EV Charger Types: Which One is the Best?

When bringing an electric vehicle home, it is crucial to understand the types of chargers available. Electric vehicle (EV) chargers are classified into three categories: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. The charging speed increases with each level.

A Level 1 charger typically comes with the purchase of an EV. While these chargers are portable, they take a long time to recharge the battery. In comparison, a Level 2 charger is much faster than Level 1, and both work on the same principle. The alternating current (AC) from an outlet or electric panel is sent through the EV power port to the onboard charger, which converts it into direct current (DC) for battery charging. Tesla vehicles come with dual Level 1/Level 2 chargers.
Level 3 chargers are designed for public stations and provide much more power than Level 1 and Level 2 chargers. Level 3 chargers convert AC to DC, bypassing the onboard charger and directly delivering DC to the battery.
To make EV charging less complicated, EV owners can purchase chargers with helpful additional features. These can include adjustable ampere settings to “top-off” a charge, smart chargers with Wi-Fi/Bluetooth enabled apps, and cables with lengths suitable for easily reaching the charging port. Heavy-duty wire can be used to offer less resistance and reduce the likelihood of overheating. The chargers can also have mounting brackets to keep cables safely off the floor and secured in the outlet, indicators to monitor charging status, and over-voltage protection to prevent overcharging and overheating. Dual 120- and 240-volt capabilities and UL-listed and Energy Star rated chargers are also factors to consider. EV owners should also take into account warranty length and support hours when choosing the right charger.
The SAE J1772 connector is the industry standard for electric vehicles. The Combined Charging System (CCS) offers a second standard that allows AC/DC charging on the same port. Tesla employs a proprietary connector design, but J1772 and CCS adapters are available.
Level 1 Chargers:Most electric vehicles come with a basic Level 1 120V charger, which may require 40 hours to fully charge a 60-kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery.
Pros:Convenient; can plug into a standard household 120-volt outlet (with a 20-amp circuit recommended).
Simple do-it-yourself cord management installation.
Best for EV owners in apartments or condominiums.
Easy to use and portable.
Cheapest among all chargers, ranging from $200 to $600.
More expensive models offer dual Level 1 and Level 2 charging capabilities.
Adheres to the generic SAE J1772 connector standard.
Cons:Extremely slow.
Has a driving range of about five miles per charging hour, or approximately 40 miles on an overnight charge.
May require charging connection adapters.
Lacks many of the features listed above.
Level 2 Chargers:
If you drive more than 100 miles a day, consider investing in a Level 2 charger for your home. While it may be costly, it significantly reduces the hassle of home charging. Level 2 chargers provide the same charge as public Level 2 charging stations.
Pros:
Significantly faster than Level 1 chargers, taking about 10 hours to fully recharge a drained 60 kWh EV battery.
Has a driving range of approximately 25 miles per charging hour, or about 200 miles on an eight-hour charge.
Easy to use and many mid-priced models come loaded with features like Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth connectivity.
As the popularity of EVs continues to rise, installing a Level 2 charger can add value to your home.
Cons:
Expensive, ranging from $300 to $2,000, plus $500 to $2,000 for installation if hardwired.
Requires a dedicated 240-volt, minimum 50-amp circuit.
May require a special outlet, like a NEMA 6-50. You may also need to upgrade your electric panel to a 200-amp service. This is not something you should do yourself. Consult a licensed electrician to determine your options.
The least expensive models lack many of the features listed above and may not be compatible with all charging ports. You may need to purchase charging connection adapters.
Level 3 Chargers.Public Level 3 fast-charging stations are capable of quickly recharging an electric vehicle (EV) battery. They operate on three-phase/480 volts and can cost well over $100,000, including design and installation costs.
Advantages:
Many public EV charging stations are still free, and they are being installed in various locations such as apartment buildings, schools, commuter parking lots, and shopping malls.
Apps such as ChargePoint and PlugShare can locate charging stations.
These stations can fully charge an EV in as little as 30 minutes.
Public charging networks offer several payment options, including credit cards, apps, or a monthly membership.
Disadvantages:
The EV public charging infrastructure still has a long way to go to meet future EV needs, especially in rural areas.
Not all EVs can be charged at all public EV charging stations.
Some networks charge additional fees if an EV stays plugged in after it’s finished charging.
It can cost twice as much as charging at home.
Planning road trips is crucial to ensure passing EV charging stations along the route.