Topic: Hardware

What Are the Differences Between EV Charging Plugs?

Posted on by Shelly Chung

Electric vehicle (EV) charging plugs vary from region to region, with most car manufacturers adhering to the regional standard. This allows vehicle owners to more easily charge at any local charging station they encounter. Some plugs only allow for Level 1 and Level 2 AC charging, while other plugs can handle Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 DC fast charging.

EV charging plug types

Here are basic definitions and regional compatibility for each type of EV charging plug.

Illustration of SAE J1772 plug, charger, and socket.

 

SAE J1772

The Society of Automotive Engineers J1772 plug, more commonly known as a J-plug or Type 1, uses a five-pin design. It is designed to be compatible with most EVs, including battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). The J1772 plug can be used with Level 1 and Level 2 charging stations, which are typically used for home and public charging. It is used primarily in North America and Japan, with almost every North American electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid having this plug except for Tesla. It has a maximum power output of 19.2 kW.

Illustration of CSS Type 1 plug, charger, and socket.

CCS Type 1

The Combined Charging System Type 1 is a seven-pin combination AC/DC charging connector. It combines the SAE J1772 standard plug with two additional high-speed DC fast charging pins, allowing it to support Level 3 DC fast charging. This extension includes a communication pin that allows the charging station and EV to communicate and negotiate charging rates. It is used primarily in North America and Japan. Most EVs in North America utilize this plug other than Tesla. It has a maximum power output of 360 kW.

Illustration of CSS Type 2 plug, charger, and socket.

CCS Type 2

A versatile, widespread EV charging plug used primarily in Europe. It combines the European standard Mennekes type 2 plug with two additional high-speed charging pins. This allows the plug to be used for both AC and DC charging, including Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 DC fast charging. Unlike in North America, Tesla model 3 and Y owners in Europe can charge their vehicles with a CCS Type 2 plug. Tesla model S and X owners must still use an adapter. The Type 2 connector includes a communication protocol that allows the charging station and EV to exchange information, such as the charging rate, state of charge, and charging status. It has a maximum power output of 360 kW.

Illustration of CHAdeMO plug, charger, and socket.

CHAdeMO

With a maximum power output of 400 kW, CHAdeMo plugs are the preferred standard for DC fast charging in Japan. However, it is less common in other regions such as Europe and North America, where other types of DC fast-charging plugs such as CCS (Combined Charging System) are much more prevalent. It uses a two-way communication protocol between the charging station and the EV to ensure safe and efficient charging.

Illustration of North America Charging Standard / Tesla plug, charger, and socket.

North American Charging Standard (NACS) / Tesla

This plug was previously known as the Tesla charging connector. The plug was proprietary to Tesla and was used on all North American Tesla vehicles. In 2022, the company opened up the standard to other car manufacturers. It has a maximum power output of 250 kW.

Chargie powers up drivers and property owners

Fast, reliable charging for drivers

We provide EV drivers fast, reliable charging through our network of Level 2 and Level 3 charging stations. Our 98%+ network availability ensures drivers come back to a fully charged car and our 24/7/365 support allows us to help at every turn along the way.

Easy turnkey installation for property owners

Add value, not work, with our turnkey solution for commercial and multifamily properties. Our in-house teams provide properties with end-to-end project management, installation, and ongoing operations and support. We’ll even do all the rebate paperwork and applications for you. Reach out to our team of EV infrastructure experts for a free installation evaluation.

 

AC vs DC Charging – What’s The Difference?

Posted on by Shelly Chung

AC charging is the most common type of charging for electric vehicles and uses the same type of electrical current that is used in homes and businesses. Level 2 AC chargers require a 240-volt electrical source, much like an oven range or clothes dryer. Level 3 DC chargers require a 480-volt electrical source, which is also used to power industrial motors and heating applications. For comparison, a standard wall outlet delivers 120 volts.

Level 2 AC charging stations are most commonly found in locations of longer dwell times, like multifamily communities and office buildings. Level 3 DC charging stations are often found along busy transportation corridors and used by drivers who are on the go and looking to get back on the road as quickly as possible.

