Level 1 vs. Level 2 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

Here are Level 1 vs. Level 2 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

If you already own an electric vehicle (EV) or plan to buy one in the near future, for most people the most important aspect is the charge itself. Despite the benefits of a green vehicle or the profitability of not using gasoline, it is worth investing in not an EV if it takes too long to charge or cannot be charged reliably.

Level 1 vs. Level 2 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

However, many of these concerns can be solved by purchasing an aftermarket Tier 2 charger to be used in place of the standard Tier 1 charger that usually comes with the vehicle. Owners are receiving Tier 1 home chargers from vehicle manufacturers; They are not intended for commercial use.

Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

If you are looking to purchase an electric vehicle charging system for your commercial property, you want to offer a faster charging station to meet the growing market for electric vehicles. If you are managing an apartment, condo, or other gated community and looking for an EV solution, Level 2 charging will help you get tenants renting to you, speed up charging so parking spaces are released faster and more conveniently or possible. be an additional source of income.

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Level 1 vs. Level 2 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

What is meant by level 1 charger? : Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

A Level 1 EV charger is a cable or charging system that normally comes with the vehicle at the time of purchase, that connects to a standard 120-volt, 20-amp outlet and uses the plug to deliver electrical current from the outlet to the outlet. vehicle.

Using a level 1 charger is the easiest way to charge at home as it connects to a standard 120 volt outlet. On the other hand, it means that it can take a long time to recharge the battery. The plug-ins travel 7.2 km on average with each hour of charge, but the time it takes to fully charge depends on the size of the battery. Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

A fully electric battery can last 20 hours or more, while a hybrid can only last seven hours. So if you need more power quickly and let the battery drain regularly, level 1 is not enough. If, on the other hand, you normally travel short distances and have time to let your charger slow down overnight, this is a good device for the home. Just make sure you know where to find a more powerful alternative if something urgent comes up.

What is meant by level 2 charger? : Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

Similar to any Level 1 EV charger, a Level 2 charging system delivers electric power from an electric outlet or a hardwired unit through the plug to the vehicle. However, unlike Tier 1, Tier 2 car chargers require a 208 to 240 volt, 40 amp circuit. A level 1 supplies 1.4 kW to the vehicle, a level 2 ranges from 6.2 to 7.6 kW.

A level 2 charging station is a much bigger compromise, but you will get the corresponding results. These 240 volt chargers needs to be professionally installed and have an output current of up to 32 amps. There are some differences depending on the model you buy and the type of car you drive, but you can expect to refuel about five times faster than a Tier 1 charger.

There are many good reasons to get out of your Tier 1 charging station to grab the next one. He passed. If you drive long distances all the time, don’t have access to a powerful charger near your home or workplace, or you just don’t have to wait hours for your car to move again, a Level 2 charger is the right choice.

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Under what circumstances which level charger should be opted? : Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

The Tier 2 charger requires a 240V outlet, which is now required by many new homes or new apartment buildings and construction standards. If you don’t have a 240V outlet, a certified electrician can easily install one, and the cost can sometimes be offset by local, state, state, or utility companies that offer discounts and financial incentives for charger, installation, or power. energy use.

Plus, Tier 2 charging stations like EvoCharge iEVSE units allow you to work with your local utility to better control charging, lower your overall costs, and allow you to get more discounts from your community for faster charging times at lower cost.

Differences between level 1 and level 2 charging? : Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

Charging at home brings you comfort and convenience and is always an inexpensive way to refuel your car, as the cost of electricity is less than that of gasoline. Therefore, the tendency to own electric cars is increasing day by day.

Here are the various things to consider when comparing Tier 1 and Tier 2 charging stations:

Pricing:

Tier 1 chargers often come with every new electric vehicle. So there are no additional costs.  Level 2 chargers range in price from $ 500 to $ 1000 on average. It’s a great investment.

Mobility:

One advantage is that Tier 1 chargers can be carried out anytime, anywhere without any problem. It is very convenient. Unlike Tier 1 charging stations, Tier 2 devices are wall mounted and cannot be transported.

Another option could be the use of a portable device that can charge up to three times faster than a Level 1 charger but slower than a Level 2 charger, and yet can be carried anywhere in the trunk of the car.

Installation process:

electric cars

Level 1 charging units do not require any special installation as they only need to be connected to a standard household outlet. They are easy to install and easy to use at home with the flexibility of a low-cost installation. It can be installed by anyone who is not familiar with electrical equipment.

On the other hand, level 2 charging mode at home requires proper installation and learning how to install if you are unfamiliar with electrical equipment. Installation can be done by you or by qualified personnel. However, we strongly recommend that you use a qualified electrician to do this.

A wise choice and decision depend on your choice. Tier 1 chargers praise it for the flexibility of easily charging the vehicle at home, in public places, or in a relatively inexpensive location. A level 2 charger, on the other hand, offers faster charging and quicker response when you need to quickly charge your car. A wise decision depends on your decisions, your flexibility, your time availability, your cost focus, and your familiarity with electrical devices. So keep all of these scenarios in mind and then choose one of these two.