Levels of EV charging
The adoption of Electric Vehicles (EV) is surpassing experts' predictions at an impressive speed. Various factors are contributing to this growth like governmental incentives, more vehicle options, increased funding for EV adoption, and a cultural shift towards environmentally friendly vehicles. Understanding the diverse levels of EV charging becomes crucial as EV adoption increases. These levels can have a significant impact on the kind of Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) you choose.
Exploring the Different Tiers of EV Charging
EV charging is categorized into three levels – Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. Each level has its distinctive traits, and generally, the charging speed increases with the level.
Inside look at Level 1 EV Charging
Level 1 EV charging is the slowest form of EV charger available, offering between 1 kW and 1.8 kW of charge through a conventional 120-volt AC outlet. Level 1 EV charging is accessible in North America and employs a standard 3-prong domestic plug on one end and a J1772 (Type 1) EV connector on the other for vehicle charging. European residents don't have access to Level 1 chargers as the standard residential voltage there is 230-volt.
Performance of a Level 1 EV Charger
Being the slowest among the EV chargers, Level 1 chargers can take anywhere between 22-40 hours to fully juice up a standard Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) running on low. One hour of charging with these chargers can add between 3-7 miles (4-11 kilometers) of range. All Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) and Plug-in Hybrids (PHEV) support Level 1 EV chargers. Buyers often receive these chargers free with their vehicle purchase.
Level 1 EV chargers are typically used at home as a trickle charger or as a backup option when Level 2 or Level 3 charging facilities are absent. With its slow charging speed, Level 1 EV charger may not be the most practical choice outside of home charging.
Understanding Level 2 EV Charging
Level 2 EV charging offers faster charging than Level 1 and employs a 208-volt to 240-volt AC outlet in North America and a 230-volt (single-phase) or 400-volt (three-phase) outlet in Europe. The charging power of Level 2 chargers can reach up to 19.2 kW (80A) in North America and 22 kW in Europe. Level 2 chargers can include a variety of additional utilities such as RFID cards, load balancing, and OCCP (Open Charge Point Protocol) networking.
The EV connector type for North America and Japan is J1772 (Type 1); for Europe, it's a Mennekes (Type 2) connector. You can find Level 2 charging stations with charging cables permanently attached to them or with only a socket for plugging in your charging cable. Presently, Level 2 EV charging is the most widely installed EV charger level worldwide. However, the installation of Level 3 chargers is picking up.
Speed of a Level 2 EV Charger
Depending upon the power output and the vehicle's charge acceptance rate, a Level 2 charger can be up to 19 times faster than a Level 1 charger. One hour of charging with a Level 2 charger can provide a range of 10-75 miles (16-120 kilometers).
Public charging stations commonly use Level 2 charging. You can install Level 2 charging equipment at homes, workplaces, and public places like hotels, retail parks, and supermarkets. It's the perfect charging level for overnight charging or charging during work hours.
Before delving into Level 3 EV charging, it is crucial to understand the difference between AC and DC EV charging. Both Level 1 and Level 2 EV charging fall under the AC-type EV chargers category.
AC vs. DC EV Charging
There are two types of electrical currents involved in EV charging: AC (Alternating Current) and DC (Direct Current).
While the electricity grid supplies power in the form of AC, the energy required by electric vehicles is stored in its battery as DC. The difference between AC and DC EV charging lies in where the power conversion from AC to DC takes place.
For AC charging, the vehicle's onboard charger handles the conversion, which can be time-consuming. In contrast, DC charging handles the conversion within the charging station, bypassing the limitations of the vehicle's onboard charger and allowing for faster power delivery. This is why DC EV charging is quicker than AC EV charging.
With this knowledge, let's move on to the fastest level of EV charging - Level 3.
Overview of Level 3 EV Charging
Also known as DC fast charging, Level 3 EV charging is remarkably faster than Level 2 EV charging. Level 3 charging stations are considered the fastest and most potent EV charging options available in the market. They operate on a three-phase supply, 480-volt in North America and 400-volt in Europe, with the ability to deliver more than 360 kW of power.
Like the Level 2 charging station, Level 3 charging station also comes equipped with various features such as dynamic power distribution, multi-charging protocol cables, and networking via OCPP. Both stationary and portable Level 3 charging stations are available.
Connectors used for Level 3 EV charging include CCS (Combine Charging System), CHAdeMO, and Tesla Superchargers (NACS).
Despite its widespread usage for all forms of DC fast charging in the current industry, technically, Level 3 charging refers to charging exceeding 400 kW.
Efficiency of a Level 3 EV Charger
As discussed earlier, Level 3 chargers convert AC to DC within the charger, allowing for faster power delivery to the EV battery. A Level 3 charger can fully charge a standard electric car in under 20 minutes, depending on its charge acceptance rate.
You can usually find Level 3 EV chargers at public service stations along highways as they are vital for long-distance travels. These chargers are also becoming more important at places where people park for brief periods or where the vehicle is in constant use, such as delivery vehicles. Locations include EV charging for fleets and auto dealerships.
