An Electric Car Charger Guide

Whether you drive an electric car or a plug-in hybrid, it’s important to know how to charge your vehicle. And, as electric vehicles grow in popularity, more and more public chargers are popping up all over the country. The type of charging you do affects your battery’s life, so learning to charge it correctly will help you make the most out of it. Learn about the three different types of charging available and how to find them.

Level 1

There are a number of different ways to charge an electric vehicle (EV) and it’s important to know what each type offers. Whether you’re an EV owner or a business looking to offer EV charging, understanding the differences can help you choose the best solution for your needs. Level 1 chargers are a common, inexpensive way to charge an EV using a standard 120-volt household outlet. They can add between 3 and 5 miles of range per hour, and they’re compatible with virtually all EVs and plug-in hybrids.

They’re an efficient overnight or medium-term charging option for many EV drivers, but they’re not an ideal long-term solution. For most drivers, Level 2 charging is a superior option that provides a faster and more reliable recharge experience. It also reduces EV drivers’ “range anxiety,” which is the fear that they won’t be able to get to a charging station when their battery runs out of power.

Level 2

The most common type of electric car charging station, Level 2 chargers plug into a 240-volt outlet and add electricity to your EV’s battery at three to seven times faster than a less capable Level 1 unit click here https://cyberswitching.com/electric-car-charger-guide/ . Depending on your EV’s battery type, charger configuration and circuit capacity, Level 2 charges can add 14-35 miles of range per hour of charging time. In addition to residential homeowners, Level 2 charging is ideal for commercial businesses that want to offer charging stations for their customers and employees. Unlike Level 1, which requires an additional electric circuit to operate, Level 2 is a simple and cost-effective upgrade for most organizations.

While a Level 2 charger installation is not free, it can be offset by government incentives in some states and localities. You may also be able to use time-of-use rates on your electric bill that save you money during off-peak hours.

Fast Chargers

Depending on the power of the station and your vehicle’s ability to accept DC charging, you can get an 80% charge in just about an hour at a Level 3 (DC) fast charger. These are often found at shopping centers and along major travel corridors, and can be a great option when you’re on the road. A DC fast charger bypasses the limitations of the onboard battery charger and the required AC/DC conversion by supplying direct current from the electric grid. This provides more charging speed than an onboard charger and is generally recommended for high mileage or long-distance EVs. Whether you drive an electric car or a plug-in hybrid, it’s important to know how to charge your vehicle visit here  https://cyberswitching.com/electric-car-charger-guide/.

Most DC fast chargers use one of two open standards: CHAdeMO and CCS (Combined Charging System) connectors. You can also find Tesla Superchargers that use a proprietary connector designed for only Tesla EVs.

Destination Chargers

Destination chargers are a great alternative to Superchargers, especially for those who are staying in hotels for a long time. They are often found in hotel parking lots, and you can easily charge your EV when you have a little bit of free time. Tesla has a large network of destination chargers in both urban and rural locations around the world. These Wall Connectors are available at public parking garages and in the parking lots of businesses such as hotels, resorts, and restaurants.

Last Word

They are generally free to use, and some destinations even include them in the cost of your stay. They’re not as fast or convenient as Superchargers, but they’re still a great option for those who need to recharge their car when they’re away from home.