EV Charging Levels

Purchasing an electric vehicle means that you will never again have to pay at the pump to fill up your car.  This will not only save you up to $1000 per year by not paying for gas, but also reduce your carbon footprint with an eco-friendlier option.  However, you will still have to charge your car battery regularly to keep our electric vehicle running.

Electric vehicle owners have three options when it comes to charging their vehicles: charge their vehicle at home using the charger that came with their car, have a more powerful EV charging station installed in their home, or use public charging stations.  Each of these EV chargers mentioned is a different type of charging station and it is important for those who use electric vehicles to understand the difference.

The following are the three main types of EV chargers.  If you are interested in having an EV charging station installed in your home or business, Nu-Trend is certified to install level 2 and level 3 EV chargers.

Level 1 EV Charger

Level 1 chargers are the charging cords that are included with the purchase of an electric vehicle.  These chargers can plug into a regular 120-volt outlet, and they are slow charging, taking between 40 and 50 hours to bring an empty battery to a full charge.  People who do not drive much on a daily basis can typically get enough from a level 1 charger and they can also be used to add a little extra mileage when needed.

Level 1 charging stats:

·       Power delivery: 1-1.4 kW

·       Range added per hour: 3-5 miles

·       Time for full charge: 30-40 hours

Level 2 EV Charger

Level 2 chargers are fast charging and can be installed in homes and businesses.  These EV charging stations require a 240-volt outlet, the same type of outlet needed for large appliances like washing machines.  People who own electric vehicles commonly have level 2 chargers installed in their garages so they can charge their vehicles overnight.  You can get a full charge from a level 2 charger between 4 and 10 hours.

While installing Level 2 charging capability at home entails an extra cost, several states and local governments offer incentives to help defray some of the expenses. Here find the Illinois incentives for electric vehicles.

Level 2 charging stats:

·       Power delivery: 3.9-19.2 kW

·       Range added per hour: 12-80 miles

·       Time for full charge: 4-10 hours

Level 3 EV Charger or DC Charging

Level 3 chargers, also known as DC chargers, are rapid chargers that can provide a full charge to an empty EV battery in under an hour. They use high-voltage direct current (DC) to charge EVs rapidly, providing up to 80% charge in as little as 30 minutes. Level 3 chargers are typically found along highways, at rest stops, and in metropolitan areas to enable long-distance travel. They may be installed in commercial settings but are not commonly installed in residential settings due to their high-power requirements and cost. While level 3 chargers are ideal when a rapid charge is needed, electric vehicle owners should use level 3 chargers sparingly to avoid damaging the battery.

Level 3 charging stats:

·       Power delivery: 24-300 kW

·       Range added per hour: 75-1200 miles

·       Time for full charge: 30-40 minutes

EV Charging Installation from Nu-Trend

Nu-Trend is a certified installer of level 2 and level 3 EV charging stations for homes and businesses in Schaumburg, IL and the surrounding north and northwest Chicago suburbs.  Whether installing a level 2 charger in a home or a level 3 charger in a commercial setting, our electricians will first inspect the electrical system to ensure it can handle the power demands of the charging station.  We will then get the appropriate permits and install the charging station while adhering to local and state codes.  We can also provide ongoing maintenance and repairs to keep your charging station in working order.

For more about our EV charging station installation services, give us a call at (847) 882-1888.