Level 1 Chargers
- Description: These chargers use a standard 120V AC outlet, similar to those found in residential settings.
- Charging Time:
- Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs): Take 40-50+ hours to charge from empty to 80%.
- Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs): Take about 5-6 hours to charge from empty.
- Advantages: Convenient for overnight charging, easy to install, and use existing electrical infrastructure.
- Disadvantages: Very slow charging, not practical for frequent or long-distance driving.
Level 2 Chargers
- Description: These chargers operate at 240V AC in residential settings and 208V in commercial environments.
- Charging Time:
- BEVs: Can charge from empty to 80% in 4-10 hours.
- PHEVs: Typically take 1-2 hours to charge from empty.
- Advantages: Faster than Level 1 chargers, suitable for daily use, and compatible with most EVs.
- Disadvantages: Require dedicated 240V or 208V electrical service installation.
DC Fast Chargers (Level 3)
- Description: These chargers use direct current (DC) and can provide high power outputs of 50 kW to 350 kW.
- Charging Time: Can charge a BEV from empty to 80% in as little as 20 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the charger’s capacity and vehicle’s acceptance rate.
- Advantages: Very fast charging, ideal for high-mileage drivers and public charging stations.
- Disadvantages: High cost, large space requirements, and limited availability in some areas.
In summary, the choice of charger type significantly impacts how quickly an electric vehicle can be charged. DC Fast Chargers are best for rapid charging on the go, Level 2 chargers are suitable for regular home use, and Level 1 chargers are a backup option due to their slow speed.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-does-the-type-of-charger-level-1-level-2-dc-fast-charger-influence-charging-time/
