Are All Electric Car Chargers the Same?

If you’re getting ready to buy an electric vehicle, you might be wondering, “Are all electric car chargers the same?” The answer is no, there are three different types of electric car chargers that you may encounter. However, allelectric car chargers are universal. That means you’ll use the same plugs for either Level 1 or 2 charging. The only brand-specific charger is the Tesla Supercharger. Keep reading to learn all about the different types of electric car chargers, and find out how the charging speeds differ at each level.

What Are the Different Types of Electric Car Chargers? 

The different types of electric car chargers use different voltages, which affects your charging speed. For example, a Level 1 charger uses the lower-voltage outlet found in your home and a Level 3 uses a high-voltage direct current found in commercial sites. Here are the key differences between levels:

Level 1 Charging 

Level 1 chargers have a charging speed of 3 to 5 miles per hour. While the slowest of the electric car chargers, Level 1 charging is convenient. Just plug into any 120-volt household outlet. If you drive a plug-in hybrid, a Level 1 charger may be all you need to accommodate your battery. However, EV models have larger batteries that tend to need faster charging solutions.

Level 2 Charging

Level 2 charging can add anywhere from 12 to 80 miles to your EV per hour. Level 2 is probably the most common charging type that you’ll encounter as an EV owner. You can professionally install a Level 2 charging station in your garage for overnight top-offs, and you can find these charging stations around Fort Collins and Thornton. 

Level 3 Charging 

Level 3 charging is the fastest of them all, with a charging speed of 3 to 20 miles per minute. While Level 1 and 2 chargers use an alternative current, Level 3 chargers utilize a direct current for a much higher voltage and much higher speeds. These are only found in public charging stations for the most part, because the majority of residences simply don’t have the power to accommodate them. But, a Level 3 charger is a great option for convenience on the go.

Learn More About EVs with Fisher Acura

So, are all electric car chargers the same? No, and now you’re well-versed in the different types of electric car chargers! Want to know more about owning an EV around Thornton? Feel free to contact us with your questions or stop by Fisher Acura to learn more about electric and hybrid vehicles.