CHARGING BASICS
Types of EV chargers: There are two main types of EV chargers: Level II & Level III.
Level II chargers use a 240-volt outlet and can provide a faster charge to an EV. These chargers are often used in residential or public settings and can take about 8-12 hours to fully charge an EV.
Level 3 chargers, also known as DC fast chargers, use high-voltage direct current (DC) and can charge an EV in a matter of hours. These chargers are often found at public charging stations and can provide a full charge in as little as 30 minutes.
Charging Time
The time it takes to charge an EV depends on the type of charger being used, the capacity of the EV’s battery, and the charging rate of the EV:
Level II charging (using a 240V outlet, such as those found in a garage or public charging station): it can take anywhere from 3 to 8 hours to fully charge an EV, depending on the size of the battery and the power of the charging station.
DC fast charging (using a specialized charging station with higher power output): This is the fastest type of charging, and it can charge an EV’s battery to 80% in as little as 30 minutes.
Range Anxiety
One of the concerns that some EV drivers have is “range anxiety,” or the fear of running out of charge while on the road. To alleviate this concern, it’s important to plan and familiarize yourself with the range of your EV and the locations of charging stations. Many EV models have a range of 100-300 miles on a single charge, and there are an increasing number of public charging stations available.
Charging Costs
The cost of charging an EV can vary depending on the type of charger being used and the cost of electricity in your area. Level II chargers tend to be less expensive to use, while Level 3 chargers can be more expensive due to the faster charging rate. It’s also important to consider any fees associated with using a public charging station.
Charging Etiquette
When using a public charging station, it’s important to follow good charging etiquette. This includes only using a charger when your EV is parked and not leaving your EV plugged in after it is fully charged. Some public charging stations have time limits in place to ensure that all users have an opportunity to charge their EVs.
