As we transition to a world dominated by electric cars, charging these vehicles remains a top concern for many first-time buyers. This worry is quite understandable. Although the excitement around electric cars is well-founded, the main drawback is the need to regularly charge them, which can currently be a bit inconvenient.
One issue is that charging takes time. Another is that there are various types of electric car chargers, and not all of them are universally compatible with every electric car.
If you’re looking for a simple breakdown, here it is: electric car chargers come in three primary speeds, commonly known as Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. Here’s a quick overview:
Level 1 Chargers:
These chargers use a standard 120-volt household outlet and charge through a vehicle’s onboard charger. They typically provide 2 to 3 miles of range per hour of charging. This makes them suitable for either overnight charging or for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) with smaller battery capacities. While this is the slowest way to charge an electric vehicle (EV), it doesn’t require any special equipment beyond the charging cable that comes with the vehicle. If you lose your cable or want to upgrade, you can find options that include longer cables and faster charging speeds.
Level 2 Chargers:
Level 2 chargers operate using a 240-volt power source, similar to what is used for large household appliances like electric dryers. These are much faster than Level 1 chargers, offering 10 to 60 miles of range per hour, depending on the car and charger specifications. Level 2 chargers are frequently found in homes, workplaces, and public charging stations. There are also apps available that help you locate these charging stations.
Level 3 Chargers:
Also known as DC Fast Chargers (DCFC) or rapid chargers, Level 3 chargers provide direct current (DC) charging at significantly higher power levels. They can charge an electric vehicle to 80% capacity in just 20 to 60 minutes, depending on the vehicle’s battery and the charger’s output. These chargers are commonly located along highways and in urban areas for quick recharges during long trips. The cost to recharge at one of these stations varies, but a reasonable estimate might be around $20 to $30 for many vehicles. Due to the high power requirements, installing a Level 3 charger at home is not feasible.
In addition to the different charging speeds, there are also various car charger connectors. Here are the main types used in North America:
J1772 Plug:
This connector is primarily used for Level 1 and Level 2 AC charging in North America. It is the standard for most electric vehicles and charging stations in the United States and Canada, except for Tesla vehicles.
CCS Plug:
The CCS (Combined Charging System) plug extends the J1772 connector with two additional DC pins for fast charging. Supported by major automakers like BMW, Volkswagen, General Motors, and Ford, it is becoming the standard for DC fast charging in North America and Europe. If you own a non-Tesla vehicle that supports DC fast charging, it likely uses a CCS connector.
CHAdeMO Plug:
Developed in Japan, the CHAdeMO plug is a DC fast charging standard used by several automakers, including Nissan, Mitsubishi, and Kia. It allows rapid charging for compatible electric vehicles, primarily in Japan, the United States, and some European countries. However, it’s relatively uncommon, which can be a downside for the few vehicles that use it, like Mitsubishi’s 2023 Outlander PHEV.
Tesla Connector:
Tesla uses its own proprietary connector for both AC and DC charging at its Supercharger stations and Tesla Destination Chargers. In North America, Tesla vehicles come with this unique connector. In Europe, they use a modified version that is compatible with both Tesla Superchargers and public charging stations.