The global electric vehicle market is booming, with over 14.28 million new electric vehicles sold worldwide last year alone. As EVs flock to roads, so does the demand for their charging stations. Businesses can now capitalize on this trend and attract customers by installing EV charging locations.
To begin doing this, it’s essential to understand the different EV charging levels. The right type of charger will depend on what you want out of your business plan and what kind of station you want to install.
Level 1 vs Level 2 vs Level 3 Charging
EV charging levels vary in power, speed, and types of EV chargers, depending on whether level 1, level 2, or level 3. Level 3 is divided into DC Fast Charging and Tesla Supercharging. The higher the charging level, the faster the charging process, as more power is delivered to the vehicle.
Level 1 Charging
Level 1 EV charger the charger to a standard household 120-volt wall outlet, providing power ranging from 1kW to 1.8kW. While this method is convenient, it is relatively slow, typically adding only 3 to 5 miles per hour. Consequently, it may not be the most efficient option.
Level 1 chargers are often more suitable for plug-in hybrid vehicles with smaller batteries, while those with larger batteries may find level 2 home chargers better suited to their daily needs.
| Level | Connector Type | Typical Output Power | Estimated Charge Time | Estimated Range Per Hour For Charging | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | J1772 & Tesla | 1kW–1.8 kW | 22-40 Hours | 3 to 5 Miles Per Hour | Home |
Level 2 Charging
Level 2 car charger uses a 240-volt power outlet. This type of charging can be put out between 3.3kW and 22kW, which is the fastest for this level. Depending on the power output and a vehicle’s maximum charge rate, Level 2 charging speed can replenish between 12 to 80 miles per hour – up to 10 times faster than Level 1.
Level 2 EV charger is the most popular EV charging levels and can be easily installed in homes, workplaces, and public locations like shopping plazas and train stations.
| Level | Connector Type | Typical Output Power | Estimated Charge Time | Estimated Range Per Hour For Charging | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | J1772 & Tesla | 3.3kW–22 kW | 2-13 Hours | 12 to 80 Miles Per Hour | Home, Workplace & Public |
Level 3 Charging
Level 3 car charger, commonly known as Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC), operates within a power range of 50kW to 350kW. The average power output of most level 3 DC fast chargers is approximately 150kW. These chargers utilize direct current and can provide up to 20 miles per minute.
The operating voltage of DCFC stations is much higher than the voltage typically available to residential customers, typically ranging from 400 to 480 volts but can reach up to 800 volts. This is why almost all DCFC installations are found in commercial or public charging stations, such as Tesla’s Supercharger network.
| Level | Connector Type | Typical Output Power | Estimated Charge Time | Estimated Range Per Hour For Charging | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | Combined Charging System (Combo), CHAdeMO & Tesla | 50kW–350kW | 15 Mins-90 Mins | 3 to 20 Miles Per Minute | Public |
5 Factors for Choosing Charging Levels
When selecting EV charging level stations, several factors should be carefully considered to ensure optimal charging efficiency and convenience.
Vehicle Compatibility
Compatibility issues may arise if the charging station does not have the appropriate connectors or power levels required by specific EVs. Therefore, when selecting a charging solution, it is imperative to verify that it is compatible with the EVs commonly used in the area or by potential customers. This ensures seamless charging experiences for EV owners and maximizes the utilization of the charging infrastructure.
Charging Infrastructure Availability
Investing in EV charging stations in areas with high demand and limited charging infrastructure can offer lucrative opportunities for station deployment.
Moreover, understanding the regulatory environment and government incentives related to electric vehicle adoption and charging infrastructure deployment is essential. In some regions, governments offer subsidies, grants, or tax incentives to encourage the installation of charging stations, which can significantly offset initial investment costs and improve the profitability of charging infrastructure projects.
Charging Speed and Convenience
Consider your customers’ charging needs. Level 1 EV charger, often using a standard household outlet, is the slowest but widely available. Level 2 car charger offers faster speeds, suitable for overnight or extended stays. Level 3 DC fast charger provides the fastest rates, ideal for quick top-ups during road trips or limited time.
Cost Considerations
Evaluate the cost implications associated with different charging levels. Level 1 EV charger tends to be the least expensive option since it utilizes existing household outlets. Level 2 home charging may require the installation of dedicated charging equipment, incurring upfront costs but potentially offering lower charging rates. Level 3 car chargers often involve higher costs due to the specialized infrastructure required for fast charging.
Plug Type Compatibility
Ensure that the charging level you choose aligns with the plug type compatible with your customers’EV. Different EV charging levels may utilize distinct connector types, such as SAE J1772 for level 1 and level 2 chargers, and CCS or CHAdeMO for level 3 DC fast chargers.
Products Provided By EVB Different EV Charging Levels
Over the past three decades, EVB has supplied over 1 million charging stations globally and provides expertise to power up more than 100 countries. Our product line primarily focuses on level 2 and level 3 charging solutions.
AC Level 2 EV Chargers
The power range of EVB’s level 2 AC charging stations is from 3.7 kW to 22 kW. This means that both ordinary household users and commercial establishments can choose the appropriate charging power according to their own needs.
Our AC level 2 EV chargers like portable level 2 chargers not only provide multiple safety protection features but also have a high protection-grade shell to ensure the safety and reliability of the charging process.
Furthermore, EVB’s smart charging stations are compatible with the OCPP 1.6J protocol, providing users with the convenience of remote control and supervision. Through a mobile application, users can monitor the charging status and control the charging process anytime, anywhere. They can even intelligently schedule charging based on electricity prices and usage demands, maximizing energy utilization and cost savings.
DC Level 3 EV Chargers
EVB offers a comprehensive range of commercial level 3 car chargers, including floor-standing and wall-mounted DC fast chargers, with power ratings ranging from 20 kW to 600 kW. These chargers come equipped with one to three guns, providing versatility to meet various application needs.
Additionally, these chargers can automatically identify different vehicle models and adjust their power output accordingly. Moreover, they boast low maintenance costs, making them an ideal choice for public charging stations. By investing in EVB charging solutions, customers can expect to swiftly recover their investment costs and achieve profitability.
