Electric Vehicle FAQs

Need help understanding the language around EVs and their charging stations? We can help!

  1. What are the different levels of EV charging and what do they mean?

The three levels of EV charging are Levels 1, 2, and 3 (also known as “fast” or “DC” charging). As the charging level increases so does power delivery and the speed at which your EV can charge. Level 1 is the slowest charging speed available. Level 2 is much faster and often publicly available. Level 3 is the fastest but not the most accessible due to energy requirements, cost to install, and proprietary chargers and networks.

Level 1 Charging

  • Level 1 is the most accessible as it is uses 120 -volt outlets, outlets commonly found in a home. This accessibility comes with the tradeoff of it being the slowest EV charging method at around 3 to 5 miles per hour charging speed. This slower charging speed works well with hybrids that have smaller electrical batteries, but if you have a fully electric vehicle that you travel with a considerable distance daily, then the next level of charging might be better for you.

Level 2 Charging

  • Level 2 is the most common kind of charging you will find out in public and operates at 240 volts. You might find these on along streets, parking lots, and in parking garages around the city. Level 2 has charging speeds of 12 to 80 miles per hour based on what the charging station you use is outputting and what your vehicle can accept in the form of charge rate. The speed of level 2 chargers means you can most likely bring your vehicle to a full charge overnight.

Level 3 Charging

  • This is the fastest charging type with speeds from 3 to 20 miles per minute. These chargers use Direct Current (DC) instead of Alternating Current (AC), resulting in quicker charging for your vehicle. Level 3 chargers are the least common due to the power requirements needed to run. Level 3 chargers can be found in some public locations.
  1. Does my EV manufacturer matter for charging?
  1. Can I install a level 2 charger at my home?
  1. Can non-EVs park in an EV Charging spot?