Discover the benefits of Level 2 charging for electric vehicles (EVs). Learn about the charging speed, cost, and convenience of Level 2 chargers, as well as how to find and choose the right one for your EV. A comprehensive guide to Level 2 charging for EVs.
Questions Answered in this Article
What is Level 2 charging for electric vehicles (EVs)? Level 2 charging provides a range increase of approximately 25 miles per hour, which is 5 times faster than Level 1 charging and 8 times slower than Level 3 charging. Over 75% of public chargers are Level 2 and it is the most common option for home installation.
What is Level 1 charging for EVs? Level 1 charging is the slowest, offering a range increase of around 5 miles per hour. It is highly convenient as it can be plugged into a standard outlet and comes with nearly all new EVs. Charging at home is often more cost-effective than at public chargers.
What is Level 3 charging for EVs? Level 3 charging is fast, providing hundreds of miles of range in less than an hour. It is the quickest option but also the most expensive and can only be found at charging stations along major roads or highways.
What are the options for installing a Level 2 charger at home? Installing a Level 2 charger at home requires a connection to a 240-volt electrical system and may require a professional electrician. Car manufacturers may offer their own chargers or they can be purchased from companies specializing in home chargers, electronics stores, home improvement stores, or online marketplaces.
What are the options for finding Level 2 chargers away from home? Level 2 chargers away from home can be found through nationwide charging networks like Electrify America and ChargePoint, search services like PlugShare, the U.S. Department of Energy’s map of charging locations, or the Electric Drive Transportation Association’s GoElectricDrive website and app.
A Comprehensive Guide to Level 2 Charging for EVs
Level 2 charging provides an electric car with a range increase of approximately 25 miles per hour, which is 5 times faster than Level 1 charging, but 8 times slower than Level 3 (DC fast) charging. Over 75% of public chargers are Level 2 and it is the most powerful charger option for home installation.
Electric vehicles (EVs) typically support three types of charging, with speed as the primary difference between them.
Level 1 charging is the slowest, offering a range increase of around 5 miles per hour, but it is highly convenient as it can be plugged into a standard outlet and comes with nearly all new EVs. Charging at home is often more cost-effective than at public chargers.
Level 3 charging is fast, providing hundreds of miles of range in less than an hour. Although it is the quickest option, it is also the most expensive and can only be found at charging stations along major roads or highways.
MORE: Understanding Electric Vehicle Charging Speeds
What is Level 2 Charging for EVs?
Level 2 charging strikes a balance between the two, with a connector that is compatible with nearly all new EVs (excluding Tesla, which requires an adapter). It provides overnight charging for most batteries and can be installed at home or found at nearly 100,000 public charging ports across the country. These ports are available at a range of locations including parking decks, retailers, downtowns, and workplaces.
Understanding the Advantages and Limitations
Installing a Level 2 charger at home requires a connection to a 240-volt electrical system, which is more powerful than the standard connection for Level 1 charging. Before installing, ensure that this type of connection is available and check local building codes for any additional requirements. A professional electrician is typically required for installation.
When shopping for a Level 2 charger, there are several options available:
- Some car manufacturers offer their own chargers
- Direct purchase from a company specializing in home chargers
- Comparison shopping at electronics stores, home improvement stores, or online marketplaces.
When searching for Level 2 chargers away from home, there are several options available:
- Apps and maps provided by nationwide charging networks like Electrify America and ChargePoint
- Search services like PlugShare which gather information from multiple charging networks
- The U.S. Department of Energy provides an extensive map of charging locations
- The Electric Drive Transportation Association offers the GoElectricDrive website and app with a list of public charger locations.
MORE: Save Money When Buying a Car: A Comprehensive Guide
Summary
- Level 2 charging for electric vehicles (EVs) provides a range increase of approximately 25 miles per hour and is the most common option for home installation.
- Level 1 charging for EVs is the slowest with a range increase of around 5 miles per hour and is conveniently plugged into a standard outlet.
- Level 3 charging for EVs is the fastest, providing hundreds of miles of range in less than an hour, but is also the most expensive and only available at charging stations along major roads or highways.
- Installing a Level 2 charger at home requires a connection to a 240-volt electrical system and may require a professional electrician.
- Level 2 chargers can be purchased from car manufacturers, companies specializing in home chargers, electronics stores, home improvement stores, or online marketplaces.
- Level 2 chargers away from home can be found through nationwide charging networks, search services, the U.S. Department of Energy’s map of charging locations, or the Electric Drive Transportation Association’s GoElectricDrive website and app.
