If you’re an electric vehicle (EV) driver, then you know the importance of keeping your car charged. But what are the differences between a Level 1 and Level 2 charger? And which one should you use? In this article, we’ll break down the pros and cons of each type of charging level so that you can make the best decision for your needs.
What is a Level 1 car charger and what does it do?
A Level 1 car charger is a type of charger that uses 120-volt AC power to charge your EV. It’s the slowest type of charger available, but it’s also the most affordable and the simplest to use. Level 1 chargers typically come with a standard 120-volt household outlet and can be plugged into any standard wall outlet.
How does it work?
Level 1 car chargers work by supplying alternating current (AC) power to your EV’s onboard charger. This power is then converted into direct current (DC) power, which is used to charge your EV’s battery pack. The charge time will vary depending on your EV’s battery size, but it generally takes over 18 hours to fully charge a depleted battery using a Level 1 charger.
What are the benefits?
Although Level 1 chargers are the slowest option available, they do have some advantages. Firstly, since they use standard 120-volt outlets, they can be plugged into any wall outlet in your home – meaning you don’t need to install any dedicated charging equipment. Additionally, Level 1 chargers tend to be much more affordable than their faster Level 2 and Level 3 counterparts.
Level 1 car chargers are a great option for EV owners who want an affordable and easy-to-use charger for their electric vehicle. Although they’re not as fast as other types of chargers, they can be plugged into any standard wall outlet, making them a convenient option for home charging.
What is a Level 2 car charger and what does it do?
Simply put, Level 2 charging is a faster way to charge your EV than Level 1 charging. Whereas a Level 1 charger uses your home’s standard 120-volt outlet (think the outlets you use to charge your laptop or phone overnight), a Level 2 charger requires 240 volts like the kind used for large appliances. This higher voltage means that a Level 2 charger can replenish your EV’s battery up to five times faster than a Level 1 charger.
So, if you’re an EV owner who needs to charge your car quickly, then a Level 2 charger is definitely the way to go. Just keep in mind that you’ll need access to a 240-volt outlet in order to use one.
Now that you understand what Level 2 charging is and how it operates, you may question why you would use it rather than the standard Level 1 EV charger. After all, if it ain’t broke, why fix it? While that thinking makes sense on the surface, there are actually quite a few reasons to use a Level 2 charger whenever possible. Here are just a few of them:
Faster Charging Speeds
As we mentioned before, the biggest advantage of using a Level 2 charger is that it can recharge your EV up to five times faster than a Level 1 charger. So if you’re short on time or just want to get back on the road as soon as possible, Level 2 charging is definitely the way to go.
More Convenient Charging Locations
Since Level 2 charging stations are more powerful than Level 1 chargers, they’re often located in more convenient locations – like shopping centers, parking garages, workplaces, and homes.
Having an EV charger installed at your home is the easiest way to make sure your car is always charged and ready to go. But what if you don’t have a garage or dedicated parking spot? Or what if you live in an apartment complex without EV charger access? In situations like these, being able to find a Level 2 charger can be a game-changer.
Not only are Level 2 chargers much more common than Level 3 chargers, but they’re also usually much easier to find. This means that you’re much more likely to be able to find a Level 2 charger when you’re out and about than a Level 3 charger.
In summary, a Level 2 charger is a type of EVSE that uses 240 volts AC to charge an electric vehicle much faster than a Level 1 charger. If you’re in need of a quick charge, then this is the charger for you.
Level 1 v Level 2 charging
As an electric vehicle (EV) owner, you probably already know that there are different types of EV chargers. But what exactly is the difference between a Level 1 and Level 2 EV charger? Keep reading to find out.
Level 1 charges much slower than Level 2. Depending on the size of your car battery and the amperage of your charger, it can take over 20 hours to charge an EV using a Level 1 charger. This is because Level 1 chargers use 110-120 volt outlets, which are the same outlets that power your home appliances. On the other hand, Level 2 chargers use 220-240 volt outlets, which charge EVs much faster. In fact, it only takes about 3-4 hours to charge an EV using a Level 2 charger.
Which type of charger do you need for your electric vehicle?
So, if you’re looking for a quick charge, then you’ll want to use a Level 2 charger. However, if you’re not in a hurry, then a Level 1 charger will suffice. Just keep in mind that it will take longer to charge your EV using a Level 1 charger.
Now that you know the difference between Level 1 and Level 2 car chargers, you can make an informed decision about which type of charger is right for you. If you’re patient and don’t mind waiting 8-10 hours for a full charge, then go with a Level 1 charger. But if you need to charge your EV quickly, then go with a Level 2 charger.
Get a Level 2 EV charger installation quote for your home or business today
With the price of electric vehicles (EVs) dropping and the range of models increasing, it’s no wonder that more and more people are making the switch to EVs. If you’re one of those people, congratulations! You’re not only doing your part to reduce your carbon footprint, but you’re also joining a growing community of like-minded individuals.
Are you an EV owner looking for a reliable and affordable Level 2 car charger installation? Well, look no further than WattLogic! We are a leading provider of electric car charging solutions for both homes and businesses. Our top-of-the-line Level 2 car charger installation service is sure to meet all of your needs and exceed your expectations. So, what are you waiting for? Get a quote from us today!
Level 1 and Level 2 charging refer to different levels of electric vehicle (EV) charging speeds and capabilities. The level that is right for your business depends on various factors such as charging speed, cost, installation requirements, and the needs of your customers or employees. In this blog post, we will review the differences in these charging levels and give guidance on which level is best for your business.
