As an important alternative to fuel vehicles, the promotion and application of electric vehicles (EVs) are of great significance for achieving low-carbon travel. However, many people lack sufficient understanding of electric vehicles and EV charging solutions, which is one of the obstacles to promoting electrified transportation.
Understanding different levels of charging stations and their applicable scenarios can help individuals and businesses make the right choices.
Electric vehicle charging stations are usually divided into three levels based on charging speed and power: level 1, level 2, and level 3 EV charging stations. This article will break it down for you to better understand them!
Different Levels of EV Chargers
There are significant differences in charging speed and usage scenarios among EV charger levels, which are specifically divided into level 1 AC chargers, level 2 AC chargers, and level 3 charging stations.
1. Level 1 EV Chargers
What is a level 1 EV charger? Typically, EV charger level 1 uses a standard 120-volt AC outlet for EV charging. All you need to do is plug the charging cable into the standard wall socket, as it doesn’t require any other special equipment.
However, depending on the battery size, it may take quite a while to charge through level 1 EV chargers. Charging for one hour can commonly increase the range by 5–10 miles. The charging times can also vary according to weather conditions, battery status, and grid loads.
2. Level 2 EV Chargers
What is a level 2 EV charger? Type 2 EV chargers require up to 240 volts to operate, along with a dedicated charging station to facilitate the process. This unit connects to your vehicle via a charging cable. Since these chargers require a higher voltage to set them up, it’s best to seek professional assistance to install them.
Using type 2 EV chargers, vehicles can fully charge within just several hours of plugging in. It extends the driving range of EVs in less time. This makes level 2 car chargers an excellent choice for homes or commercial spaces where fast charging is needed.
3. Level 3 EV Chargers
What is a level 3 EV charger? Level 3 EV charging stations, also called DC fast chargers, are the fastest and most efficient ones for electric vehicles. The three-phase AC power can be directly converted into DC power within the charging station, accelerating the charging process.
With level 3 EV charging stations, vehicles can fully charge within tens of minutes (the specific time depends on the battery capacity), making them ideal for public areas such as highway service areas and shopping centers.
Due to the fast charging speed and complex installation conditions, level 3 charging stations are expensive to install. Therefore, it is commonly used for public charging, and few households choose to install this device.
Which EV Charger Types Should I Choose?
The type of EV charger used for electric vehicles will depend on various factors, some of which include:
1. Installation Location
Installation location is the most important factor in determining the EV charger types. For home use, level 1 and level 2 car chargers are generally the most practical options. They facilitate overnight charging at home and can also take advantage of low electricity prices. For households with parking spaces, installing a charging station can greatly improve the convenience of daily use.
However, when it comes to commercial use or public stations, level 3 EV chargers are the way to go. They can quickly replenish EV batteries in a short period of time, which can adapt to high-traffic public places and bring additional profits to operators.
2. Charging Speed
If you need quick and efficient charging, level 3 EV charging stations can add 80% of the battery level to your EV in less than an hour. On the other hand, level 2 chargers are a good middle ground, adding 40–120 miles of range per hour. Level 1 chargers are typically the slowest and fit for overnight charging, and they can’t meet faster turnaround needs.
3. Cost
Due to their ease of use, level 1 chargers are the least expensive and can be plugged into any regular outlet. Level 2 chargers are relatively costlier, often requiring professional assistance to be installed, while level 3 EV charging stations are the priciest due to their advanced technology and complex power facility upgrades.
Your Go-to Brand for Level 2 and Level 3 EV Charging Stations
As a well-known brand in the EV charger industry, EV chargers from Luobinsen are designed to deliver higher performance, reliability, and efficiency in all scenarios. The difference between level 2 and level 3 EV chargers is mainly the charging power range.
For home or workplace use, our Level 2 AC charger is the ideal solution, providing a power range of 3.5kW to 22kW. It’s compact, reliable, easy to stall, and ensures more than 10,000 charging connector cycles.
Moreover, if you require fast and efficient charging, the Luobinsen Level 3 charging station won’t disappoint. We provide DC chargers with a wide output range of 30kW–600kW. Whether it’s individuals, businesses, fleets, or operators, they can all find suitable and convenient solutions here.
Conclusion
Once you understand the difference between Level 1 and Level 2 vs. Level 3 EV charging stations, choosing one that fits your needs should be a no-brainer. There are multiple factors to consider, such as installation location, charging speed, and cost. By weighing these factors, users can choose the most suitable EV charger type.
Contact us for cost-effective and high-quality EV charging solutions.
