If you’re thinking of investing in an electric vehicle (EV), you’re definitely not alone. Like a lot of people, you may be wondering about the different types of EVs and whether you’ll need your own charging station. Read on to understand the different EV charging station levels and what they mean for EV owners.

Level 1

A level 1 charging station typically charges about 3–5 miles per hour. You can also plug it into a normal wall socket, which is usually 120 volts.

Although they’re the least expensive option when it comes to buying a charging station, level 1 chargers are very slow. They’re not a good option if you’re planning to buy an EV that’s electric only and drive it every day. However, these charging stations can be a good option for people buying hybrids, since those don’t rely solely on electricity.

Level 2

Level 2 chargers are the most popular option for EV owners who want to be able to drive their cars every day. This level of charging is perfect for overnight charging, so your car will be ready to go the next morning. Level 2 recharges at a rate of 12–80 miles per hour, depending on how powerful the outlet is and the vehicle’s charging capabilities.

Another thing to know about the different EV charging station levels is that some require special outlets. If you want a level 2 charger to give you 80 miles per hour of charging, you’re going to need to install a special outlet. You can also expect to pay a lot more for your utility bills.

Level 3

Level 3 chargers are the fastest and, therefore, the most expensive. In fact, due to their price tag, they’re really only installed on commercial properties. This is not just because of cost, but also because of the enormous amounts of energy they consume. Most homes are simply not wired for this kind of charger.

If you’re thinking of buying an EV, one thing to know is that different manufacturers use different level 3 chargers. Tesla cars can only use Tesla-brand chargers (called Superchargers), and other cars can’t use them at all. Almost all other brands use the same DC Fast Charger.

Installing Your Own Chargers

If you’re a business owner looking to add value to your property, investing in level 3 EV charging systems can be an excellent investment. Though they’re more expensive than other types, customers will happily pay to charge their vehicles in a few minutes instead of waiting for hours. Contact ShinePay to find out how you can use our app payment technology to make the most of your EV chargers.