This video explains the different levels of electric vehicle (EV) charging, including Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 charging. It covers the differences between these charging levels, their respective charging times, and the types of chargers used. The video also provides insights into which charging level is best suited for different situations and how to optimize charging for efficiency.
There are different kinds of chargers for electric cars categorized into three levels of charging. Each of them is best for different purposes. Level 1 chargers are only best for plug-in hybrid cars. These chargers typically plug into a household 110-volt outlet. A Level 1 charger will take a long time to charge the battery, typically adding only three to five miles per hour of charging. That means that even when plugged in for eight hours, you'll only get 20 to 40 miles of range, meaning that for full electric vehicles, Level 1 charging isn't a great option. Level 2 chargers are perfect for charging fully electric cars at home. They run on a 240-volt outlet and can deliver 12 to 80 miles of charge per hour. Most at-home charging can happen overnight when rates are lower. Level 2 chargers are also commonly available in public areas for a very low cost per minute or cost per kilowatt hour. Level 3 chargers or DC fast chargers are prohibitively expensive for home installation. They are most commonly found along well-traveled highways to allow drivers to grab a quick top-off on longer trips. They are up to 15 times faster than a Level 2 charger; however, that extra speed comes with higher per minute or per kilowatt hour charges. Researchers have found that an EV's battery pack will deteriorate slightly faster if its only power source is Level 3 charging, but that difference is marginal. For a plug-in hybrid vehicle, all three forms of charging are viable. For all-electric cars, having a dedicated Level 2 charger to plug into on a regular basis is necessary. Ideally, you'll have that at home or at work, but some automakers even offer programs for free or discounted public charging. Thanks for watching. Be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel to get recommendations for other useful content on green cars and how they can work best for you.