Are All Electric Car Chargers the Same?

Considering an electric vehicle as you purchase a new or used vehicle? These automobiles require charging in order to power you through your Kettering travels. But it’s still cheaper than filling up on gasoline, and gas prices aren’t going down anytime soon.

You’ll need to know about the different types of electric car chargers with our handy guide.

Are All Electric Car Chargers the Same in Centerville? 

All electric car chargers are universal with one exception for the Tesla Supercharger! All EVs require the same standard plug for Level 1 and Level 2 charging, which are the two most common forms of charging. 

You do need to know that you’ll need a professional electrician to install a Level 2 charging box in your garage or carport to help make overnight charging faster.

What Are the Different Types of Electric Car Chargers? 

Springboro drivers, and all EV drivers, have three different types of electric car charger options: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. What distinguishes each charger from the others is the speed at which they can charge vehicles. 

See the different types of electric car chargers, their charging speeds, and where they’re typically found with our guide:

Level 1 Charging 

Level 1 chargers have a charging speed of 3 to 5 miles per hour. This form of EV charging uses a 120-volt household outlet, and all EVs can be charged on Level 1 simply by plugging the charging equipment into a standard wall outlet. Because Level 1 charging is the slowest of them all, it’s good for plug-in hybrid vehicles since they have smaller batteries. 

Level 1 charging isn’t recommended for drivers who are constantly on the road or for full EVs. It’s much better suited for Oakwood drivers who don’t intend on taking out their EVs or plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV) very far from home. 

Level 2 Charging

Level 2 charging can add anywhere from 12 to 80 miles to your EV per hour. Level 2 is great if you plan on using your EV for running errands around town, commuting to work, and traveling long distances in general. This type of charging can be installed at your home, at workplaces, or in public places like plazas. You could even take a portable Level 2 charger with you in some cases to plug into an outlet wherever you drive to. If you choose to install a Level 2 charging system at your house, you expect it to charge your vehicle much more quickly than a Level 1 charger. Trust us, it’s totally worth it if you want to embrace this type of charging. 

Mercedes-Benz highly recommends a ChargePoint Home Flex wallbox for your garage. 

Level 3 Charging 

Level 3 charging is the fastest of them all, with a charging speed of 3 to 20 miles per minute. Level 3 chargers utilize a direct current, whereas Level 1 and Level 2 chargers use an alternating current. Plus, Level 3 charging requires a much higher voltage, so you typically won’t see these in homes because most residences simply don’t have the power to accommodate them. You could charge your EV to 80% in as little as 30 minutes! This is perfect for long road trips away from home.

Learn More About EVs with Mercedes-Benz of Centerville

Now you know about the different kinds of electric chargers and subsequently the answer to, “Are all electric chargers the same?”! Have more questions? Contact us or call (937) 433-2698! We’re happy to answer your questions about EV ownership. While you’re here, look over our new vehicle specials to see how much money you could save on a purchase.