Unlike traditional vehicles that rely on an internal combustion engine, electric vehicles (EVs) utilize a battery. As a result, EV owners must charge their cars to use them, whether that charging station is at home or on the go.
There are three types of EV chargers on the market, each with its benefits and drawbacks. Below, you’ll learn more about electric vehicle chargers and what options work best for homeowners.
The first type of EV charging is Level 1, which is the least complex. Most EV sellers will provide a Level 1 charger with the purchase of the car. Level 1 EV chargers charge your vehicle with a simple 120-volt plug, commonly found in most homes.
Level 1 chargers are ideal in home settings when you have plenty of time to charge, especially as these chargers can take between 24 and 48 hours to reach a full charge. If you’re making a short daily commute, a Level 1 charger can help you replenish your battery overnight.
While Level 1 chargers could be ideal for drivers who drive short distances and only need minimal power to reach a full charge, these chargers are particularly limited. Level 1 chargers take a long time to get a full charge, which can be inconvenient for people who need to travel more than 40 miles daily. The range per hour for Level 1 chargers is two to five miles.
Level 2 chargers are a significant step up from Level 1 chargers, requiring a 240-volt outlet like the ones your drying machine uses. These chargers require the installation of a compatible unit in your home. Because they’re the most common, you can also find Level 2 chargers at public charging stations.
You can achieve a full charge in anywhere between four to 14 hours. Rather than waiting overnight to recharge your EV for a 40-mile commute, a Level 2 charger can accomplish the same results in less than two hours. While most EVs don’t come with a Level 2 charger, many drivers purchase them anyway because they’re significantly faster than Level 1 chargers.
These chargers can help EV owners reach greater travel distances without worrying about a 24- to 28-hour charging timeline. You can also get a higher range per hour, at around 25 miles.
Level 3 chargers are the fastest chargers available for EVs. These chargers are primarily limited to commercial or industrial applications. You can find some Level 3 chargers at public charging stations, but they’re not as common as Level 2 EVs.
These chargers can reach a full charge in 20 to 90 minutes, significantly faster than the other two charge types. A full charge using a Level 3 battery can reach a range per hour of 100 to 200 miles, which is ideal for people looking for a quick charge to get back on the road.
While these chargers are fast and efficient, they’re also more expensive than the other two charger types. Level 3 chargers can cost thousands of dollars, which is why they’re mostly limited to industrial or commercial applications. These prices also don’t include installation, adding more to the costs for homeowners who want to install a Level 3 charger.
Most EVs can use Level 3 chargers, but you’ll need to remember what type of charger you have before plugging it into a Level 3 charging station. If you own a Tesla EV, you’ll have a Tesla connector you can use at a Tesla Supercharger. You may also have a Chademo or SAE Combo connector, which will use a different Level 3 charging station type.
Level 2 chargers are one of the best options for homeowners due to their fast charging capabilities. Level 2 chargers make the most sense for homeowners, especially with the slow charging rate of Level 1 chargers and the high price of Level 3 chargers.
So, how do you install a Level 2 charging station in your home? Installing Level 2 chargers requires professional help. It’s not recommended for a homeowner to attempt to install a Level 2 charger, as working with electricity can be hazardous, and the process requires specialized equipment and knowledge to complete correctly.
An electrician typically does the following to install a Level 2 charging station in a home:
Depending on your home’s existing electrical system, installing a Level 2 charger can take several hours or longer. Some installations can be more complex and have more specific requirements than others.
It’s essential to work with a qualified and knowledgeable electrician with experience installing EV charging stations to ensure the process is completed correctly and safely. An inexperienced electrician could install the EV incorrectly, creating a safety hazard or challenges in achieving a full charge for your electric vehicle.
EV chargers require a steady supply of electricity to reach a full charge, so you must have an electricity supplier you can rely on to ensure your EV maintains a charge. Shipley Energy is an electricity supplier that can offer residential electricity at lower rates than what you’d find with a utility company. We also provide green electricity for homeowners who want to use options such as wind and solar.
We offer fixed pricing, meaning your rate won’t change during your term, so it’s easier to budget for your electrical needs. You can also renew with us for fixed-price options, so you don’t have to worry about unpredictable variable rates. If you need electricity at a rate you can afford for your EV charger, look no further than Shipley Energy.
Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you find an electricity plan that works for you.
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Read moreThe reps at Shipley Energy (Energy Objective) have helped me save more than a half-million dollars on my electric supply since the start of 2010. They have also helped me procure Demand Response payments from PJM of more than $77,000 over a six-year period. The service I have received from Shipley (Energy Objective) has been personal and professional, and I feel like they have the best interests of my company in mind. It is for this reason that I have signed with them for electricity through 2023.
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Read moreI have been a Shipley Energy (Energy Objective) customer since 2008. A few years back, Tim Booth took over our commercial accounts. I am very happy that Tim is on our side all the time. I have never met anyone who can provide customer service the way he does. We are in the hospitality business owning several hotels and a sports complex so we know what customer service means. Tim is not just finding us the best deal but also audits our invoices to make sure the rates are correct, helps us in understanding the market, and works through the complex contracts for us. He is always a supportive and very knowledgeable fellow. We have saved money in the six figures so far. We will always stick to our favorite company and especially our great friend Tim. I truly thank Tim Booth for the best help we can get for all energy needs. No one else can give the best rates and services like Shipley (Energy Objective). Crowne Plaza Harrisburg, Lancaster Host Resort and The Coliseum wish you the best.
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Read moreI’ve been working with Shipley (EnergyObjective) since 2010 to procure my electricity supply in two utilities. Over four Met-Ed contracts, every price has been lower than the last. My rep audits my bills after each new contract, alerts me when the market is low, and makes the contracting process painless. He’s also available for any utility question I have, whether or not it’s about my supply contract. If you’re looking for a professional, courteous, hard-working energy partner, you can go pretty far with EnergyObjective.
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