What is a j1772 plug?

It is an industry-standard electrical connector in North America designed for electric vehicles that use 120v or 240v single phase electrical systems.

Do I need a permit to add an electric vehicle charger?

Level 1 electric vehicle chargers do not require a permit. Level 2 chargers often do if your home’s output voltage needs to be upgraded to 240v, so it is best to first check with local building codes.

Are all Level 2 chargers the same?

They all use a 240 power source; however, some Level 2 chargers are capable of transferring more energy and charging your vehicle faster. They also come in two options: Plug-in chargers that go into an existing outlet in your wall, and hardwired chargers that are directly wired into your electrical panel.

How much does a Level 3 charger cost?

Level 3 chargers can cost anywhere from $1320 to $2650.

How much does a Level 2 charger cost?

A level 2 charger can cost anywhere from $660 to $930 after installation.

What is a Level 3 EV charger?

Level 3 EVSE’s are large, fast chargers that need three-phase power. They use very high voltage and are most common in commercial applications.

What is a Level 2 EV charger?

Level 2 EVSE's are medium-speed chargers and need to be purchased separately and installed at your house. You will need a licensed electrician to install them and to get the appropriate permits because they require a 240 Volt circuit from your breaker panel.

Do all-electric vehicles use the same charger?

In North America, most chargers are equipped with a J1772 EV connector that can be used on all-electric vehicles except Tesla. Tesla uses a uniquely designed connector; however, it can be made compatible using an adapter.

Can you charge an electric car from a standard plug?

Yes, for Level 1 charging, the cord plugs into any regular household outlet. This is the slowest charging method.

Learn about EV Charger

Commonly known as an 'EV charger' or 'Electric Vehicle Service Equipment (EVSE)', they supply power to charge your electric vehicle. They come in three speeds – slow (Level 1), medium (Level 2), and fast (Level 3, or DC Fast Charger).

For faster charging at your home, you will want to install a Level 2 EVSE. Here is a description of each ESVE level:

Level 1 EVSE's come with an EV – they are just a cord you can plug into any regular household outlet, and they are pretty slow at charging your EV.
Level 2 EVSE's are medium-speed chargers and need to be purchased separately and installed at your house. You will need a licensed electrician to install them and to get the appropriate permits because they require a 240 Volt circuit from your breaker panel.
Level 3 EVSE are giant, fast chargers that need three-phase power, which your house probably doesn’t have.

When you're planning a longer trip, also look online for maps of public Level 2 and Level 3 EVSE's where you can charge up along the way. A Level 3 EVSE can charge your car up to 80% full in about 20 minutes, while Level 2 will take a few hours.

Electric vehicles are dramatically more energy efficient than combustion (gasoline or diesel) vehicles. Switching from gasoline or diesel to an EV can cut your greenhouse gas emissions substantially, especially if the electricity you use is from renewable, low-emission sources like hydroelectricity, wind, and solar. The operating costs of an EV are also much lower.

Electric automobiles have been around since the 1830s. Now, in the 21st century they are making a resurgence as battery technology improves and concern about fossil fuels grows.