Electric vehicles are great for the environment, and with EVs, you don’t have to go to the gas station. You can charge your EV at a charging station or at home. However, the newness of these cars means they come with a learning curve. To get the most out of your EV, you need to fully understand your charging options.
What Type of Charger Do You Need?
There are three types of chargers to choose from: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 (DC Fast Charger). Most people are fine with either a level 1 or a level 2 charger, but from time to time you may need to visit a charging station.
Level 1
The level 1 charger:
- Uses the charging cord that comes with the majority of EVs
- Plugs into standard 120-volt outlets that are found in most homes
- Charges slowly – up to 30 hours to fully charge an EV
- Only supplies about 4 miles per hour of charging
- Is good for drivers who only ever drive short distances around town
Never use an extension cord with a level 1 charger. Doing so will create safety concerns and slow down the time it takes to charge the vehicle.
Level 2
The level 2 charger:
- Offers two times the amount of voltage as a level 1 charger
- Needs a 240-volt outlet
- Charges faster than a level 1 charger – 4 – 7 hours for an EV
- Offers about 20 miles per hour of charging
- Makes it easier for car owners to charge their car overnight
If you don’t already have one, a 240-volt outlet can be installed in your garage by an electrician.
Level 3
Level 3 (DC Fast Charger):
- Is mostly found at charging stations
- Requires a 400 – 600 volt charging outlet
- Offers a 0%-to-80% charge in 20 to 30 minutes
- Converts AC current to DC internally rather than requiring the EV to do it
Using a level 3 charger too often can hurt your car’s battery.
What Type of Plug Do You Need?
There are three types of plugs in the United States, but most people use a J1772 connector.
The CCS1 (Combined Charging System Type 1) and the Tesla connector (only used with Tesla cars) are for charging stations.
Call Us for Expert Installation
You need a reliable electrician to install your EV charger. That’s where we come in. For EV charger installations, call one of our licensed electricians at Burnett Electric in Reno, NV. Your car is your pride and joy. Trust us to get it charged up right.
