A How-To Guide to Understand EV Charging Levels

Unlike gas-powered cars, electric vehicles (EVs) have different charging levels. Every manufacturer has its technology for charging and supporting its electric motors. When researching EVs, you’ll find many new concepts that require some learning to master. 

‍This article will highlight some of the differences between Level 1 charging (120v), Level 2 charging (240v), DC Fast Charging (480-600v), and Tesla's Supercharging (480v).

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Level 1 EV Charger - 120 Volts

Standard household outlets are an example of Level 1 charging capability. Level 1 EV chargers can transfer power at 120v alternating current (AC) through a dedicated charging cord or an adapter. On average, Level 1 charging delivers between 3 and 5 miles of range per hour. 

A typical EV can fully charge overnight on a standard outlet, but it may take up to four days for some electric car models. While Level 1 charging is the slowest, it is economical and universal for most drivers.

Level 2 EV Charger - 240 Volts

Level 2 charging offers much faster charging times over Level 1. Utilizing standard NEMA 14-50 outlets (240v), Level 2 chargers provide roughly 18-28 miles of range per hour - more than five times than Level 1. 

This charging level is best suited for EV owners who need to recharge daily. 

Level 3 EV Charger - DC Fast Charging - 480 to 600 Volt Current Levels

Level 3 charging offers significantly faster charging times than Levels 1 or 2. Utilizing direct current (480v), Level 3 charging can provide roughly 3 to 20 miles of range per minute. 

The main difference between the Level 1 and 2 charges is the Direct Current (DC) Fast Charger uses between 480v & 600 volts, whereas other chargers typically use AC power of 240 or fewer volts. A 480-volt system will recharge an EV battery much faster than any lower-level methods.

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Tesla Supercharging - 480 Volt Current Levels

Tesla Supercharging is the only DC charging system that delivers currents above 500 amps. This allows for a recharge rate of up to 150 kW, whereas many other methods are limited to 50 kW. 

There are currently over 25,000 Tesla Supercharging stations worldwide, each in a convenient location. However, the trade-off with the Tesla system is that they are only available for Teslas. 

However, that might slowly change as other EVs, such as some BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen vehicle models, are beginning to use Superchargers in the Netherlands.

Level 1 vs. Level 2 vs. Level 3 Battery Life

All EV chargers will fully charge a battery in the end, but the difference in how long it takes can be quite significant. A Level 1 charger can take anywhere from 16+ hours to charge an EV, while a Level 2 can charge from 0-80% in about 4 hours and the other 20% another hour or two. 

With Tesla Supercharging, assuming it uses 120 kW charging speeds, an 80% charge can take just over 30 minutes!

Many people believe that charging from a standard household 110v outlet will harm the life of their car's battery. This, however, is not true. Most all-electric vehicle manufacturers recommend charging from a standard 110-volt outlet whenever possible to prolong the life of the vehicle's battery.

Installing a Level 2 EV charger at home can be easy. The system can be installed in one afternoon by anyone who knows how to handle the required tools properly. A professional installation can cost between $500 - $1000. The cost will depend on the amount of work needed to safely route power to where the charger is installed.

‍A Level 3 charger is not recommended for regular use.  The reason for this is simple: charging from a Level 3 charger will dramatically decrease the life of your battery pack. However, Level 3 chargers are very convenient for quickly "topping off" an EV battery before going on a  long trip. It is also possible to charge a battery to about 80% capacity (from empty) in roughly 25 minutes, which is ideal if the intended commute is less than 100 miles.

‍Overall, a Level 2 charger can be the most efficient at charging an EV battery, but it can be less convenient since it can take at least 8 hours to charge, often overnight fully. 

EV Charging FAQ

1. Charging Levels—How fast can I charge my battery? How many hours does it take? 

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AC Level 1 - 3 km/h - 10-12 hours

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AC Level 2 - 7.2 km/h - 4-8 hours

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DC Fast Charge (Level 3) - 50 km/h, up to 70 miles of range per 30 minutes charge time 

‍Tesla Supercharging - 15-30 minutes 

The above rates are for an empty battery. When the car first starts charging, it will use a lower rate. This rate will slowly increase as the battery fills until it reaches the maximum limit. 

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2. How far can my car go on one full charge?

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The distance a vehicle can travel depends on its range. Usually, EVs have a shorter range than gas-powered cars of the same model and size. 

For example, a Nissan Leaf gets about 130 miles per full charge, while a Toyota Corolla gets over 500. However, some models like Tesla can go up to 300+ miles on a single charge.

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3. What accessories are available at home to reduce charging time?   

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If your car is parked at home overnight, you can get a 240V charging station installed in your garage. 

The installation cost is relatively inexpensive and can speed up the time it takes to charge the vehicle. This is done using household power instead of drawing it from a regular outlet or public charging station. 

You can reduce not only charging time but also save money using Optiwatt. The app uses your driving habits and electricity rates to charge your Tesla at the possible lowest price.

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4. Can I access public chargers along major transit corridors if needed? 

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Many cities are installing DC fast chargers along major transit corridors. These chargers can charge your vehicle’s battery in 30 minutes instead of 6-8 hours for a standard charger.

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If you need to take long trips, many cities also offer Level 2 AC charging at public charging stations, which can speed up the charge time if your car is parked for longer than an hour or more.   

In addition, many destination spots, including hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers, offer charging stations for their customers.

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5. Can I still drive long distances in an EV even if I have issues with range anxiety?  

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Range anxiety is the fear of driving EVs past their battery range. 

Most cars have a range within 100-300 miles on a full charge, depending on how you drive them.  Many public charging stations are being installed across the county to support long-distance trips, so this issue is becoming less of a problem.   

Closing Remarks

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In the end, if you're serious about your EV, the best option is to install a Level 2 charger in your home and occasionally use Level 3 charges on the road. As the EV infrastructure continues improving, it will be easier to charge anywhere.

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