Charging an electric vehicle is a crucial part of ownership, and understanding the various types of charging solutions is essential to maximize the capabilities of your EV. Chargers differ not only in the speed at which they recharge the vehicle’s range, but also in their charging connector—some EVs require specific plug types and won’t connect to a charger with an incompatible plug.
When it comes to charging speed, EV chargers fall into three categories: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3, each corresponding to a range of charging speeds dictated by the charger’s design and its connection to the electrical grid.
Level 1
The slowest way to charge your EV is by using a Level 1 connection. This type of AC (Alternating Current) charging ranges in power from 1 kW to around 2 kW and doesn’t require any special equipment or modifications to be made to your home’s electrical system.
Level 1 involves plugging the car’s supplied AC adapter into a wall socket in your home or garage. It’s recommended not to have high-demand appliances plugged into the same outlet to avoid overburdening the system or causing overheating or the circuit breaker to trip.
The simplicity of Level 1 charging is a big advantage, as it doesn’t require any additional equipment. Another benefit is that it results in less thermal strain on the EV’s battery pack. However, Level 1 charging also has downsides, such as long charging times, reduced efficiency, and low-quality standard AC adapters.
Level 1 charging can provide up to 5 miles of range per hour. In Europe, where regular wall outlets deliver 230 volts, the charging rate is slightly faster.