Electric vehicles, like other chargeable electronic devices, require electrical energy for operation. They store this energy as a charge in their battery packs. The process of charging an electric vehicle essentially involves transferring energy from an electrical source to the vehicle’s battery pack, with the speed of this process depending on the chosen EV charging level.
To initiate the charging process, the vehicle must be connected to a compatible outlet. You can either install an EV charging station at your residence or locate one in public areas, each offering various charging levels to suit your needs.
Three Levels of EV Charging
Electric vehicle (EV) charging comes in three levels: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3, with Level 3 further divided into DC Fast Charging and (Tesla) Supercharging. The speed of charging increases with higher levels, as they deliver more power to the vehicle. It’s essential to recognize that the charging speed varies among different EVs on each level, as each EV has its own power acceptance capacity from the EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment), which is industry jargon for the charger.
1. Level 1 Charging
- Voltage: 120-Volt
- Connectors Used: J1772, Tesla
- Charging Speed: 3 to 5 Miles Per Hour
- Locations: Home, Workplace & Public
Level 1 charging utilizes a standard 120-volt household outlet. Any electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid can be charged using Level 1 by simply plugging the charging equipment into a regular wall outlet. It’s the slowest method for charging an EV, providing an average range increase of 3 to 5 miles per hour.
Level 1 charging is particularly suitable for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) due to their smaller batteries, typically under 25 kWh in capacity. However, for most daily charging needs, especially for electric vehicles (EVs) with larger batteries, Level 1 charging is too slow, unless the vehicle doesn’t require significant daily mileage. Many EV owners prefer Level 2 charging for their daily charging requirements.
Also Read: How to Charge Your Non-Tesla EV at a Tesla Supercharger?
2. Level 2 Charging
- Voltage: 208-Volt to 240-Volt
- Connectors Used: J1772, Tesla
- Charging Speed: 12 to 80 Miles Per Hour
- Locations: Home, Workplace & Public
Level 2 charging is the most common choice for everyday EV charging. It’s suitable for installation at home, in workplaces, and in public places like shopping centers and train stations. Level 2 chargers can add 12 to 80 miles of range per hour, depending on the charger’s power and the vehicle’s maximum charge rate.
Many electric vehicle owners prefer installing Level 2 chargers at home because they can charge the vehicle up to 10 times faster than Level 1 charging. Typically, using a Level 2 charger ensures a full charge overnight, even if you start with a nearly empty battery.
While Level 2 chargers can provide up to 80 amps of power, this requires a dedicated 100-amp 208-240V circuit and a substantial supply line from the breaker box, which can be expensive. For most users, a 40-amp charger, delivering 9.6 kW, is sufficient. A 48-amp charger offers slightly faster charging at 11.5 kW but demands a heavier wire gauge and hardwiring to meet NEC code requirements, making it pricier for only marginal speed gains.
Also See: Can You Plug an Electric Car Into a Regular Outlet?
3. Level 3 Charging (DC Fast Charge & Supercharging)
- Voltage: 400-Volt to 900-Volt
- Connectors Used: Combined Charging System (Combo), CHAdeMO & Tesla
- Charging Speed: 3 to 20 Miles Per Minute
- Locations: Public
Level 3 charging is the fastest, delivering 3 to 20 miles of range per minute. Unlike Levels 1 and 2 using AC, Level 3 employs DC. The higher voltage means it’s not suitable for home installation due to the substantial power requirements. DC Fast Chargers, costing tens of thousands, make residential installation impractical. Tesla calls theirs Superchargers, while others are known as DC Fast Chargers. Some Nissan EVs use CHAdeMO connectors.
Must Read: 16 Clever Ways to Protect Yourself from EV Charging Cable Theft