The decision between Level 1 and Level 2 charging depends on several factors such as charging speed, demand, convenience, and cost:
Level 1 charging is the slowest EV charging speed, typically delivering around 2 to 5 miles of range per hour of charging. This level of EV charging uses a J1772 charge port and is plugged directly into a standard household outlet. It is suitable for overnight charging, but typically requires 40-50+ hours to charge a battery electric vehicle to 80%. This is far too slow to keep up with daily business operations.
Charging demand for businesses utilizing electric vehicles (EVs) can include not only the number of EVs being used but also how frequently they are being driven. Level 1 charging may be good if you have a limited daily driving range, access to charging overnight, or if you only have 1 to 2 EVs. However, if you intend to use your electric vehicles daily, Level 1 EV charging is not going to be able to keep up with your business.
Level 1 EV charging is the most easily accessible level of EV charging. Because the EVs typically come with the cord and are charged using a standard electrical outlet, you essentially can charge anywhere there is an outlet. Making Level 1 charging widely available in various locations, including homes, apartment complexes, and some workplaces. Keep in mind to charge sufficiently you are going to need to be at this location for a long time.
The Level 1 charger is the most affordable option since it utilizes the least amount of energy and comes with the vehicle. There is also no need for installing additional infrastructure or electrical upgrades. If your Level 1 charger needs to be replaced it can cost anywhere from $100 - $400 to purchase a new one.
Level 2 charging provides much faster charging speeds compared to Level 1. It can deliver around 10 to 30 miles of range per hour of charging, depending on the charging station and the electric vehicle's capabilities. This can reduce time and provide more flexibility to charge an EV.
Level 2 charging is ideal for situations where there is a higher demand for charging, such as public charging stations or locations where multiple electric vehicles need to be charged on time. Still, this charging demand is not enough for most business needs.
Level 2 charging stations are a bit more convenient than Level 1 chargers. They are the most common public charging stations and allow for faster charging, but not nearly as much compared to Level 3.
Level 2 charging is more expensive than the previous level since greater energy is required to meet demand. Level 2 charging stations typically require an electrical grid update to deliver more power as well as larger equipment.
The decision to charge Level 1 vs. Level 2 depends on circumstance and personal preference. For more flexibility, charging demands, and faster time, Level 2 is the better option. Still, both of these levels do not meet business needs compared to Level 3 (DC fast charging) can offer.
Level 1 charging operates at a voltage of around 110 volts. This is the standard voltage provided by most household electrical outlets in North America, meaning that charging at home is an easy option.
Level 2 charging operates at a higher voltage of around 210-240 volts. This voltage level requires a dedicated electrical circuit and specific charging equipment, meaning this will take more materials to install a Level 2 charger. The higher voltage of Level 2 charging allows for faster charging times compared to Level 1 charging. However, it's important to note there is the faster option of Level 3 charging available.
No, Level 1 charging is not bad for an electric vehicle's battery. Still, charging speed and duration can impact the battery's long-term health and performance over time. Some factors to consider are:
Level 1 charging operates at a lower voltage, resulting in a slower charging speed compared to Level 2 charging. Slower charging time can have some advantages for battery health as it generates less heat during the charging process, which is good for long-term battery longevity.
Heat is one of the factors that can impact the lifespan of an electric vehicle battery. Level 1 charging typically generates less heat than Level 2 charging due to the lower charging current. This makes Level 1 a good charging option for trickle charging, which is used to charge the last 10-20% of an EV battery.
Level 1 charging is much slower than Level 2 and 3 charging, which means it takes more time to fully charge the battery. While Level 1 charging is unlikely to hurt the battery, extended periods of slow charging may result in the battery remaining at high states of charge for long amounts of time. However, modern EVs contain battery management systems that help to make sure the charging process is not causing damage.
It's always a good idea to review the manufacturer's guidelines and recommendations for charging your specific EV. They can provide specific instructions on charging practices and any ideas to keep in mind for keeping the battery healthy.
Overall, Level 1 charging is safe for EV batteries. Although it may be a safe option for batteries, Level 1 is not a great fit for businesses that need fast and efficient charging. The Level 3 option can be used to charge EVs safely and quickly.
It's recommended to assess your specific charging needs, driving habits, and budget to determine if a Level 2 charger is worth it for you. Consulting with a qualified charging provider can help you evaluate the costs, installation requirements, and long-term benefits of a Level 2 charger for your specific situation. Level 2 and Level 1 charging have distinct differences that make them useful in different circumstances. Compared to Level 3 (DC fast charging), Level 2 fails to keep up with business operations because of its slower speed, making it not the best option for many.
Level 1 and Level 2 charging lack the speed and accessibility to keep up with necessary business operations. Our Level 3 (portable DC fast charging) provides speedy and time-efficient energy from any location, serving as a modular, immediately deployable, and fast charging service. The Roadie Portable is a quick and easy solution for any company, designed with businesses in mind to remove expensive installations that charging stations require. Level 3 charging with SparkCharge prioritizes efficiency and convenience, something the first two levels fail to match.
Our charging as a service (CaaS)is focused on satisfying all your business needs. CaaS promises 99.9% guaranteed charge readiness, predictable low-cost energy, and compatibility with all EVs on the market. With services curated for both fleets and EV owners/operators, SparkCharge has all your business charging needs handled.