From household charging stations to charging stops by the roadside, EV chargers are readily available to EV owners and come in different power capacities, so you can find the one that best suits your vehicle.
To make things easier for owners, a list of the various types of EV chargers offered by The Solar Co has been drawn up and explained to give more insight into the charging stations and how they function.
The 3 Main Types of EV Chargers Simplified
1. Level 1 EV chargers
This is the standard wall outlet group of chargers, and they’re the most common in UK households. They have a charging capacity of 120W and have the following features to match:
- The EV charger requires no installation. Instead, it comes with every electric vehicle and can be driven home to plug it into a wall
- For the best charging experience, it’s better to charge the vehicle overnight and for vehicles with low-mileage driving
- Standard level 1 chargers are also best for plugging hybrid vehicles due to their low-battery capacity
- Charging with the level 1 charger grants up to 5 miles of range per hour per charge.
2. Level 2 EV chargers
These chargers offer a huge jump from the level 1 charger as they offer double the charging capacity at 240W. They come as a dryer plug in most cases and boast the following features:
- It is more common outdoors in public areas like restaurants, markets, and rest areas.
- They offer up to 25 miles of range per hour of charge
- Unlike the standard level 2 chargers, they have the option to be installed when purchased. Installation can be done to a 240W power outlet or hardwired.
- The best option for getting a quick charge on your vehicles. 8 to 10 hours are enough to get a full charge from empty.
3. DC Fast Chargers
Finally, as the name implies, this group of chargers are the quickest charging option for your vehicles, offering at least ten times the range of level 2 chargers and over 50 times that of a level 1 charger. Here are some other features:
- Can charge the vehicle up from 0 to 80 in about 30 minutes
- Level 3 chargers offer up to 250 miles of range per hour, depending on the type of charging equipment used.
- Best option for long-mileage driving
Tips for Buying EV Chargers
Here are some valuable tips for picking the perfect EV charger:
- Consider your car battery’s size and home power outlet level before purchasing a level 2 charger and above
- What’s your preferred charging speed? How long will you be driving on average?
- Ensure the chargers selected have all certifications and meet all regulatory guidelines.
- Consult an electrician when installing a home charging station to ensure it fits your home power outlets and is compatible with the infrastructure available.