The time required to fully charge an electric vehicle on a Level 2 AC charger can range from a few hours to overnight. In contrast, some Level 3 DC charging stations are capable of adding over 200 miles of range in just 30 minutes. This is because AC charging requires the vehicle’s on board charger to convert the AC current from the power grid to the DC current that is used to charge the vehicle’s battery. DC charging, on the other hand, uses a charging station that directly supplies the battery with DC current, bypassing the need for a conversion from AC.

While the faster charge time provided by a Level 3 DC charger is certainly a benefit in some cases, there are several key things to consider about this kind of station. Level 3 DC charging stations can cost upwards of 200 times more than a Level 2 AC charger. They are also much larger, take up more space to install, and require more available power to safely operate.

Ultimately, the choice between AC and DC charging will depend on the needs and preferences of drivers. If you need to charge your EV quickly or plan to take long road trips, DC charging may be a better option. However, if you mainly charge your EV at home or work and have more time to wait for a full charge, AC charging is likely more than sufficient.

Partnering with Chargie

Successfully navigating these differences will help property owners and managers determine which EV charging station works best for their building. In some cases, the right solution may be a combination of Level 2 AC and Level 3 DC chargers. Partnering with an expert provider like Chargie streamlines the process from beginning to end – we help properties design the most effective charger layout, take advantage of all rebates and incentives, handle all installation work, and manage and monitor the system 24/7. Reach out to learn more.

Turnkey EV Charging Station Installation

Posted on by Shelly Chung

What does it mean and how does it work?

Many companies in the EV charging industry state they offer “turnkey EV charger installation”, but what does that actually mean? Here is a breakdown of what turnkey is and what property owners should expect when signing up for a turnkey EV charging solution.

What does turnkey mean?

When applied to a B2B product or service, turnkey means the product or service is designed, supplied, built, and installed for the client, complete and ready to operate. In short, the deliverable is all set up and ready to use upon handover to the client.

What is a turnkey solution for EV charging stations?

A truly turnkey solution for EV charging stations should provide the design, planning, permitting, construction, installation, and activation needed to install and operate EV charging stations at a property. This process oversees and manages many moving parts including collaborating with utility companies, local to state governments, and any 3rd party contractors.

Chargie’s turnkey solution for EV charging stations

Our turnkey solution provides full end-to-end project management, design, installation, ongoing maintenance, and 24/7 network monitoring and support – our in-house team does it all. We even take care of the applications for EV charger grants and rebates to maximize installation savings.

Built by property owners for property owners, our team of EV charging experts have years of experience saving multifamily and commercial properties time and money through our turnkey solution.

Partner with a truly turnkey provider:

Survey & Evaluate Icon
1. Survey & Evaluate
We send our team to provide a free site survey and evaluation.

Plan & Design Icon
2. Plan & Design
Our team of engineers designs and customizes a plan that works best for your property.

Permit & Approve Icon
3. Permit & Approve
We work directly with the city and utility companies to get plans approved quickly.

Install & Validate Icon
4. Install & Validate
Installation can take as little as two weeks; users are ready to charge in no time.

Manage & Operate Icon
5. Manage & Operate
We manage and monitor your network with real time network insights and reporting.

Support & Maintenance Icon
6. Support and Maintenance
Our team is here to help with 24/7 support and maintenance.

 

Speak with an expert

Chargie has installed over 15,000 EV chargers and saved clients more than $80M on installation costs. Chat with an EV charging expert for a free property evaluation.

EV Charging Station Load Management Technology

Posted on by Shelly Chung

What is EV charger load sharing and why all property owners should know about it.

All properties, whether they’re a house, office building, apartment, or large commercial complex, have a maximum limit of electricity or electrical load they can access from their utility’s infrastructure. Property owners must balance all the major electrical systems within their property to make sure they do not exceed that limit, risking blowing fuses and losing power. These electrical systems include things like elevators, security systems, major appliances, as well as the daily electrical needs of residents and tenants plugging into outlets. All these electrical demands add up and with EV ownership rising quicker than ever, property owners are turning to companies like Chargie for load sharing capabilities to ensure their electrical load is optimized.

