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If you’re thinking about switching to an electric vehicle, you’re probably wondering about charging. To keep your electric vehicle running, you need to charge it regularly. You may ask yourself, “what kind of charger should I use?” and “how long does it take to charge an EV, anyway?”. Luckily, our EV charger experts are here to provide some insight. This blog will outline the different types of EV chargers available today and give some insights on charge time and performance. Keep reading to learn more!
What Are The Different EV Chargers?
There are three main types of electric vehicle chargers: level 1, level 2, and level 3. Each can charge your vehicle, but some are better than others.
Level 1 Charger
A Level 1 charger uses a standard 120-volt outlet to recharge your EV overnight slowly. Most EVs come with a Level 1 charger, which is the cheapest home installation option. However, it also takes the longest to charge an EV using a Level 1 charger—anywhere from 40-50 hours for a battery electric vehicle from empty and 5-6 for a plug-in hybrid vehicle. So, if you’re looking for a quick charge, this is not your option.
Level 2 Charger
A Level 2 charger uses a 240-volt outlet, similar to what’s used for large appliances like clothes dryers and ovens. Level 2 chargers can be installed in your home and typically recharge a battery-powered EV in 4-10 hours and a plug-in hybrid 1-2 hours from empty. This is an excellent option if you’re looking for a faster charge time than possible with a Level 1 charger at your home. However, Level 2 chargers can be more expensive to install than their Level 1 counterparts.
Level 3 Charger
A Level 3 charger is also known as a direct current fast charger, and these are usually found at public charging stations. Direct current fast chargers use 480-volt direct current power to recharge an EV in about 30 minutes. This is the quickest way to recharge your EV, but it’s also the most expensive option. In addition, not all EVs are compatible with DC fast chargers, so check before you try to use one with your car.
No matter what type of charger you choose, remember that charging your electric vehicle is just like refueling any other car—it’s something that you’ll need to do to keep your vehicle running smoothly.
If you are tired of waiting for your level 1 charger to get your car running, contact our EV charging experts at Tingley Home Services. They will be able to install your level 2 charging station and decrease your charge time drastically. Give us a call! (508) 456-8838
