Electric vehicles are compatible with different charging levels, some faster than others. Different charging levels can be used depending on the type of electric vehicle. Most cars are made to run on Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3 charging.
Level 1 – 120 V AC Outlets
This level of charging includes:
- Voltage -120V
- Distance -3 to 5 miles per hour (depends on the model)
- Connection type –dual plug (J1772 or Tesla)
Level 1 type of charging is the slowest of all the charging levels. Level 1 charging takes about 6 to 8 hours for a full charge. At this level, voltage converters are not needed to charge the vehicle. Charging can be done directly from the wall outlet.
When charging a vehicle with a plug, it is recommended that the driver periodically checks for corrosion in the charging connector to ensure its proper conductance. The first step to doing this is to ensure that the power outlet has not been unintentionally damaged by a foreign object or by surface irregularities on the back of your electric vehicle.
Level 1 type of charging is mainly designed for hybrid electric vehicles. In the level 1 kind of charging, the cars are fitted with a smaller battery than the other levels.
Level 2 charging – 208-240 V AC
This level of electric vehicle charging includes:
- Voltage -208-240VAC
- Distance 12 to 80 miles per hour (depends on the model)
- Connection type –J1772 or Tesla
Level 2 charging takes 4-6 hours for a full charge. Level 2 type of charging has a higher voltage of 208-240, which allows the electric vehicle to charge faster, although it takes more to install.
Level 2 charging can be installed in many places like public charging stations, homes, and workplaces.
Most Electric car owners prefer to charge their vehicles at home. The most popular home charging station is Level 208 or 240-volt charger. Level 2 chargers can be installed at your home if you have an existing household outlet that can handle the higher voltage (240 V). There are also battery banks available for purchase in stores where you can charge inside your garage or shed.
Level 3 – DC Fast Charging
The level includes these features:
- Voltage -400-900 volts DC
- Distance -3 to 20 miles for one minute
- Connection type –rapid charging station (Combined CHAdeMOand Tesla)
- Available in public places only
Level 3 Fast Charger is the fastest type of electric vehicle charging level being used today. The devices can charge an electric car to 80% within 30 minutes and 100 percent in less than 60 minutes. Not all vehicles are designed for this level of charging, and using a Level 3 charger may harm your car’s battery if not used properly.
Level 3 charging uses a direct current instead of the alternating current from the outlet used to capture Level 1 and 2 chargers.
The electric vehicle is fitted with a higher power battery but takes a short time to charge.
The charging for this level uses two Combined Charging System connectors Tesla and one CHAdeMO connector.
The charging speed varies depending on the vehicle, but many cars have charged successfully in 30 minutes or less at these chargers.
Level 3 charging systems are usually costly, and most electric car owners have to rely on public charging stations.
Conclusion
Electric Vehicle Charging is one of the fastest and easiest ways of charging. It comes in different levels, with the Level 3 being the fastest. Charging is done by plugging your vehicle in, where it gets power from an outlet or a public charging station and if near an outlet, it can charge directly from that wall jack. It usually takes about 8 hours to capture a level 1 charger and 4-6 hours to charge using a Level 2 charger.