What is EV Charger Load Sharing?

EV charger load sharing or load management technology regulates the power outputs of EV charging stations, ensuring the electrical load limitations are never exceeded. As chargers start to get used, Chargie’s load management software automatically calculates and distributes power across the active charging stations to avoid exceeding load maximums. The example below shows how this typically works at properties.

Example:

Each Level 2 charger shown below can provide up to 40A of charging power. With load sharing, up to 4 chargers can be connected to a single 40A circuit breaker without exceeding the 40A power limit. As drivers come and go the load sharing technology automatically redistributes power to the active charging stations.

Illustration diagram of load sharing vehicles 4:1
If four chargers were installed on one circuit, you would receive 100% of the power if charging by yourself.
Illustration diagram of load sharing vehicles 4:4
You would receive 25% of the power if every charger was being used.

 

What are the benefits of load sharing EV charging stations?

The primary benefit of installing EV charging stations with load sharing or load management technology is being able to install charging stations without exceeding the property’s maximum load allocation. However, property owners are discovering even more benefits to load sharing.

Dynamic Power Rerouting

With load management technology, the network actively tracks how many chargers are being used and regulates station power accordingly. Because of this feature, property owners are able to install more chargers on the same circuit.

Reduces Parking Wars

Load sharing allows properties to install up to four chargers on a circuit that would have previously only supported one charger. This means more charging stations across the property and fewer drivers fighting over spots to charge.

Beneficial for Older Properties

In most cases older properties have outdated electrical systems that would need costly upgrades to install EV charging stations at full power. With load sharing, the chargers can be regulated to set limits ensuring the existing system can handle the electrical demand.

Cheaper and Easier to Expand

It’s cheaper and easier to add additional chargers to an existing installation with load sharing capable chargers vs. chargers that do not have the ability to load share. Load sharing chargers can be regulated to compensate for the additional chargers being added to the system and require less, if any, infrastructure upgrades to the property. Many property owners make the mistake of installing dumb (unnetworked and non-load share capable) chargers because they are a more cost-effective option upfront, but realize too late they’re much more expensive to upgrade, regulate, and expand down the road.

The Chargie network is built for property owners

Chargie’s EV charging network was created with property owners in mind. Our founders come from decades of experience owning and managing multifamily and commercial properties, and truly understand the needs of the industry. With over 15,000 stations installed across 1,000+ properties, Chargie’s turnkey installation makes it easy for property owners to get charging stations installed. Reach out to a speak with an EV charging expert and receive a free property assessment.

How To Estimate Your EV’s Charging Time

Posted on by Shelly Chung

When contemplating the switch to an EV from a gas powered car, charging time is one of the first considerations everyone looks into. The process of fueling up an EV can feel like an unknown when a driver has spent years filling up an ICE (internal combustion engine) vehicle. While pumping gas takes a few minutes, how long does it take to charge an EV?

 

 

How Long Does It Take To Charge An Electric Vehicle?

An EV’s charging time depends on two major factors: how much charge (kWh) is needed, and how much power (kW) the EV charging station provides. Divide the charge needed by the power provided to get the estimated hours of charge time required. There are other variables that play into this calculation but these two factors are the most significant variables when estimating your electric vehicle’s charging time.

Calculation for EV Charging Time:

To calculate your charging time, divide the amount of charge needed by the power provided by the charger. Use the formula and example below to help estimate your charge time.

Formula:
Charge needed (kWh) / Charger power (kW) = Hours of charging time

Example:
A Tesla Model 3 with an 80 kWh battery size parks at a 7.68kW Level 2 charging station with 20% battery left. They would like to charge their EV to 80%.

Find charge needed:
80% – 20% = 60% needed
80kWh x 0.6 = 48kWh needed

Calculate charging time:
48 (kWh needed) / 7.68 (kW charging speed) = ~6.25 hours of charging time

How Much Charge Does My EV Need?

