As the world embraces electric cars and the ever-growing popularity of Tesla. You may be thinking about buying a new EV. Before doing that understanding the various types of electric car chargers becomes crucial for making an informed decision. Charging infrastructure is a significant concern, as it directly impacts the convenience and usability of electric vehicles. In this article at Differencebee, we will provide an organized breakdown of the different types of electric car chargers.
Level 1 Charger:
- Utilizes a standard 120-volt AC household outlet.
- Charges through a vehicle's onboard charger.
- Offers a charging rate of 2 to 3 miles of range per hour.
- Suitable for overnight charging or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) with smaller battery capacities.
- Slowest charging method but requires no additional charging equipment.
- Upgrading or replacing the charging cable is possible.
Level 2 Charger
- Relies on a 240-volt AC power source, similar to electric dryers.
- Significantly faster than Level 1 chargers.
- Provides a range of 10 to 60 miles per hour of charging (depending on the vehicle and charger specifications).
- Commonly found in residential, workplace, and public charging stations.
- Assistance in locating charging stations available through dedicated apps.
Level 3 Charger (DC Fast Charger)
- Also referred to as DC Fast Chargers (DCFC) or rapid chargers.
- Offers direct current (DC) charging at high power levels.
- Charges an EV up to 80% capacity within 20 to 60 minutes.
- Commonly found along highways and in urban areas for longer trips or quick top-ups.
- Recharging costs vary, with an estimated range of $20 to $30 for many cars in different scenarios.
- Installation of Level 3 chargers at home is not feasible due to power requirements.
Understanding the diverse types of electric car chargers is essential for EV owners or potential buyers. Whether you opt for the convenience of Level 2 charging or the rapid charging capabilities of Level 3 chargers, the growing electric vehicle market offers multiple solutions to meet your charging requirements.