What Are the Different Levels of EV Chargers?
Now that you’ve invested in an electric vehicle, it may be time for the next step: installing an EV charger in your home! Before you take that step, though, you may want to brush up on your knowledge of EV charger levels – what they are, what they offer, and what they require. Here’s an in-depth breakdown that describes the types of EV chargers, so you can decide which one is best for your needs.
Level 1: The Standard Outlet Option
The most budget-friendly option of all the EV chargers is the Level 1 EV charger, which uses a standard 120-volt household outlet and draws around 12 amps. This standard option isn’t particularly fancy, but it does have some advantages.
Pros
- The level 1 EV charger is an affordable option that comes with your EV vehicle.
- Because homes automatically come with 120-volt outlets, you won’t need to install an EV charger.
- If your daily commute is short and you’re okay with charging your car overnight, the level 1 charger is a great option.
Cons
- The Level 1 EV charger charges slowly, at about 4-5 miles an hour.
- Because it charges slowly, you may need roughly 24 hours (if not longer) to fully charge your car battery.
- It can take many hours to charge your battery for a short road trip. And unless you have a hybrid vehicle, you can’t use a level 1 charger for long road trips.
Level 2: The Home Charging Sweet Spot
A level 2 EV charger uses a 240-volt power source and can charge much faster than the standard Level 1 charger.
Pros
- A Level 2 EV charger charges about 10-30 miles an hour.
- To fully charge your EV battery, it will take about 4-8 hours.
- Compared to level 3 EV chargers, these chargers are gentler on your battery.
- They’re also available in many locations, such as public charging lots and supermarkets.
- It’s ideal if you have a daily commute of about 30-40 miles.
- Installing one in your garage can increase the value of your home.
Cons
- Level 2 EV chargers can be somewhat pricey, and you’ll need a professional installer to perform the installation.
- While it charges much faster than the Level 1 charger, you’ll still need roughly 4-8 hours to fully charge your battery, making it less than ideal if you need your vehicle in an emergency.
- Professional installation services are costly.
Level 3: DC Fast Charging (The Speed Demon)
Also known as “the speed demon,” the level 3 EV charger uses a 480-volt power source and can fully charge an EV vehicle in less than an hour.
Pros
- Level 3 EV chargers can fully charge your car battery in about 20-60 minutes, making it wonderful for long distances.
- Ideal for vehicles that can’t afford long downtimes, like vehicles used to transport people and goods.
- Businesses can attract customers looking to charge their vehicles quickly.
Cons
- Level 3 EV chargers have expensive installation costs, making them practical only for commercial businesses, like hotels.
- They need a powerful electrical setup, which is too complex for most residential homes.
Level Comparison at a Glance
Here’s a level comparison to compare the three EV charging levels.
Level 1
- Power source: 120 volts
- Charging time: 24+ hours
- Ideal for short commutes or hybrid vehicles
- Need installation services? No
Level 2
- Power source: 240 volts
- Charging time: 4-8 hours
- Ideal for daily 30-40 mile commutes
- Need installation services? Yes
Level 3
- Power source: 480 volts
- Charging time: 20-60 minutes
- Ideal for fast top-ups and long road trips
- Need installation services? Yes
Which EV Charger Is Right for You?
Now that you have an idea what each EV charger level brings to the table, you can decide which one is right for your lifestyle, your budget, and your needs.
Daily Drivers
Is your daily commute 20-40 miles? Your best option is a level 2 EV charger. It’s also a smart choice if you go on short road trips occasionally, say about 150-200 miles from your home.
Occasional Drivers or Hybrids
If you don’t use your EV too often or your daily commute is about 5-10 miles, a level 1 EV charger should be sufficient. It’s also a solid choice if you have a hybrid vehicle and you can switch to gas when your battery dies.
Business or Commercial Properties
Run a hotel and enjoy offering your customers top-notch service? Business and commercial properties with the budget and the electrical infrastructure should opt for level 3 EV chargers.
Why Hire a Professional for EV Charger Installation?
Installing a level 2 EV charger in your home isn’t a DIY job. There are lots of risks involved, and you don’t want to cause a fire or suffer from electrical shocks. When you hire our electricians at Melbourne Mister Sparky, you can count on a professional EV charger installation that will run efficiently and comply with all the local codes.
Remember, if you don’t install your EV charger properly, it could overheat and eventually damage your car’s battery. You could also face fines.
Our professional team will save you the time and hassle of researching how to do it, troubleshooting, and hours of work. We have the right tools to perform the job correctly, too. At Melbourne Mister Sparky, we believe in powering the future, one home at a time.
Ready to Charge Smarter?
Like the idea of an EV charger in your home? Talk to our electricians about smart EV chargers and EV charging station installations. We can inspect your home, walk you through your options, and help you decide what type of charger will work best for your budget and your needs.
We can also help repair your EV charger if it’s acting up and giving you problems. We always tell our clients, “Don’t put up with any malarky, call Mister Sparky.”
Contact us today to schedule an appointment.