To estimate how much charge your EV needs, subtract the EV’s max battery capacity (kWh) from the amount of charge it has left. Most, if not all, EVs will display the remaining battery percentage or number of kWh left within the battery. Just as most people do not wait until their gas cars are completely empty, EV drivers will always have some charge left in the batteries when they stop to refuel.

According to an EV Consumer Behavior report, about 70%-80% of EV drivers charge at home or at work every day/night or every other day/night. The average American drives around 250 miles per week or roughly 36 miles per day. This equates to around 10-13 kWh of charge per day or 20-26 kWh every other day. The average EV battery size is around 40-50 kWh, providing around 150 miles of range or 2-4 miles per kWh. Knowing your EV’s battery size and efficiency will help shape your charging routine when estimating your EV’s range. Tips on how to improve your EV’s range.

How Fast Is The EV Charger?

Charging speed is determined by the amount of kilowatts (kW) a charging station can provide per hour (kWh). There are 3 types of EV charging stations, all with varying levels of charging speeds: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 (DC fast charger). As the names suggest, the higher the level, the faster the charging speed. Most chargers will display their charging speed either on the charger itself or within a connected charging app.

Level 1: 12A/120V

  • Kilowatts per hour: 1.44 kWh
  • Range per hour: ~4mi

Level 2: 32A/240V

  • Kilowatts per hour: 7.68 kWh
  • Range per hour: ~24mi

Level 3 DC Fast Charger: 100A/480V+

  • Kilowatts per hour: 50kWh+
  • Range per hour: 150mi+

The majority of EV charging happens on Level 2 and Level 3 charging stations as Level 1 chargers are generally too slow for most drivers. While Level 3 is faster, Level 2 chargers tend to be more practical for installation and supporting most drivers’ daily needs. Check out the difference and which charger or configuration of chargers is best for your property.

Other Factors To Consider When Charging an EV

Other factors such as load sharing, temperature / weather conditions, EV battery protection settings, and EV charge acceptance rate can play a role in an EV’s charging time. While these factors are unique to the car model and charging location, they are important for EV drivers to know and take into consideration when starting a charge or planning their route for the day.

EV Charger Load Sharing:

EV charger load sharing is when two or more EV charging stations are connected to the same circuit and power / load is distributed between all the stations connected. In most cases, the power is only split if multiple EVs are charging at the same time on the same circuit. So if four chargers were installed on one circuit, you would receive 100% of the power if charging by yourself, and 25% of the power if every charger was being used. While this can potentially increase a driver’s charge time, load sharing is a great strategy for properties looking to manage their electrical load and/or add a larger number of chargers to their property.

Weather and Temperature Effects On Charging:

Weather and temperature conditions can play a role in the efficiency of your charge. Charging stations and EVs will often charge slower in extreme temperatures to preserve the health of the batteries. Many EV drivers will also stay inside their cars while charging at public charging locations. Running the climate control while charging can increase charging times, especially on very hot or cold days. Allocate some extra charging time or find charging stations in more protected environments when charging in these conditions. Extreme temperatures can have an even larger effect on an EV’s range.

EV Battery Protection Settings:

Many EV manufacturers will have default or recommended battery restrictions, driving modes, and other settings to protect the short term and long term life of the battery. For instance, some manufacturers recommend charging their batteries to 80% max and avoid going under 5%. While following these kinds of guidelines may decrease the range of one charge, they are meant to preserve the lifespan of the batteries with an added benefit of saving some charging time by not having to go all the way to 100%. Of course most of these are just recommended settings and can be changed at the owner’s discretion.

EV Charge Acceptance Rate:

The EV charge acceptance rate is the maximum kW an EV is able to consume or accept from a charging station. Many EV manufacturers will throttle or cap the rate of power their EVs can consume . The acceptance rate for an EV can decrease as it gets closer to 100% charged. For example an EV could be charging at a 100 kWh Level 3 fast charger and receive 100 kWh from 10-80% but slow down to 65kWh from 80-100%. This information will be noted in the manufacturer’s specifications of the vehicle.

