What Is Level 2 Charging and How Does It Work?

If you are new to electric automobiles, particularly charging, there is a lot of information that you need to understand. But don't worry; it's not going to be as hard as it seems at first. Even though there are a lot of electrical terms that you may not be acquainted with, such as AMPs and Volts, you will quickly become an expert on electric cars if you continue to work with us.

You should purchase a Level 2 EV charger for any pure electric car. This is a standalone machine that may be hooked into your electrical system or plugged into a 208-240 Volt domestic outlet (like a dryer plug). Some devices provide more charging power and, as a result, faster charging times when hardwired.

A Level 1 Charger is what?

It's critical to first comprehend what a Level 1 charger is to better grasp it. A Level 1 charger is included with each electric vehicle (EV) or a plug-in hybrid that is sold. This is intended for residential usage and may be plugged into any standard 120 V household socket. For many EVs, a Level 1 charger can provide 1.4 kW of power, which translates to a charge time of 50 to 90 hours. For most people, that's scarcely a viable alternative.

For most plug-in hybrid owners, it is hardly a choice.

• Most public charging stations use Type 2 chargers.
• Due to their higher power output, the Level 2 EV charger, which also utilizes AC power, enables faster charging. These chargers have a power output of around 240 volts and can charge an EV battery up to seven times more quickly than a type 1 charger.
• Because they need a connector plug with extra wires to deliver the additional power, type 2 chargers need a different kind of plug than a type 1 charger. This plug, known as an SAE J1772 connection, is now the norm for all EVs made in North America. J1772 connectors are often included with the EVs available today. If not, you may often purchase one directly from the manufacturer online.
• Installing Type 2 chargers at home allows for quicker charging without the need for a public station. Although pricey, it significantly lessens the inconvenience of EV charging at home. You may anticipate the same charge time as a public type 2 charging station, however, the speed of an at-home type 2 charging station will depend on the charger you get installed and your local power system, among other considerations.

What Is Level 1 and Level 2 EV Charging's Main Differences?

The speed difference between a Level 1 and Level 2 EV charger is the most noticeable. The Level 2 charger provides 6.2 to 7.6 kW, which is much more power than the Level 1 charger's 1.4 kW and is quicker and more dependable.

You typically receive 4 miles of driving range per hour of charging when using a Level 1 charger. You normally receive 32 miles per hour of charge when using a Level 2 charger. In contrast to Level 1 chargers, which typically take 11 to 20 hours to completely charge, Level 2 chargers typically require 4 to 10 hours.

Options for Level 3 EV Charging

Compared to their Level 1 and Level 3 predecessors, Level 2 chargers are adaptable. They are thus widely used for home charging as well as workplace and commercial charging.

Home Level 2 Charging

There are several businesses, like ClipperCreek, Blink, Wallbox, and others, that provide choices for installing Level 2 chargers in homes. For usage at home, level 2 chargers are excellent since they charge more quickly and are easily connected to a 240v outlet. People choose this option because it offers quicker charging yet is more affordable and accessible than a Level 3 charger.

Charging at Level 2 in an Office

Employees may leave their EVs charging while at work because of the widespread presence of level 2 chargers in public spaces and businesses. Furthermore, some Level 2 stations include several connections so that many automobiles may charge without having to disconnect or move throughout the working day

Charging at Level 2 at a Business

The most typical kind of public charging station is a Level 2 charging station. Blink, ChargePoint, EVgo, and Tesla chargers and superchargers are just a few of the brands of charging stations that are now accessible. Depending on the city, Level 2 chargers often outperform Level 3 chargers by a factor of five to ten.

Factors to Consider Before Buying

It all comes down to knowing what you need and balancing the benefits and drawbacks of various charger types. Here are a few examples:

Advantages of Level 1 Chargers

• The most affordable choice for house installation
• There are portable units available.
• Advantages of Level 2 Chargers
• Charges more quickly than a 120-volt charger
• Level 2 charging is compatible with a lot of automobiles.
• Variations in EV Chargers

Let's discuss the distinctions between each sort of charger, in brief:

Level 1: Charging at Level 1 is the slowest. Level 1 chargers produce 1.3 kW to 2.4 kW and plug into a standard 120-volt AC outlet. It could take an EV battery up to 24 hours to charge completely.

Level 2: Level 2 EV charger provides 3 kW to 19 kW of AC power and operate between 208 and 240 volts. Typical EV charging takes four to ten hours. Results will vary by charger and EV since some Level 2 charges supply more power than EVs can use.

Level 3: Chargers at this level have a maximum output of 350 kW. Level 3 charging, as opposed to Level 1 and Level 2, employs direct current (DC). An EV battery may be charged to 80% capacity in 20 to 40 minutes and 100% capacity in 60 to 90 minutes.

A Level 2 Charger's Speed

However, you may boost your electric vehicle's charging rate from (typically) 6.2 to 7.6 kW by using a Level 2 charger. For certain models, this may reduce the charge time to as short as 7 hours. A Level 1 charger will add around 4 miles of range per hour of charging time compared to approximately 32 miles per hour with a Level 2 charger, to put it another way.

Advantages of Level 2 Chargers

• There is a ton of factors to consider when selecting a Level 2 charger, and not all of them have to do with charging time. It's vital to note that this is the first significant thing.
• In addition, many have distinctive charging features that help you keep an eye on your power use and alert you when your car has finished charging. The ability to solely charge your car during off-peak hours, when power is cheapest, is among several linked systems' most significant features.
• Additionally, charging at home is substantially less expensive than paying for EV charging at a station. By charging your car at home, you may save somewhere between 30% and 60%.
• Finally, we'll mention that adding a Level 2 charger increases a home's market value as EVs quickly gain popularity.

The Price of a Level 2 Charger?

The price of a Level 2 Charger may range from around $500 to more than $1,000. You could expect to pay between $700 and $800 for a high-quality machine with the newest features.

Needs for Electrical Service and Level 2 Chargers

To acquire a Level 2 charger, you must first determine a few more factors. You must first determine the electrical service panel in your home's present capacity. Most homes have a service of 100 or 200 amps. The next step is to determine if a 240-volt circuit is already established and not being used by other equipment. Is there space for an extra 240-volt circuit breaker if there isn't one already?

Conclusion

It is dependent on the kind of vehicle you drive and the specifications you demand from a charging station. You need to consider where you want to charge the vehicle, how much driving you do, and how long it takes to charge. Be aware that it will take some time to carry out whatever choice you decide to go with. If you want to give the vehicle the time it needs to start up, it is best to plug it in before you go out to eat at a restaurant or before you leave to work for the day, for example, so that you may give it that time. If the battery pack on your plug-in hybrid car is relatively small, then a charging method of type 1 may be adequate. In all-electric automobiles, types 2 and 3 are the ones you will use the bulk of the time if not all the time. PIWIN ENERGY's Level 2 EV Charger is easy to install, use, and can provide you the same performance as an AC EV charging station.