EV Charger FAQs

Home EV chargers are categorized into two types: Level 1 chargers and Level 2 chargers. Electric vehicles typically come with a Level 1 charger, a portable charging unit that does not require a separate purchase. A Level 2 EV charger requires a separate purchase, and you can easily find these chargers online from reputable sellers.

Level 1 and Level 2 chargers are compatible with most electric cars available on the market. Both utilize the SAE J1772 connector to connect the electric vehicle to the charging station. EVs come with an onboard battery, and once you plug in the SAE J1772 connector, it facilitates the transfer of AC power to the onboard charger that then converts it to DC power to charge your car’s battery.

However, the two charger levels have different charging rates. Level 1 units, while compatible with the standard 120V residential electric system, tend to be slow and may take upwards of 24 hours to achieve full charge. A Level 2 charger is compatible with 240V residential electric systems and may achieve a full charge overnight.

The choice between a Level 1 and Level 2 electric car charger for home largely depends on the number of miles you log daily. Level 1 charging is slow and may take a day or more to fully charge, hence more practical for occasional drivers or those covering fewer miles.

If you log more miles or prefer to have your car charged faster, Level 2 charging might be more appropriate due to faster charging times.

Level 3 chargers are faster than Level 1 and Level 2 chargers and can fully charge your EV in under one hour. However, they require very high levels of power, not typically available in most residential properties. You may, therefore, need to upgrade your home electrical system to support a Level 3 charging station, which, combined with the higher power output, makes the whole process very expensive.

Different charging stations have different use cases and capabilities. Sources of differences include charging level and capacity, which then affect the charging rate; features such as smart EV charging; design and installation requirements; and the cost of purchasing, installing, and running the station.

Smart EV charging comes with additional benefits for Level 2 charger owners. Chief among these benefits is better monitoring and control of the entire charging process using your smartphone or a web portal. With smart charging, you can easily:

• Program charging to coincide with off-peak hours or a set daily routine
• Integrate with solar to reduce reliance on the grid
• Conveniently start or stop the charging process remotely
• Take advantage of enhanced safety protocols that protect against overcharging, overheating, or short-circuiting

If you are looking at how to charge an electric car at home as an alternative to public charging, you might benefit more by understanding the electricity costs for charging your EV. Generally, you can expect to spend $0.05 per mile on average. This figure can vary by location, the efficiency of your car, the length of charging, the battery size, and the time of use. For instance, charging during off-peak hours can lower the average cost by 24 percent.

Note that when looking at how much it costs to charge an electric vehicle, you have to consider other factors such as charger hardware and installation costs if you opt for a Level 2 charger.

EV batteries lose some efficiency in extreme temperatures. Cold weather slows down the chemical reactions needed to charge the battery, which then lengthens the charging time. Some practical steps to ensure optimal performance include:

• Preconditioning the battery to reduce the effects of cold weather
• Charging more frequently to keep up with decreased efficiency
• Installing the charging station indoors, where temperatures are moderate
• Charging during the day, where possible, to take advantage of warmer temperatures

Off-peak hours. This is when electricity demand is at its lowest, and many utility companies offer lower rates.

If you are looking for a faster home charger and want to upgrade to a Level 2 electric car charger for home, professional installation is recommended. Consult an electrician to determine if your home has adequate electrical capacity to accommodate a Level 2 charger, as well as any other requirements that need to be met to get the station up and running.

Indeed. To protect the EV battery and ensure optimal performance, consider using the 20-80% rule to keep the battery at a moderate rate of charge. Also, consider charging during off-peak hours to lower electricity costs. In extreme temperatures, ensure you precondition the battery to reduce wear and tear.

EV charging at home requires a power source. If you want to reduce your reliance on the standard grid, you can opt for alternative sources of electricity such as solar energy. When looking at how much it costs to charge an electric vehicle, using solar energy will significantly reduce your electricity bill while keeping your EV charged and ready.