Chargie powers up drivers and property owners

Fast, reliable charging for drivers

We provide EV drivers fast, reliable charging through our network of Level 2 and Level 3 charging stations. Our 98%+ network availability ensures drivers come back to a fully charged car and our 24/7/365 support allows us to help at every turn along the way.

Easy turnkey installation for property owners

Add value, not work, with our turnkey solution for commercial and multifamily properties. Our in-house teams provide properties with end-to-end project management, installation, and ongoing operations and support. We’ll even do all the rebate paperwork and applications for you. Reach out to our team of EV infrastructure experts for a free installation evaluation.

What is the Difference Between a Smart EV Charger and Dumb EV Charger?

Posted on by Shelly Chung

The difference between a smart EV charger and dumb EV charger is its level of functionality and control. While dumb chargers are only capable of providing electrical charge to an EV, nothing more, a smart charger has the ability to provide additional functionality such as energy load management, restricted access, remote start / stop, status / session monitoring and much more.

For property owners installing several chargers, understanding the difference is crucial.

What is a dumb EV charger?

A dumb EV charger is an electric vehicle charging station that provides an electrical charge to an electric vehicle when plugged into the vehicle and connected to a power source. Like most electronic device chargers, its only function is charging an EV while plugged in – no monitoring, no controls, just charge.

It is also important to note that dumb chargers are not networked. This means the charger hardware is not connected to or in communication with a larger network. Because of this lack of communication, the charger is not capable of being monitored or tracked. While dumb chargers do not contain the hardware or software required to be connected to a network, smart chargers can be installed as non-networked chargers if desired.

What is a smart EV charger?

A smart charger is an electric vehicle charging station that has the ability to monitor, control, and report on its charging functionality to an operator via a centralized or cloud based network. Smart chargers contain hardware and software that can control its functions such as the ability to load manage available power, restrict charger access, report charger availability, relay charging session information, alert to hardware abnormalities, support and troubleshoot issues remotely, and much more.

Smart chargers are often referred to as networked chargers because they are usually installed and connected to a larger integrated network via Wi-Fi, SIM, or hardwired to an internet source. The network connection is what provides EV drivers and property owners the ability to control and monitor the charger’s functions from anywhere. While dumb chargers can never be smart / networked chargers, smart chargers can be installed as a dumb / non-networked charger if desired. This can provide the owner the ability to connect it to a network in the future and turn on networked charger functionalities.

Is a smart EV charger better than a dumb EV charger?

In most cases, yes, smart chargers come with more capabilities and controls which benefit EV drivers, homeowners, and commercial / multifamily property owners. The primary benefit of getting a dumb charger over a smart charger is they are typically cheaper to buy and install. While fewer capabilities translates to a lower price tag, for most, the benefits from the added software and functionality in a smart charger greatly outweigh the difference in price.

Also note that some EV charger rebate and incentive programs require properties to install smart, networked chargers in order to receive project funding.

How to choose the right smart EV charger

Finding the right smart charger for your property boils down to how much control and functionality is desired. While a single family homeowner might just be interested in seeing analytics on their charging sessions or be alerted when their car is finished charging, owners of commercial and multifamily properties often need much more. Commercial and multifamily property owners might want to charge EV drivers for their electrical usage, restrict access for private parking spaces, set up a charging valet service, load balance their power consumption, and more. Choosing the right smart charger means choosing the right network provider for your needs.

Join Chargie’s network of smart EV chargers

We are an industry leading EV charging network providing property owners with the installation, management, and support of their EV charging stations. Our turnkey solution makes it easy for property owners to get chargers installed quickly – from engineering and design to installation and support, our in-house team does it all. Reach out to our EV charging experts to learn the best configuration for your property.

 

Different Ways to Start a Charge with Chargie

Posted on by Shelly Chung

There’s more than one way to start your EV charging session with Chargie. We created multiple ways to start a charge to provide drivers with easy and intuitive options that fit their lives best. Here are all the ways EV drivers can start their charging session with Chargie.

