Electric Vehicle Charging Options
Whether you’re interested in a used plug-in hybrid vehicle or you’re eager to go all-electric with a used EV – one of the paramount concerns of any potential used EV buyer is how, where, and when they will charge their new vehicle. Fortunately, the growing popularity of electric vehicles means that you now have more charging options than ever before! Our team at Germain Honda of Beavercreek wants to help used EV shoppers explore their charging options and learn about all the convenient and innovative charging solutions currently available. Let’s get started!
Charging Levels Explained
Level 1 Charging
The first type of charging option is also the most common. Level 1 EVSE is the simplest way to charge since it only requires a 120-volt standard AC outlet found in most households. In most cases, you can expect to gain about 2 to 5 hours of driving range per hour of charge time. Besides the outlet, Level 1 charging doesn’t need any specialized equipment aside from a dedicated branch circuit. While no two EV drivers’ needs are exactly the same, Leve 1 charging is typically considered ideal for PHEV owners who can leave their vehicles plugged in overnight. Almost every EV includes a portable Level 1 EVSE cable that can be plugged into a standard three-prong outlet for your convenience.
Level 2 Charging
Next up is Level 2 EVSE charging, an ideal option for EV owners searching for a faster way to charge. Since these types of chargers can be installed in your garage or driveway, they offer outstanding convenience combined with quicker charge times. Using a 240V AC plug (similar to those used by large appliances like a washing machine or refrigerator), Level 2 charging is capable of adding anywhere between 10 and 60 miles of range to an EV per hour of charge time.
It’s important to note that Level 2 chargers do require a dedicated electrical circuit rated anywhere between 20 to 100 amps (depending on your vehicle’s specifications) in addition to other specialized equipment. Level 2 home charging stations must comply with local, state, and national codes and regulations. This means that it’s essential to trust only a licensed electrical contractor when installing one of these systems.
Level 3 Charging
We’ve arrived at the fastest and most powerful type of charging system. Also commonly known as DC Fast Charging, Level 3 EVSE is the ultimate way to add power to your EV. While exact times and rates vary by the type of used EV that you own, Level 3 chargers can add anywhere between 50 and 150 miles of range in as little as 30 minutes. You’ll typically find Level 3 chargers located in high-traffic public places such as rest stops, shopping centers, and office complexes. They’re excellent options to use in tandem with a slower type of charger if you have access to them. Plug in while you’re at work, out running errands, or enjoying a meal with friends and family. It’s important to note that access to these types of chargers can vary by the manufacturer of both your vehicle and the charging station itself. Some may require a membership, subscription, or another special type of payment method in order to access.
Stay Flexible and Stay Charged
Now that we’ve covered all three different levels of EV charging, you might still be wondering which one is best for you. Although there’s certainly no “one size fits all” solution, one of the best suggestions is to use a blend of as many different types of chargers available to you. ABC is a term frequently used by used EV owners. In this case, ABC stands for “always be charging”. This means that when plugged in at home, take advantage of a Level 1 or Level 2 charger if possible. While on the go, visit a Level 3 charger while at work or shopping.
Having the flexibility to adapt to what’s available makes owning a used EV easier than ever before. Remember, the nationwide network of public charging stations continues to expand as used EVs get more and more popular. There’s never been a better time to join the electric driving revolution with a used EV! Shop our extensive selection of used EV models right here at Germain Honda of Beavercreek.