Level 1, 2 and 3 Electric Car Chargers. How Are They Different?

Fuelling a vehicle with gas is a simple task that any driver (and even non-driver) can perform. But when it comes to charging an electric vehicle, there’s a little more to it than just plugging it into a power outlet. Public EV charging stations offer the convenience of charging your electric car on the go. However, more and more EV drivers choose to have their very own charging stations installed in their homes for a better experience and convenience. 

Before installing an EV charger in your home, learn about the different types of electric car chargers which are compatible with your vehicle, are easy on the electricity bill and your EV battery, and will help you get the most out of your home-based EV charging station. Read on!

Electric Car Charger Types

Level 3

Level 3 chargers are the most powerful of the electric car chargers. They offer quick charging times (3 to 20 miles of range per minute) thanks to their use of direct current and high voltage. Level 3 car charging stations are mostly used for public EV charging or for charging commercial vehicles. 

They offer a full battery charge in under an hour, but they are very expensive for an average electric car owner and require you to have a high voltage supply in the location where you plan to install it. Level 3 charger’s electrical output is 50 kw to 350 kw (DC current). 

Level 2

Level 2 chargers are the most popular choice among electric car owners. They are commonly installed in homes, at workplaces, and in public locations. A Level 2 EV charger offers a charging capacity of up to 80 miles of range per hour, which is significantly higher than that of the Level 1 chargers. 

Level 2 chargers can charge electric vehicles up to 10 times faster than Level 1. They are often equipped with intelligent software that can adjust power levels, translating into significant savings for the consumer. This feature makes Level 2 chargers a popular choice for public charging stations and not so popular for residential use as Level 2 chargers are quite an investment price-wise. 

Level 1

Level 1 charging stations offer the slowest charging speed of 3-5 miles of range per hour. These chargers use a standard 120V outlet found in most homes. This fact alone makes Level 1 chargers the most optimal option for home use as it doesn’t require a panel upgrade. However, due to their slow charging speed, Level 1 chargers are an optimal choice for plug-in hybrid vehicles rather than for fully electric cars. 

Installing An EV Charger At Home

When it comes to choosing the best type of charger for your electric car charging needs, homeowners need to rely on many factors. The frequency of use, the location of the closest public Level 3 charger, the home’s current electrical panel capacity and the budget homeowners are ready to spend on the installation of an EV charger. Consulting with several residential electricians in Toronto will also be helpful in deciding which charger will best serve the needs of the homeowner. 

A.S. Electrical Services Ltd. is a trusted electrical company in Toronto offering EV charger installation services at competitive prices. We install all types of electric car chargers of almost all leading brands. Apart from the services, we also advise our clients on the best electric car charging solutions for their needs. Call us today to get a free estimate!