EV Charging Made Simple
Posted on Tuesday Apr 11, 2023 at 05:17PM in General
You might be confused when deciding which electric vehicle charging station to buy, with over 250,000 electric vehicles on the road today and over 100 different types of charging stations available. Consumers benefit from having choices, but they can find them confusing.
To help you, we have compiled this guide to better understand the levels of EV charging and how they may affect the type of electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) you choose.
EVSE Charging Solutions
Level 1 (120V)
Level 1 is the slowest of electric car charging levels and can take between 40-50 hours to fully charge from empty. It provides between 1 kW and 1.8 kW of power through a standard 120V AC outlet. Level 1 using standard 3- prong household plug on one end and a J1772 (type 1) EV connector on the other, which plugs into the vehicle.
Level 1 charging stations are typically used in a home setting as a trickle charger or a backup when there are no Level 2 or Level 3 charging stations available. Due to the slow charging speed this level is the least practical option.
EV Charging Level |
Connector Type |
Est. Charge Time |
Est. Range Per Hour for Charging |
Typical Location |
| Level 1 | J1772 | 40 - 50 hours | 2 - 5 miles | Home |
Level 2 (240V)
Level 2 allows for a much quicker charge than Level 1, giving you a full charge in 4-10 hours. Level 2 can be hardwired or plugged into an existing 240V outlet (i.e. dryer plug) or as a public standalone charger located in rest areas, shopping centers or commercial buildings.
Level 2 charging is the most common level of charging station. This is an ideal charging level for overnight charging or while at work.
EV Charging Level |
Connector Type |
Est. Charge Time |
Est. Range Per Hour for Charging |
Typical Location |
| Level 2 | J1772 | 4 - 10 hours | 10 - 20 miles | Home, Workplace and Public |
Level 3 (480V)
Level 3 uses direct current (DC) to provide the fastest electric charging. The Level 3 charging stations are the fastest and most powerful EV charging solutions on the market.
Level 3 EV chargers are often found at public service stations. There are several other locations where you can find these chargers as they are essential for use on longer journeys. Also, in places where people may park for short periods to get a quick charge.
EV Charging Level |
Connector Type |
Est. Charge Time |
Est. Range Per Hour for Charging |
Typical Location |
| Level 3 | CCS1 | 20 - 60 minutes | 180 - 240 miles | Public |
Rebates and Incentives
Both the state and federal governments are offering incentives for purchasing a new or used Electric Vehicle. Illinois is offering residents $4,000 in rebates and the federal government is offering up to $7,500.
There are qualifications you need to meet for these rebates.
Learn More about EVSE Rebates & Incentives
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