Most EV charging is done at home because it’s convenient and affordable. Public charging, on the other hand, costs money and may even have long wait times. The problem with charging your electric car at home is that it can take a long time with a standard charger. This is why more EV owners are opting for a faster, more efficient Level 2 charger.

Let’s discuss the different options you have for charging your EV, as well as the differences between a standard Level 1 charger and a Level 2 charger in your home.

Three Options for Charging Your Electric Vehicle

It doesn’t matter if your electric car is small or big, new or used, American-made or Japanese-made. Every EV has a plug that you can use at the following:

• Home. More than 80 percent of charging is done at home, making this the most popular charging option by far. Home charging is affordable and efficient.
• Public. Public charging stations can be found throughout the United States. Most deliver Level 2 power, and some may even offer Level 3. However, Level 3 chargers are far less common and cost a lot more.
• Workplace. More employers are installing EV chargers to accommodate employees so that they can cover both ends of their commute. They are similar to public charging stations, so you may have to wait in line and pay to charge.

EV Charging Speeds: What You Need to Know

Since most people prefer to charge their EVs at home, we’re going to discuss this, how it works and how to make it better. Level 1 charging is typically provided with the car at the time of purchase. This way, all EV owners have access to charge their vehicle this way.

Level 1 chargers use a standard outlet and require no special installation. But, even though this is a straightforward way to charge your car, it’s mostly recommended for emergency situations and roadside troubleshooting. You might even be able to get away with a Level 1 charger if you don’t drive much.

However, if you use your car regularly and/or have a long commute, you’ll want to upgrade to a Level 2 charger. Here’s why.

• Level 2 charging stations have a 240-volt plug that can deliver an optimal battery charge in a much shorter time.
• Level 2 chargers are plugged into a special outlet or connected directly to the electrical panel for greater power.
• Some Level 2 chargers are ‘smart’ and allow you to view your charging history and automate scheduling times.
• While you will have to find an electrician to install a Level 2 charger, the costs are reasonable, and tax rebates are available.

If you are ready to take the next step to installing a Level 2 charger, EV Home Charging is here to help! We will install a dedicated charger in your home, typically the garage, so that you can get fast, efficient charging at your convenience. Get a free estimate today!