How to start your EV charging session:

1. Plug-in your EV

2. Start charging by:

a. Scanning the QR code:

Scan the QR code located on the charger through the Chargie app or device camera. The session will start automatically.

b. Typing in the Station ID Number:

Press “Scan QR Code” in the Chargie app and type in the Station ID # located on the charger. The session will start automatically. This is a great way to start your session remotely.

c. Tapping your RFID tag:

Look for the RFID symbol on the charger and tap your Chargie RFID tag on it. The charging session will automatically start. *NOTE* A Chargie RFID tag must be registered to your account prior to initiating a charging session.

d. Using the Payment Terminal: (Level 3 – Fast Chargers Only)

Follow the detailed instructions on the station display screen. Payment terminal accepts both credit card and mobile pay to start charging.

e. Contacting Support:

If you’re ever feeling frustrated or need some assistance, call or message our 24/7 support team. All they need is a Station ID number and they’ll be able to start your session.

For more information, check out our step-by-step guide to using an EV charging station.

EV charging in a low connectivity environment:

Some stations may be located in environments with low or no connectivity. While our stations were designed and installed to always have connection, that doesn’t mean your phone always will. After plugging in your EV, use the following methods to start your charge when you have low or no signal:

1. Plug-in your EV

2. Start charging by:

a. Scanning and Moving:

Scan the QR code located on the charger then move to an area with connectivity without closing the app. After scanning the QR code, it will display and stay on the “Preparing” screen until your session has started. To start your session, keep the app open on the preparing screen and move to an area with connectivity. Once your device is reconnected to the internet, your session will begin and display on the app.

b. Remembering the Station ID #:

Take a picture or remember the Station ID number located on the charger. Once your device has a connection, go into the Chargie app, press “Scan QR Code,” and type in the Station ID # to start the charging session.

c. Tapping your RFID tag:

Look for the RFID symbol and tap your Chargie RFID tag on it. The charging session will automatically start. *NOTE* A Chargie RFID tag must be registered to your account prior to initiating a charging session.

d. Using the Payment Terminal: (Level 3 – Fast Chargers Only)

Follow the detailed instructions on the station display screen. Payment terminal accepts both credit card and mobile pay to start charging.

e. Contacting Support:

If you’re ever feeling frustrated or need some assistance, call or message our 24/7 support team. All they need is a Station ID number and they’ll be able to start your session.

Chargie EV Charging Stations

Chargie is building the most reliable, consistent EV charging network by a mile. The places you park most of the time become places you can charge any time. Our 98%+ network uptime means you’ll return to a fully charged car and our 24/7/365 customer care gets you the support you need at every turn.

How to Use an EV Charging Station: A Step-by-Step Guide

Posted on by Shelly Chung

As a new EV owner, you’ll be making the shift from stopping at a gas pump to powering up at an EV charging station. This new practice is designed to be easy and seamless, and you’ll find charging stations conveniently located in places you already park. Below is a step-by-step guide to using a Chargie charging station.

How Do I Locate EV Charging Stations?

The network of EV charging stations is rapidly expanding across the country in places consumers live, work and play. For example, Level 3 fast chargers can often be found along major transportation corridors, getting drivers back on the road as quickly as possible. Even more conveniently, Level 2 chargers are increasingly being installed at multifamily communities and commercial properties to give drivers a place to power up their EVs while at home or the office.

Need chargers where you live or work? A great place to start is by putting in a request to your property manager’s office – they can work with turnkey providers like Chargie to leverage local rebate and incentive programs to install EV chargers at little to no cost.

How Do I Charge My EV?

The experience of charging an EV is typically straightforward and seamless but may vary slightly by car or charging station. Below, you’ll find some simple instructions on how to charge your EV at Level 2 and Level 3 Chargie charging stations.

Level 2 Chargers (J1772 Plug)

  1. Plug in your car.
  2. Use the Chargie mobile app to scan the QR code or enter the 5-digit station ID to start your charge. If you’re at a station with an RFID reader, you can tap your RFID tag instead.
  3. End your charging session by simply unplugging your car or ending your session remotely through the Chargie app.

