Are All Electric Car Chargers the Same?

Many Canton drivers are full of questions about electric vehicle ownership. Are all electric car chargers the same? What is the best EV charging station? Fred Martin Nissan is here to walk you through the different types of electric car chargers, along with the pros and cons of each. 

What Are the Different Types of Electric Car Chargers? 

First, electric car chargers are universal! All EVs require the same standard plug for Level 1 and Level 2 charging. The one exception is the Tesla Supercharger, which works exclusively with Tesla models. Next, what are the different types of electric car chargers? There are Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 options. Each delivers a different level of power and charging speed. Let’s investigate the advantages and disadvantages of each.

Level 1 Charging 

Level 1 chargers have a charging speed of 3 to 5 miles per hour. This is the most simple form of charging because you can use any standard 120-volt household outlet. Though the most accessible option, Level 1 charging is also the slowest. This is usually not the preferred method of charging for EV models, but it’s a great option for plug-in hybrid cars. Plug-in hybrids have much smaller batteries, so they need far less time to reach a full charge. An EV, on the other hand, would require days of charging to reach a full battery under Level 1 speeds.

Level 2 Charging

Level 2 charging can add anywhere from 12 to 80 miles to your EV per hour. If you ask most EV owners “What is the best EV charging station?”, they’ll say the Level 2 option. This is the most common choice for at-home charging in Akron. Though you’ll need to schedule a professional installation, a Level 2 charging station allows you to charge your EV fully overnight in your own garage. You’ll also find Level 2 charging stations in many public areas, like malls and hotels.

Level 3 Charging 

Level 3 charging is the fastest, with a charging speed of 3 to 20 miles per minute. Because Level 3 chargers utilize a direct current, instead of the alternating currents of Level 1 and Level 2 chargers, they can charge at lightning-fast speeds. They require a much higher voltage, which is why they aren’t practical for most home electrical systems. But, you’ll find them while out and about in Massillon at public charging stations.

Learn More About EV Ownership with Fred Martin Nissan

We’ve touched on the different types of electric car chargers, but we’re more than happy to answer any additional questions at Fred Martin Nissan. Contact us online or just stop by our showroom in Akron. We can show you our electric inventory up close and go through common questions about EV ownership. From charging to maintenance and more, we’d love to introduce you to the perks of owning an electric vehicle.