What Is an EV Charger? An In-Depth Look at EV Chargers and Charging Levels

EV chargers are modern gas pumps and they are increasingly being added to public spaces; however, there are a variety of different chargers and charging levels, and understanding the difference between them is important. Not all chargers are created equal, and choosing between Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 charging depends on factors like budget, charging speed, and usage habits. Below, we break down each type of charging level, helping you determine which one is best for your situation.

What Are EV Charging Levels?

Level 1 EV Charger

A level 1 EV charger is the most basic and accessible of the three EV charger levels. Level 1 EV chargers are economical and require no special installation. You can easily plug the charger into a standard 120V household outlet, and begin charging your EV. However, this simplicity comes at a cost, with level 1 chargers generating only 3-5 miles of range per hour during your charge.

This slow charging speed makes level 1 chargers best suited for regular, overnight charging, but even with overnight charging, level 1 chargers are not going to generate adequate range for the average EV driver. On the other hand, these level 1 chargers can be better for plug-in hybrids since they have smaller batteries and can leverage an alternative fuel source with insufficient charge.

Level 2 EV Charger

Level 2 EV chargers are a major upgrade over level 1 EV chargers and require a 240V circuit. Level 2 EV chargers can deliver up to 40+ miles of range per hour, making it a practical choice for most EV owners who want to primarily charge their EV at home. In addition to significantly faster charging speed, level 2 chargers also offer smart features, like scheduling and app-based controls. Compared to level 1 EV chargers, level 2 EV chargers do come at a greater cost. These chargers require professional assistance to install. If charge speed is the goal and waking up to a fully charged vehicle is important for your driving habits, a level 2 charger presents the most practical solution.

ChargerPro specializes in level-2 home EV charger installation for nearly every car brand, offering affordable flat-rate pricing and a seamless experience.

Level 3 EV Charger

DC Fast Chargers, also known as Level 3 chargers, are the fastest charging option available for charging your EV. In 30 minutes, roughly the amount of time it might take to shop for groceries, a level 3 charger can charge most EVs up to 80% of its battery capacity. These DC fast chargers are often found at highway rest stops, shopping centers, and public charging hubs.

Although level 3 chargers offer the fastest charging speeds, they typically are far too expensive to install for home use because of the significant infrastructure required. Frequent use of level 3 chargers is also not recommended as the heat generated by these fast chargers can contribute to increased battery degradation. However, level 3 EV chargers are still extremely valuable and are indispensable for long road trips, and when used appropriately will not cause damage to your EV battery.

EV Charger Connector Types

EV charger connector types vary across the world, with various governmental organizations and manufacturers set their own standards. In North America you will commonly find two connectors - NACS (North American Charging Standard) and J1772. NACS is most common in Teslas, but many manufacturer have announced plans to leverage NACS in future models. J1772 is compatible with most non-Tesla vehicles. Most vehicles can use a charging adapter to acheive compatibility.

For DC fast charging, CCS is the standard in North America. These public chargers will support most EV makes and models except Tesla. Tesla does not leverage CCS in their supercharger network, so it's important to be aware of connector types and have the right adapters ready.

Choosing the Right EV Charger for Your Needs

Choosing the right EV charger depends on your lifestyle, budget, and driving habits. Whether you’re considering upgrading your home setup or exploring public charging options, knowing the ins and outs of EV charging will make owning and driving an electric vehicle more enjoyable.

Check out this guide for more on how to choose the right EV charger for your needs, including key considerations when it comes to installing a level 2 EV home charger.

At ChargerPro, we're here to help you with your home EV charger installation. Book an appointment with us today to get started.