Level 1
- All EVs have a cordset that plugs into a Level 1 outlet and connects to the vehicles charging port
- 120 volt circuit, 15 or 20 amp, should be dedicated
- Power delivered to EV = 1.4 kW (15 amp) to 1.9 kW (20 amp)
- 10 kWh charge takes 7 hours @ 1.4kW per hour
- 10 kWh charge takes 5 hours @ 1.9kW per hour
- Can be located on existing 120 volt 15/20 amp circuits (for example on a Streetlight pole or on Carport lighting circuit)
Level 2
- Cordset is located on the L2 charger (typ 25 ft) and connects to the vehicles charging port
- 240 volt circuit, 30, 40, 50, or 80 amp
- most common is 30/32 amp charger (6.6 or 7.2 kW max) on 40 amp dedicated circuit breaker
- EVs have a built-in maximum charge rate = Acceptance Rate
- most common is 3.3/3.6 kW and 6.6/7.2 kW
- 10 kWh charge takes 3 hours @ 3.3 kW per hour
- 10 kWh charge takes 1.5 hours @ 6.6 kW per hour
- requires a new dedicated 240 volt circuit (equivalent to an electric Dryer or Range circuit)
Level 3
- 208/480VAC 3-phase (input current proportional to output power;~20-400A AC)
- DC direct current FAST CHARGE
- Special chargers only useful for long-range models that have DC chargers built-in such as TESLA
- current & future technology available along highways for 100 to 200 mile range charging in 20 to 30 minutes
- Not in consideration for residential charging
The most basic EVSE unit will be UL (Underwriters Laboratories) approved to safely supply electricity to the vehicle and provide lights to show when it has started and stopped charging. More sophisticated (“smarter”) units are available with a variety of additional features, although these increase the cost of the EVSE unit.