Level 2 chargers are a type of electric vehicle charger that uses 240V AC power. Level 2 EV chargers charge significantly faster than Level 1 chargers, which use a standard 120V power outlet. Unlike DC fast chargers, which provide direct current (DC) for rapid charging, Level 2 chargers still use alternating current (AC), but at a power level significantly higher than typical residential and commercial power usage. This makes them suitable for both home and business use.
Level 2 chargers are generally considered a middle ground between residential and commercial charging needs. This comprehensive guide on Electric Vehicle (EV) Level 2 charging ensures you fully understand everything you need to know about Level 2 EV charging.
What is a Level 2 charger? Level 2 chargers represent an upgrade over Level 1 chargers, utilizing Alternating Current (AC) to deliver faster charging speeds. In the United States, Level 2 chargers employ a 240-volt input. Primarily designed for home, workplace, and public charging stations, they are compatible with most electric vehicles on the market and are the most widely installed chargers globally. Level 2 chargers come in wall-mounted (which can be mounted to a pedestal) and standalone unit designs.
But what truly sets Level 2 chargers apart? The key lies in their efficiency and time savings. While a Level 1 charger might take 20 hours or even longer to fully charge an average electric vehicle, a Level 2 charger significantly reduces charging time to just 3 to 8 hours. This is particularly significant for EV owners, especially those with fast-paced lifestyles or who rely on their vehicles for long commutes.
What are the benefits of using Level 2 chargers? Faster charging time One of the key features of a Level 2 charger is its ability to charge an electric vehicle more quickly than a Level 1 charger. With a Level 2 charger at home, you can avoid the hassle of waiting in line at public charging stations. Just charge your vehicle overnight at home, and imagine waking up to find your car fully charged, which saves a significant amount of time. For those with tight schedules or frequent long – distance drives, installing a Type 2 electric vehicle charger means you don’t have to search for charging piles. Instead, you can fully charge your car with just a short stay at home, offering an incredibly convenient experience.
Convenience of home charging Compared to a Level 1 charger, a Level 2 electric vehicle charger offers higher charging efficiency. A Level 2 charger can be installed at home, turning your garage or driveway into a charging source for your car. This way, you won’t need to rely on public EV charging stations. This is especially beneficial for people who commute daily or run errands frequently.
Cost – effectiveness Although the initial installation cost of a Level 2 charger is higher than that of a Level 1 charger, the long – term cost savings are remarkable. Faster charging times mean lower electricity consumption, which helps reduce energy costs. In addition, Level 2 charging technology can extend the battery life of your vehicle, saving you from the high costs of battery replacement and maintenance.
Compatibility with most electric vehicles New – generation electric vehicles (sedans) are equipped with Type 2 connectors compatible with Level 2 chargers. Therefore, for many EV users seeking a convenient home – charging solution, a Type 2 electric vehicle charger is the preferred choice. As mentioned earlier, a Level 2 charger can be installed at home, converting your garage or driveway into a charging spot. This eliminates the need to depend on public charging stations and is particularly advantageous for daily commuters and errand – runners.
How fast is a Level 2 charger?
A Level 2 charger can supply an electric vehicle with about 3 – 20 kilowatts of AC power. This means it can add a range of about 30 – 50 km (20 – 30 miles) per hour of charging and can fully charge the battery of an average EV overnight.
The charging time of a Level 2 charger depends on the charger’s power output, the EV’s on – board charger acceptance rate, and the vehicle battery capacity. Many other variables can also affect the charging time. But the following are some rough estimates based on an EV that can accept the full charging power of the EV charger and has a battery capacity of 40 kWh (the average capacity of an EV battery).
How does a Level 2 charger compare to others? Just as gasoline – vehicle owners can choose from three grades of gasoline, there are three common types of EV charging stations. Here’s how Level 2 charging stations compare to Level 1 and Level 3 ones:
Compared with Level 1 EV charging stations Level 1 charging stations are usually bundled with EVs and called emergency chargers or portable charging cables. Plugged into a standard 120V household outlet, they supply up to 2.4kW of power to an EV. Due to the slow charging speed, it may take days to fully charge the battery. Level 1 EV charging stations are much cheaper than Level 2 ones because their cost is included in the vehicle purchase price and they need little to no extra electrical work. Though slower, they may suffice for commuters living near their workplace or not making frequent long trips.
Compared with Level 3 EV charging stations Level 3 charging stations, or DC fast chargers, with an output of 50 – 350kW, can charge a typical EV battery in 15 minutes, earning their “fast – charging” title. They offer the charging experience closest to a gas station in modern EV technology.
Level 3 EV charging stations are best suited for dedicated charging piles along major highways or arterial roads. For businesses considering installing EV charging stations to enhance their facilities’ value, especially in places where people may stay for hours, Level 2 charging stations might be more practical.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve learned all about Level 2 EV chargers and whether they’re a good fit for you, remember that if you don’t use your EV much, upgrading from a Level 1 charger might not be necessary. But if you need more power in less time, switching to a Level 2 charger is a worthwhile investment.
