Understanding the Different EV Charging Levels

Find The Right Charging Solution For You

As electric vehicles become more and more popular, electric vehicle charging stations are popping up in public space, allowing those who drive them to have more convenient charging options. While electric cars are beneficial for many reasons, charging them can be one tricky part of having an electric car. Charging an electric car takes longer than pumping gas for many reasons, one of the main ones being that there are different levels of EV charging. Learn more in this blog and contact Remedy Electric for electric car charger services today!

Electric vehicle plugged connected to a charger

Three Levels Of EV Charging

There are three main levels of EV charging, simply named Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. Level 3 charging can be broken down into DC Fast Charging and (Tesla) Supercharging. The higher the level of charge, the more power it delivers to the vehicle, which means that it charges faster. One thing to keep in mind is that different electric vehicles charge at different speeds on each level because each vehicle can accept different levels of power from the charger.

When you plug in an electric vehicle to a charging station, there is a communication process in which the car figures out how much power the charger can deliver and then calls to receive the maximum amount of power that can be delivered and that the vehicle can accept. Since the vehicle can determine how much power it accepts, you don’t have to worry about plugging it into a charging station that can deliver more power than it can accept.

Electric vehicle charging outside

Level 1 Charging

Level 1 charging uses a 120-volt outlet. This is a common EV charging level for homes, workplaces, and public spaces. This charging level can be used for every electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid. You can simply plug the charging equipment into a standard household wall outlet to charge your vehicle.

This is the slowest level for charging your vehicle and it adds between three and five miles of range per hour for charging. This level works well for plug-in hybrids because they have small batteries. Unless you don’t require your EV on a regular, daily basis, Level 1 charging is likely too slow. If you only use your electric vehicle to run errands or drop the kids off at school, this is a good option.

Row of electric vehicles charging

Level 2 Charging

Level 2 charging is the most common charging level for daily electric vehicle use. The Level 2 charging equipment can be installed at your house, at a workplace, and in public locations. Depending on the power output of the charger and the vehicle’s maximum charge rate, this level of charging can add 12 to 80 miles of range per hour of charging.

Level 2 chargers can deliver up to 80 amps of power but they require a 100-amp 208 to 240-volt dedicated circuit and a heavy supply line from the breaker box. Choosing a 40-amp charger can deliver 9.6kW to your electric vehicle, which can charge your vehicle faster without costing you too much.

Most people who own EVs have Level 2 chargers in their homes. This allows them to charge their vehicle fully overnight, even if the battery is completely empty.

Close-up of an electric car charging station with a car in the background

Level 3 Charging

Level 3 charging is the faster level, adding three to 20 miles of range per minute. Level 3 charging uses direct current (DC), while Level 1 and 2 uses alternating current (AC). Because of this, you don’t see Level 3 chargers installed in homes — very few residential properties have the high-voltage supply that a Level 3 charger needs. This type of charging station is generally found in public spaces.

Even if you did have the high-voltage supply needed, the cost to install the charger would likely be higher than your electric vehicle.

If you have an electric vehicle and want to install a charging station in your home, we can help! Be sure to get in touch with our team at Remedy Electric in Cedar Park. We can provide you with the EV charging services you need.