Electric vehicles (EVs) are more popular and more affordable than ever. Today, there are many public charging stations, and home options for EVs, making them easily attainable even for people who drive for long periods. However, their popularity raises the question of what kind of chargers there are and if different brands use different types of chargers.
How Does EV Charging Work
Electric vehicles use electricity from the grid to charge, both at home and at public charging stations. There are three different levels of charging that supply different power levels and allow charging at different speeds. All EVs come with universal EV charging plugs for Levels 1 and 2 (or come with adapters), but brands have different standards for Level 3 charging, which uses direct current for a more powerful charge.
Types of EV Chargers
Level 1
These chargers are compatible with the standard wall outlet in homes, and therefore offer the slowest charge available. These chargers are mostly suitable for overnight charging because the 120-volt outlet can only provide so much power at a time.
Level 2
Level 2 (240-volt) is the most common, and it’s used in most public and home EV charging stations. This level charges faster than Level 1, but both levels can charge any North American EV.
Level 3
Unlike the previous levels, Level 3 uses direct current instead of alternating current to charge EVs more quickly. There are three available Level 3 chargers: the Tesla Supercharger, the CHAdeMO and the CCS.
Who can use what?
Any EV, including Teslas, can use Level 1 and 2 chargers. In Level 3, the CHAdeMO and CCS are each used by a variety of separate brands. Even Tesla owners can buy adapters for them. However, only Teslas can use the Tesla Supercharger.
These requirements may seem daunting, but prospective EV owners aren’t alone in trying to figure out how it all works. When you choose Benchmark Electrical Services for EV outlet installation, our service experts will tell you what your exact options are for EV charging and help you find the right choice.
Contact us today to speak to a friendly service representative or to start a service request.
