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Comparing the different levels of EV chargers

Comparing the Different Levels of EV Chargers

January 5, 2023 By In News No Comments

If you’re a business owner interested in providing EV charging for your customers or employees, you may be wondering which type of charger to get. There are three main levels of EV chargers, and each has its own benefits. In this blog post, we’ll compare Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 EV Chargers to help you decide which is right for your business.

Why should you consider installing EV chargers at your business?

EV chargers are becoming a smart investment for business owners looking to make an impact on the planet while simultaneously boosting their revenue. Installing EV chargers around the premises is an excellent way to show that a business cares about the environment by providing customers with a green alternative to driving. EV chargers not only help reduce emissions, but also signal to potential customers that this is an environmentally conscious place of business, which can drive more patronage and revenue. EV technology is becoming increasingly popular with many drivers now making the switch, and EV charger installations offer one way businesses can keep up with modern trends while being socially responsible at the same time.

Consider the number of employees and/or customers that will be using the charger

EV chargers are becoming increasingly popular, making it necessary for businesses to consider the number of employees and customers who will be using them. A good EV charger should reflect the needs of the users, so, depending on the size and type of business, different EV chargers may need to be purchased. Moreover, EV chargers come in many forms such as wall-mounted or pedestal mounted, so a company can pick out one that suits their particular requirements. For example, public EV charging stations should have wide spacing between pedestals to support multiple users at once. When selecting EV chargers for any business, the number of people likely to use them is an important factor.

Determine the budget for the charger

Determining a budget for EV chargers can be tricky because of the numerous factors that need to be considered. Factors such as installation costs, type of EV charger, length and height of wiring, and types of outlets all contribute to the overall cost and should be taken into account. Once these details have been identified, a budget can be established with more precision to ensure that the EV charger project is properly funded. Some EV charger suppliers’ packages also include additional services such as site surveying and aftersales support which add to the budget but are important considerations if required. Thankfully, federal and state incentives are available to make the investment much more attractive for business owners.

Comparing the Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 EV Chargers

EV chargers come in three levels, each offering unique advantages and disadvantages for EV drivers. Although EV chargers can be seen to vary in terms of charge time, EV drivers should ultimately make sure they decide on the right type best suited to their requirements and budget.

Level 1 Chargers

EV chargers, also known as electric vehicle chargers, provide a much-needed convenience for EV owners. Level 1 EV chargers are the most basic level of EV chargers and are suitable for plugging into standard 120V outlets. This can provide enough charge to power an EV for up to 15 miles of driving per hour it is plugged in. Although not as efficient as higher levels of EV charging, Level 1 EV chargers have the advantage of being easy-to-install and cost-effective. This makes Level 1 chargers more popular for residential installs. With its increased availability, this type of EV charger can help more drivers take advantage of the benefits that come with driving an electric vehicle.

  • Price Range: $200 – $700
  • Output: 1kW
  • Charge Time: 40 – 50 Hours
  • Range Per Hour Charging: 2-5 Miles
  • Ideal for homes and other residential properties

Level 2 Chargers

Level 2 EV chargers offer a convenient way to charge electric vehicles and are becoming more common in commercial and residential buildings. They are faster than their Level 1 counterparts and can fully charge an EV from empty in 4-8 hours depending on the vehicle or battery size. With this type of charge time, these chargers are perfect for commercial properties looking to provide chargers for their employees. Many EV owners rely on public EV charging programs for an occasional top-up, but many also choose to install a 2nd EV charger at home for improved convenience when charging at home overnight. Level 2 EV chargers provide a reliable source of power that’s both economical and always available. This makes it easier for EV drivers to keep their vehicles charged anytime they need it. Although more expensive than Level 1 chargers, the available renewable energy incentives available can make installing these extremely affordable (especially when paired with a commercial solar system).

  • Price Range: $2,750+
  • Output: Range From 5kWh – 19kWh
  • Charge Time: 5-8 Hours
  • Range Per Hour Charging: 18-28 Miles
  • Ideal for Hotels, Apartments Buildings, Office Buildings, Schools 

Level 3 Chargers – DC Fast Chargers 

EV chargers at Level 3 provide the most efficient form of EV charging available to drivers today. These DC fast-charging EV chargers are capable of refilling a vehicle’s battery in a fraction of the time of a traditional EV charger and feature highly sophisticated charging technology. This allows drivers to recharge vehicles more quickly, making EV maintenance much easier than with slower EV chargers. Level 3 EV chargers can charge up to 20x faster than Level 1 EV chargers and 5x faster than Level 2 EV chargers, making them an attractive option for any EV driver looking to travel long distances in their electric car without fear of running out of juice along their journey. Of course, with the boost in charging speed, Level 3 chargers have the highest expense.

  • Price Range: $45,000 – $200,000
  • Output: Range From 50kWh – 400kWh
  • Charge Time: 45 minutes – 1 Hour
  • Range Per Hour Charging: 180 – 240 Miles
  • Ideal for Gas Stations, Rest Stops, Malls, Supermarkets, Restaurants 

Select the best option for your business

As a business considering EV chargers, it is important to select the best option available to most efficiently serve your customers. With so many different chargers on the market, it can be difficult to choose which is right for your needs. Identifying practical factors such as cost, safety and convenience is essential in making an informed choice. Staying up-to-date on the latest trends and advancements in EV charging technology will also help you make a selection that you are confident in and that sets your business apart as one that cares about its customers’ experience.

With level 1, 2, and 3 chargers on the market, there is an option for every budget and need. Consider what kind of business you have, how many employees will be using the charger, available tax incentives, and your budget when making your final selection.

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