Level 3 Chargers (CSS and CHAdeMO Plugs)

  1. Choose your plug type and plug in your car.
  2. Provide a payment method by following the instructions on the payment terminal to start your charge.
  3. End your charging session by simply unplugging your car, scanning your original payment method, and pressing stop.

Pro tip: Tesla drivers can use Chargie charging stations through the use of a J1772, CSS, or CHAdeMO adapter.

How Do I Pay for EV Charging?

Paying for EV charging sessions on a Chargie charger can be done either through the Chargie App or through a payment terminal located on the charger.

Pay through the App

Payment for charging sessions through the Chargie App will be taken from the driver’s preloaded account balance.

Payment Terminal

If using a Chargie charger with a payment terminal, a valid payment method must be presented to the payment terminal to initiate the charging session. Upon completion of the charging session, the payment method previously provided will be charged for the energy consumed.

How Do I Get Help Charging My EV?

If you have any questions or concerns when using a Chargie charger, our 24/7 customer care is here to help. You can contact Chargie Support through the Chargie app, via the Support Website, or through email at support@chargie.com.

Chargie EV Charging Stations

Chargie is building the most consistent EV charging network by a mile. The places you park most of the time become places you can charge at any time. Our 99% network uptime means you’ll return to a fully charged car and our 24/7/365 customer care gets you the support you need at every turn.

 

Level 2 vs. Level 3 EV Charging Stations: What’s the Difference?

Posted on by Shelly Chung

As the electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem has evolved to meet the various needs of drivers and their lifestyles, different kinds of EV charging stations have emerged, including Level 2 and Level 3 options. As multifamily and commercial properties explore which option aligns best with their buildings, residents and tenants, there are several key factors to consider.

 

 

Power requirements

Level 2 chargers require a 240-volt electrical source, much like an oven range or clothes dryer. Level 3 chargers require a 480-volt electrical source, which is also used to power industrial motors and heating applications. For comparison, a standard wall outlet delivers 120 volts. When selecting chargers, it’s crucial to consider the power available to the property so owners and managers can deliver solutions that are not only reliable and effective, but safe.

Level 2 Charging Station

Physical specifications

When it comes to size, a Level 2 charger is much smaller than a Level 3 charger, which can clock in at upwards of 500 pounds. Each charger is also equipped with varying plug types – a Level 2 utilizes a J1772 plug while a Level 3 uses CCS and CHAdeMo plugs.

Level 3 Charging Station

Installation cost

It’s no surprise that there is a significant cost difference between EV chargers, with a Level 3 charger potentially costing upwards of 200 times more than a Level 2 charger. A property’s overall installation cost will vary by project and depend on factors like charger specs, labor, physical placement, mounting requirements and any potential electrical upgrades that may be required. Local rebate and incentive programs often cover both charger types, though details will vary by provider.

Charging time

Drivers using a Level 2 EV charging station can typically expect to return to a fully charged car after a couple hours. A Level 3 charging station, also called Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC), can deliver a full charge in approximately 30 minutes. These timeframes are estimates and will vary based on the car and battery type. Learn more about EV charger charging speed.

Use case

Level 2 charging stations are most commonly found in locations of longer dwell times, like multifamily communities and office buildings. These locations enable drivers to conveniently charge their EVs while doing something else for a couple hours, like relaxing at home or working during the day. Level 3 charging stations are often found along busy transportation corridors and used by drivers who are on the go and looking to get back on the road as quickly as possible. Level 3 chargers can also be a great solution for fleet and other enterprise needs.

Partnering with Chargie

Successfully navigating these considerations will help property owners and managers determine which EV charging station works best for their building. In some cases, the right solution may be a combination of Level 2 and Level 3 chargers. Partnering with an expert provider like Chargie streamlines the process from beginning to end – we help properties design the most effective charger layout, take advantage of all rebates and incentives, handle all installation work, and manage and monitor the system 24/7. Reach out to learn more.

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