The choices of EV charging systems can be confusing, which is why we’re here to help you make the right decision!
Step 1: Choose the right EV
If you’re in the market for an electric vehicle (EV), you’re probably wondering what kind of charging system you’ll need. In this quick guide, we’ll go over the different types of EV charging systems and what you need to consider before making a purchase.
First, let’s start with the basics. All EVs come with a charging port that allows you to connect the car to an external power source. The three most common types of charging ports are Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast-charging (also called Level 3).
Level 1 charging uses a standard 120-volt outlet (the kind you have in your home) and is the slowest way to charge an EV. Level 2 chargers use a 240-volt outlet (the kind you might find in a garage or at a public parking spot) and can charge an EV much faster than Level 1. DC fast-charging is the fastest way to charge an EV and can typically charge a car from empty to 80% full in 30 minutes or less.
So, what do you need to consider when choosing an EV charger? First, think about how and where you’ll be using it. If you only plan on charging your EV at
Step 2: Understand your power needs
If you’re shopping for an electric car, one of the first decisions you’ll have to make is what kind of charging system you want. There are three main types of EV charging systems- Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast charging. Here’s a quick guide to help you understand the differences between them.
Level 1 charging is the slowest and most basic type of EV charging. Level 1 chargers use standard 120-volt household outlets and can be plugged into any outlet in your home. Level 1 chargers are great for overnight charging, but they can take 8-16 hours to fully charge an electric car.
Level 2 chargers are faster than Level 1 chargers and can charge an electric car in 4-8 hours. Level 2 chargers use 240-volt outlets, like the ones used for clothes dryers and stoves. You’ll need to install a dedicated circuit for a Level 2 charger, but many homes already have these outlets installed.
DC fast chargers are the fastest type of EV charger and can charge an electric car in 30 minutes to an hour. DC fast chargers use high-voltage direct current (DC) power and require special equipment to connect to your electric car
Step 3: Calculate your energy costs
Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular, but there’s still a lot of confusion about how they work. One of the most important things to understand is how the charging system works.
There are three main types of electric vehicle charging systems: Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast charging. Level 1 and 2 charging systems are the most common, and they both use alternating current (AC) to charge the battery. DC fast chargers use direct current (DC) to charge the battery, and they can charge the battery much faster than AC chargers.
The type of charger you need depends on a few factors, including the type of electric vehicle you have, your driving habits, and your budget. If you only drive a short distance each day, you may not need a fast charger. However, if you have an electric car with a small battery or you do a lot of long-distance driving, a fast charger may be a good investment.
To calculate the cost of charging your electric vehicle, you’ll need to know your electricity rate and the capacity of your battery. Most electric utilities charge by the kilowatt-hour (kWh), so you can use this formula to calculate your energy costs:
Step 4: How to choose a charger
Now that you’ve decided to go electric, it’s time to choose a charger for your home. With so many options on the market, it can be hard to know what you need (and what you don’t).
Here’s a quick guide to help you make the right choice:
- Level 1 vs. Level 2 Charging
Level 1 charging is the slowest but most convenient option since it uses a standard 120-volt outlet. Level 2 charging is faster but requires special equipment. If you have access to a 240-volt outlet (like a dryer outlet), Level 2 charging is a good option. If not, Level 1 will suffice.
- Portable vs. Stationary Charging
Portable chargers are great for taking on the go, but they’re not as fast as stationary chargers. Stationary chargers are more expensive but offer the fastest charge time. If you have the budget for it, we recommend getting a stationary charger. Otherwise, a portable charger will do just fine.
- Public vs. Private Charging
Public chargers are available at some businesses and public places (like parking garages). They’re usually slower than private chargers but
Step 5: The best charger options
There are three primary types of electric vehicle chargers- Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. Level 1 charges typically come standard with the car, using a 120-volt outlet to charge. This is the slowest method, taking around 8 hours to charge a typical EV battery. However, it’s also the most convenient option since you can use any standard outlet.
Level 2 chargers are faster than Level 1, using a 240-volt outlet to charge. This can cut charging time down to around 4 hours for a typical EV battery. You’ll need to have a dedicated outlet installed for this type of charger, which can be done by an electrician.
Level 3 chargers are the fastest option, using a 480-volt outlet to charge. This can charge an EV battery in as little as 30 minutes. However, you’ll need to have a dedicated high-voltage outlet installed for this type of charger, which can be expensive and require special wiring.
So what’s the best option for you? It depends on your needs and budget. If you’re looking for the fastest possible charging time, then a Level 3 charger is the way to go. However, if you’re on a budget
Conclusion
Whether you’re an EV owner looking to install a home charger, or just curious about how electric vehicle charging works, this quick guide should give you a good overview of what you need to know. In short, there are three main types of chargers (AC Level 1, AC Level 2, and DC fast), and each has its own benefits and drawbacks. The best charger for you will depend on your specific needs and circumstances. So take some time to do your research and figure out which option is best for you.