Because they use more power, Level 2 chargers can fill up your EV battery much faster. They typically add about 20 to 60 miles of driving range for every hour of charging. This is about 3 to 7 times faster than Level 1!
“Imagine fully charging your EV overnight, every night. That’s the power and convenience Level 2 charging brings right to your home.”
This faster speed makes Level 2 charging ideal for home charging stations. With a Level 2 charger installed in your garage or driveway, you can easily fully charge your EV overnight, even if the battery was very low.
You’ll wake up every morning with a “full tank.” For a detailed guide on setting up EV charging systems at home, see The Ultimate Guide to Electric Car Charging at Home (Pending).
You’ll also find many Level 2 chargers at public charging spots, like shopping centers, workplaces, and parking garages.
Most dedicated EV chargers you see installed, whether at home or in public, fall into this category. They offer a great balance between charging speed and installation requirements.
DC Fast Charging, sometimes called Level 3 charging, is the quickest way to power up an EV when you’re away from home. This type of EV charging uses special, very powerful equipment.
How fast is it? DC Fast Chargers can often add 60% to 80% of your car’s battery capacity in just 20 to 30 minutes! That means you can add hundreds of miles of range during a short stop, like grabbing a quick meal on a road trip.
Because they need so much power and cost a lot, you won’t find DC Fast Chargers in people’s homes. They are almost always found at public charging stations, especially along major highways and busy roads. They are a crucial part of the public EV infrastructure, making long-distance travel in an EV much easier and faster. Think of them as the EV equivalent of a highway gas station.
Not all EVs can use DC Fast Charging, and charging speeds can vary depending on the car and the specific charger. But for EVs that can use them, they are incredibly convenient for quickly adding significant range.
Imagine waking up every morning, and your car has a full battery, ready to go. No more trips to the gas station needed! That’s the biggest advantage of having home charging stations for your electric vehicle. Installing a charger where you live makes EV charging incredibly simple and convenient.
Let’s explore the key benefits and what you need to consider for setting up your own home charging spot.
Having your own charger at home offers several great advantages:
Setting up home charging truly transforms the EV ownership experience, making it seamless and often more affordable.
Getting Level 2 chargers installed at home involves a few important steps and things to think about:
