A Comprehensive Overview Of EV Charging
For well over a century, gasoline has fueled our automobiles, offering a spectrum of options from regular to premium and even diesel. It’s a process that’s become second nature, taking a mere five minutes to top off the tank and get back on the road.
On the flip side, the recharging dance for electric vehicles (EVs) is a bit more intricate, thus a tad less predictable. This complexity is a result of numerous factors – the varied power capacities different EVs can accept, the array of connectors they employ, and most significantly, the tiers of charging that define just how long one will be plugged in.
It’s important to note that these charging hierarchies and schedules apply to EVs and plug-in hybrids; the more traditional hybrids recharge via internal mechanisms like regenerative braking or their engine.
Welcome to the world of EV charging levels: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. Inside Level 3, you’ll find the realm of DC Fast Charging and Tesla’s very own Supercharging. As one ascends the levels, the charging pace picks up steam, thanks to a higher dose of power surging into the vehicle.
Level 1 charging, the humblest of the bunch, relies on standard household outlets, the kind one would use for everyday appliances. Plugging an EV or plug-in hybrid into one of these, one will be looking at a leisurely 3 to 5 miles of added range per hour. It’s like a slow sip of your favorite coffee, perfect for plug-in hybrids with their petite battery appetites. However, for a fully electric vehicle (BEV) with a bigger battery, Level 1 charging won’t be as great for those with little time to spare.
Cue Level 2 charging–the rockstar of daily life. Found in homes, workplaces, and public spaces aplenty – it’s the kind of charging that’s as convenient as your morning routine. Here, a driver is looking at adding 12 to 80 miles of range every hour. It’s a game-changer for those BEV owners, giving them an option that’s up to ten times faster than Level 1. One can simply plug it in when they get home, and by the time they’re sipping their morning coffee, the vehicle is raring to go.
Finally, Level 3 charging happens at warp speed – 3 to 20 miles of range per minute. It’s like the car grabbing a snack while you’re getting a coffee refill. But, there’s a catch. Unlike the alternating current (AC) in homes, Level 3 charging operates on direct current (DC) and pumps in significantly higher voltage. It’s so powerful that these chargers don’t quite fit into a traditional residential setup. Plus, they’re tens of thousands of dollars in more funds. Even if an owner’s home is wired for 400-volt electricity, the installation bill might outstrip their EV’s value.
Tesla calls their Level 3 chargers “Superchargers,” others are known as “DC Fast Chargers,” and Nissan’s EVs dance to the beat of a “CHAdeMO” drum.
There are many complexities involving the EV world and charging capabilities, but what isn’t complex is finding an incredibly up-to-date used car at our dealership website, Driver’s Auto Mart. We carry a wide range of vehicles from various car manufacturers. Simply view our online pre-owned inventory and chat with a representative for more assistance.
0 comment(s) so far on A Comprehensive Overview Of EV Charging