What Is an Electric Vehicle Charger?

An electric vehicle charger, commonly known as an 'EV charger' or 'Electric Vehicle Service Equipment (EVSE),' supplies power to charge an electric vehicle. Some vehicles come equipped with onboard converters that plug into a standard outlet, while others require EV charging stations. These charging stations incorporate power connectors that meet a variety of standards required by electric vehicles.

What Are Level 1 EV Chargers?

Level 1 EV chargers are standard charging cords that plug into any regular outlet taking up to 20 to 40 hours to charge an electric vehicle fully. This is the most convenient way of charging an electric car, but the single-phase charging also takes significantly longer than level 2 and level 3 chargers.

What Are Level 3 EV Chargers?

Level 3 or DC fast-charging stations are large EV chargers capable of charging an electric car to 80% within 20 to 30 minutes. While most level 3 chargers are made for commercial use, level 3 charging options are becoming available for the home. Level 3 EV chargers range in price between $1320 to $2650.

What Is the Fastest Type Of EV Charger?

Level 3 or DC fast charging EV chargers are the fastest EV chargers available today. These are large, fast chargers that require three-phase power providing up to 350kW. Level 3 chargers will intelligently scale down to match the most rapid charge rate that an electric vehicle will accept.

Do All-Electric Vehicles Use the Same Charger?

Electric vehicles available to the North American market are usually equipped with a J1772 EV connector. This connector is compatible with all-electric vehicles except for Tesla. While Tesla uses a proprietary connector, it can be made compatible using an adapter.

Do I Require A Permit To Install a Home EV Charger?

Level 1 EV chargers do not require a permit as they connect to a standard outlet. Level 2 chargers may require a permit if your home’s output voltage needs to be upgraded to 240v. Level 3 chargers will often require an update to your home's output voltage. With level 2 and level 3 charges, it is best to consult an electrician and check with local building codes.

How Much Does It Cost To Install an EV Charger at Home?

Electric vehicle owners should consider installing a level 2 charger, which runs on a 240-volt connection. Factoring in the cost of the level 2 charger, electrician labor, and other hidden costs, you can most likely install a system for around $1,200. It might represent a significant upfront investment. This type of charger can usually fully charge your car´s batteries in a few hours. Level 3 chargers require an electricity strength that is almost always not applicable to residential homes.

The initial investment for a level 2 EVSE often pays for itself in 1-2 years due to the savings associated with not requiring gasoline. General Motors, the company that makes the EV Chevrolet Volt, estimates that it takes just over 2,500 kWh to run the Volt for a year. It amounts to around $317 at the average electricity rate of $0.127 per kWh. You´d be hard-pressed to find any gas-powered vehicle that would cost you less than $1,000 per year for gasoline, especially with rising global oil prices.