Many people are not familiar with the terms used to describe electrical charging standards for electric vehicles. If you’re one of those consumers, you may want to familiarize yourself with the terms you’re likely to encounter while searching for an electric vehicle charging station. Kilowatts, kilovoltage, amps, and kW are all terms you should know. Understanding what they mean and how they relate to your vehicle’s specific needs will help you make the most informed decision about the charging options available to you.

Electric Vehicle Charging – Learn Your Levels of Electric Vehicle Charging

Level 1

There are three levels of electric vehicle charging available. The first, Level 1, is the slowest and is recommended for drivers who charge at home or work, and only drive a few miles per day. Level 1 requires no equipment installation and uses a standard 120-volt AC outlet. This method can add about 3.5 to 6 miles of driving range per hour. Generally, drivers who choose this type of charging should plan on staying home or at work for the night when recharging.

Level 2

There are many benefits to EV charging and if you’re planning to buy an EV, you should understand the various charging options available. Level 2 charging requires a dedicated 40-amp circuit and must meet the National Electric Code requirements. Level 3 charging, on the other hand, allows for fast charging. You can charge your vehicle overnight and even drive it off-peak if you want to save money on fuel.

Level 3

It is important to understand that not all EV charging stations work with every car. For example, the battery capacity of General Motors’ 2022 all-electric Hummer is massive, with a 212-kilowatt-hour capacity. While it may take hours longer to fully charge than a Chevy Bolt, Level 2 charging can typically charge even the biggest EV batteries overnight. So how do you know which option will work best for your car?

Level 4

There are three different levels of electric vehicle charging, each with their own pros and cons. Level 1 is the cheapest option, and if you don’t have a lot of extra money, you can try charging your car overnight on Level 2. If you are using a public charger, you should check if it meets the requirements of your local electrical code. Then, you can filter for compatible charging stations.

Level 5

There are three levels of charging for your electric vehicle. Each level has its pros and cons and will be preferential at some point. In North America, the standard electrical outlet is 120V and 15 amps. Level 2 charging can recharge the largest battery overnight. However, if you have an older vehicle, you might not be able to charge it overnight. For this reason, EVSE units need a dedicated 40-amp circuit. Most public EV charging stations are Level 2 or higher, and will be listed on your charger’s map.

Level 6

Fortunately, there are many options for setting up your home’s charging station. You can use an interactive shopping tool to determine which type of charger will work best for your needs. You can search for products by vehicle make and model, price, hardware, and other features. You can also check to see if your home is electrically equipped to accommodate charging capacity. Whether your home is equipped with a high-quality charging circuit will depend on how many charging outlets you’ll need.

Level 7

Before installing a charging station, you should determine how much electricity your car will require. Level 1 and level 2 chargers add a limited amount of Range Per Hour. Level 3 is slower, but can charge EVs back to 80% within an hour. However, if you are in an area with limited EV charging capacity, level 7 chargers can be very useful. But before investing in a charging station, you should know how much it costs to operate it.

Level 8

When it comes to buying an electric vehicle, the level of charging you get is crucial. There are several different charging options, including DC fast charging. The DC fast charging option has the fastest fill-up time. DC fast charging stations are typically found in shopping malls and major travel corridors. They use the CHAdeMO, CCS, or Tesla connector system to charge the car faster. However, not all of these charging stations work with every electric vehicle. To find the best charging option for your vehicle, you’ll want to check out a charging map and see which stations are compatible with it.

Level 9

If you are interested in converting to a fully electric vehicle, you should know the available charging levels. Electric vehicles have different charging rates, so the amount of time they need to fully charge is dependent on the battery size and state of charge. In residential garages, a Level 1 charge takes 8 to 10 hours. But, it is important to know the limitations of this method and whether you have other electric appliances that use a significant amount of electricity.

Level 10

There are several ways to charge your electric vehicle. You can use a public EV charging station, which may be free or inexpensive, to supplement the time you need for charging. Level 2 products are usually simple, but advanced units may include user interface systems, enhanced displays, data collection capabilities, and keypads. It is always best to buy safety-certified equipment. Certified electrical contractors can determine whether your home has sufficient electrical capacity for charging. If not, a qualified electrician can install additional circuits to accommodate charging capacity.