The different electric vehicle charging options
You can charge your electric car using one of three types of charging stations: Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3. The main difference is how long they take to provide a full charge (with Level 1 being the slowest and Level 3 being the fastest).
Level 1 Chargers
Level 1 chargers (AC) are portable and allow you to plug your car into a standard power point and will give you about 15kms of charge per hour
- Pros: No installation cost, can take anywhere, often free with the car.
- Cons: Slow charging rate (2.4kW).
Level 2 Chargers
Level 2 chargers (AC) provide around 40-60kms of charge per hour using your regular household electricity.
- Pros: Faster than a portable charger (7kW single phase / 11kW three phase), safer than a portable charger, convenience of charging while you're at home.
- Cons: Cost to purchase and install the unit.
Level 3 Chargers
Level 3 chargers (DC) can charge a car up to 80% of its capacity in less than an hour.
- Pros: Fastest way to charge (50-350kW), helpful when you're away from home.
- Cons: Inconvenience of going out of your way to find a public charger location, cost per kW is usually higher than at home.
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