EV chargers are classified into three categories: Level 1, Level 2 and direct current (DC) fast charging. Sometimes DC charging or fast charging is also referred to as level 3 charging. Do you know the difference between Level 1 2 3 Charging? One distinction between these three levels is the input voltage, Level 1 uses 110/120 volts, Level 2 uses 208/240 volts and DC fast chargers use between 200 and 600 volts.
Level 1 charging is the slowest way to charge an electric vehicle. So it is mainly used for home charging. The maximum output for Level 1 charging stations is between 1.3 kW to 2.4 kW, which adds about 3.5 – 6.5 miles of driving range per hour of charging. These charging rates can be satisfactory for drivers who do not drive more than 30-40 miles daily and who can use the charger overnight.
All-electric cars come with a cable that can be plugged into a standard wall outlet with no equipment installation required. Level 1 works well at home, work, or anywhere - when you have sufficient time to charge. This charging takes the longest and is used primarily as an additional, emergency, or backup charging solution.
Level 2 charging is considerably faster, but requires installing charging stations. They are typical solutions for residential and commercial/workplace settings. Level 2 charging station installation requires a dedicated 240-volt or 208-volt electrical circuit. Besides, Level 2 chargers use the same standard connector as Level 1 charging, meaning any electric car can plug in at any Level 2 charger.
Depending on battery type, charger configuration, and circuit capacity, Level 2 charging adds about 14-35 miles of range per hour of charging time.
In general, Level 2 chargers are distinguished between non-networked chargers and networked chargers.
Non-networked Level 2 chargers are mostly used in residential. The cost is slightly lower than networked chargers. Therefore, if the resident/property owner doesn't need networked chargers functionality, non-networked chargers will suffice.
While networked chargers are more common in commercial/workplace settings where payments are required. Some of the enhanced features include remote access/control via 4G or Ethernet, access control/ability to accept multiple forms of payment, load balancing across multiple chargers, and more.
Networked chargers are useful for sites that need to monitor electricity usage across multiple chargers, have multiple drivers sharing a single charger, or require payment for use of chargers as well as for sites that have the little electrical capacity and therefore need to balance their load. Some models of networked chargers also can limit charging to certain hours, which allows the operator to maximize a time-of-use electricity rate structure and only allow charging when electricity is the cheapest. Therefore, while networked chargers are more expensive than non-networked chargers, they have much more functionality and can provide more options for a workplace, or commercial site.
Direct current fast charging is the fastest way to fill-up an EV. A DC EV charger can boost the EV battery to 80% within 30 minutes based on battery pack size.However, since it requires a 480-volt connection, making DC fast charging unsuitable for home use, and not every electric car model is equipped for it. Level 3 DC fast charger is the ideal charging type for on-the-go locations like shopping centers, gas stations or fleet depots.
Most DC fast chargers will have both the CHAdeMO and Combo connectors. Depending on battery type, charger configuration and circuit capacity, DC fast charging can add up to 10 miles of range per minute of charging time.
-- Marcus Groll，A Charging Station Owner in UKRAINE
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