Choose the Best Electric Vehicle Charger for You
Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more popular with each passing day. With affordable models hitting the showroom, a variety of vehicle types and more charging stations being installed across the country, drivers in the market for a new car are weighing the EV option to see if it’s a good fit.
One of the questions we hear the most from people who don't currently own an EV is how an EV charges and how much time it takes to "fill up."
To understand how EV charging works, let's look at the different types of EV chargers that are available for your home and the ones you’ll find when you’re on the road.
Types of EV Chargers
There are three types of EV chargers: Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3. The main difference between the types is how long it takes to charge your vehicle and how far you'll be able to drive your EV after an hour of charging, called a charger's range per hour (RPH). Level 1 and 2 chargers are typically for at-home use, while Level 3 chargers are installed at commercial and industrial locations.
PRO TIP: Visit the app store to find apps that will help you locate Level 3 charging stations both locally and on long-distance road trips. Here are some options to get you charged and back on the road:
- PlugShare features over 600,000 charging stations with live availability.
- ChargePoint has a network of 163,000 stations and provides tips from current customers.
- EvGo lets you reserve a charger while you’re still on the road.
Before purchasing an EV, it’s important to know which type of charger best fits your lifestyle. All three types will charge your car and get you on the road. But if you want an at-home charger with the fastest and most convenient charge time, installing a Level 2 charger at your home makes the most sense for your electric vehicle. Before installing a Level 2 charger, make sure you answer these questions:
Is your house equipped with a 240-volt outlet? If you don’t have the right outlet, they’re easy to have installed.
Does your electrical panel have enough space for an additional breaker? If not, you can have an auxiliary panel installed that will support a Level 2 charger.
Do you have the proper permitting? You can get the permit to do the work yourself, but we recommend consulting or hiring a licensed electrician, who will already have the proper permit.
Looking for a plan that can power your EV for less and comes with a Level 2 charger? The Smart Nights EV plan offers a reduced energy price every night from 8 p.m. to 7:59 a.m., and when you sign up, we’ll send you a Level 2 charger at no additional cost. That means you can charge your EV faster and save money while you sleep!