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EV Charging 101

  • Charging in a single-family home, typically in a garage, is convenient and inexpensive. For those reasons, most EV drivers do more than 80% of their charging at home using a Level 2 charger.
  • For public host sites like businesses, municipalities, or multi-family residential complexes, installing an electric vehicle charging station can increase workplace loyalty, demonstrate sustainability commitments, strengthen relationships with customers and attract new ones.
  • EV charging at a public site or workplace can help reduce the environmental impact and commuting costs for employee and customer while supporting the growth of EV fleets.
A Level 2 charger enables people to easily charge at home in their garage.

EV Charging Levels

The different levels to charge your vehicle are Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 DC Fast Charging. All electric cars can charge on Level 1 and Level 2 options. However, some vehicles cannot charge at a Level 3 charger. Knowing your vehicle’s capabilities is therefore very important.

  • Level 1 Home Charging: Level 1 charging is simply plugging into a standard wall outlet. It uses a 120-volt charge. This is the slowest form of charging. It will typically charge your car at a rate of 2-5 miles per hour. This is most convenient for home charging as filling up your battery will take many hours.
  • Level 2 Charging: The most common and efficient charging option. Level 2 charging delivers a charge of either 220 or 240 volts with a rate of up to 25 miles per hour. Level 2 chargers can be found at retail, residential, workplace, parking structures, schools or similar applications, or you can even have one installed in your home. The Level 2 can deliver a full charge throughout the course of the workday or full night’s sleep.
DC Fast Charging levels are Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3.
Level 2 can give you a full charge overnight, or while you're at work.

Fast Charging

  • DC Fast/Level 3 Charging: This is the most convenient way to charge electric vehicles with fast charging capability. If you would like to charge your EV up to 80% capacity in under 30 minutes, DC Fast Charging is for you. It takes seconds to plug in, then allows you to shop, eat or relax for 30-60 minutes and return to your EV with nearly a full charge.
DC Fast/Level 3 Charging is the most convenient way to charge.