Types of EVSE
AC Level 1 AC Level 1 equipment provides charging through a 120 volt (V), alternating-current (AC) plug and requires a dedicated circuit. Level 1 charging generally refers to the use of a standard household outlet, which provides 2.5 electric miles an hour. Charging your vehicle with a Level 1 charger can take between 8-12 hours for a full charge depending on the battery size. Some vehicles with larger batteries can take over a day to fully charge. The most common place for Level 1 charging is at a home garage and is typically used overnight. Utilizing Level 1 charging in your home does not require EVSE installation. Level 1 charging equipment is standard on vehicles and therefore is portable. On one end of the provided cord is a standard, three-prong household plug. On the other end is a connector, which plugs into the vehicle. |
AC Level 2 Level 2 equipment offers charging through a 240V, AC plug and requires installation of home charging or public charging equipment. The units provide 10-20 electric miles an hour. Level 2 charging equipment is compatible with all electric vehicles and plug-in electric hybrid vehicles. Level 2 chargers have a cord that plugs directly into the vehicle in the same connector location used for Level 1 equipment. Depending on the battery of the vehicle, Level 2 charging generally takes 4 to 6 hours to completely charge a fully depleted battery, with some vehicles taking longer than 6 hours to fully charge. Charging time can increase in cold temperatures. Level 2 chargers are found in residential complexes, public parking areas, workplaces and business, and commercial settings. In New York City, charging can even be found at curbside locations through a NYC Department of Transportation pilot. To find a Level 2 charger near you, check out our station locator. |
DC Fast Charge (DCFC) DC (Direct Current) Fast Chargers are the largest and fastest EVSE for charging an electric vehicle. In DC fast-charging, the EV battery (which is also DC) is directly connected to an external AC to DC power supply and can charge up to 80 percent of a vehicle’s battery in twenty minutes, or between 60 and 100 miles of range. DCFC are most often found in public charging stations, especially along heavy traffic corridors or near retail and shopping areas. DC Fast Charging provides charging through 480 Volt AC input and requires specialized, high-powered charging equipment and special equipment in the vehicle itself. While Level 1 and Level 2 charging is standardized, multiple charging plugs exist for DC Fast Charging depending on the vehicle manufacturer. To find a DC Fast Charge or Level 2 charger, go to the station locator. |