kW all the way up to 350 kW.
Charging Speed:
DC fast Chargers can charge 80% of the battery in 20 to 40 minutes, and depending on the vehicle and charger Declarations. Some high-speed stations are capable of adding up to 250 miles of range in 30 minutes.
Best Use Case:
Ideal for highway travel, road trips, and fleet charging applications. These chargers are typically found at public charging stations, shopping malls, and highway rest areas.
Pros:
- Extremely fast charging times
- Lowers the long-distance travel range anxiety.
Cons:
- High rate of installation and operation:
- DC Fast Charging is Not Available in All EVs
- Repeated use may decrease the capacity of the battery slightly.
Types of Connectors and Compatibility
LV has also different plug standards depending on EVs and regions, which have an impact on compatibility. Here’s a breakdown:
Type 1 (J1772): Widely used in North America for Level 1 and Level 2 AC charging.
Type 2 (Mennekes): Employed in Europe for Level 2 AC charging.
CCS (Combined Charging System): Offers AC and DC charging, which are becoming a world standard.
CHAdeMO: A Japanese-developed standard for DC fast charging (as used by Nissan and Mitsubishi), is being phased out in many markets.
Tesla Connector: Only Tesla vehicles have adapted to using this proprietary connector, which functions with the Tesla Supercharger as well as with other networks when used with an adapter.
Selecting the optimal Type of Charging
Homeowners:
For an occasional fast charge, a Level 2 charger is also a cost-effective option. Level 1 could work for plug-in hybrids or part-time drivers.
For Apartment or Urban Owners:
Public Level 2 chargers are a good option if charging at home is simply not possible. Although access to quick chargers is available in the region, it can help to span longer distances.
