Electricity is the flow of electrons. This sounds rather complex, and in some ways, it really is. But many years of innovation have made it fairly simple for the average person to have and use electricity in their home. An electrician can run wires from the public electric lines to your home. They can then set up a panel box with multiple circuits to power all of your appliances, lights, and other electronics. All you have to do is plug things in and maybe flip a few switches. That's pretty awesome, and we decided to write more about it on this blog about electricians.
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If you're new to the world of electric vehicle ownership, you might find some of the terminology surrounding charging a little confusing or complex. While manufacturers have attempted to standardize charging systems, the meaning of some terms may be slightly unclear. In particular, the various charging levels used to distinguish charger power can take some time to understand.
The good news is that the basics are relatively straightforward. Higher-level charging stations provide faster charging, but does that mean you should always upgrade from Level 1 to Level 2? And why can't you install a Level 3 charger in your home? Keep reading to find out.
How Do EV Charging Systems Work?
If you've ever used different chargers for your phone, you know some chargers can provide more power and charge your phone much quicker. Electric vehicle charging stations work similarly. Level 1 chargers are the slowest option, and you'll usually receive one of these charging stations with your car. While they can take a long time to charge, the upside is that you can plug them right into any outlet.
Level 2 chargers are substantially faster. Performance can vary between models, but any Level 2 charger will prove a significant boost over a basic Level 1 charger. These chargers still work on residential line voltage, but they typically need a dedicated circuit since they require a full 240v. In other words, these devices will usually require a professional to install them.
While Level 3 chargers are the fastest, these options are largely out of reach for most homeowners. Level 2 chargers effectively maximize the power available from your residential electrical system. The additional power of Level 3 chargers (sometimes known as DC Fast Charging) is unfortunately only available with electrical service.
Does Upgrading to Level 2 Always Make Sense?
Although there's no question that Level 2 chargers provide faster charges, do you always need one? The answer can be complicated. There are three primary downsides to Level 2 chargers: higher cost, professional installation required, and permanent installation (usually) necessary.
Whether these downsides are a major issue for you depends on your situation. For example, the permanent installation may be a concern if you have extremely limited garage space. The higher cost may also not make sense if you have easy access to commercial Level 3 chargers and rarely plan to complete a full charge at home.
On the other hand, Level 2 chargers are undoubtedly the correct choice if you don't have access to free commercial charging, frequently use most of your range during the day, or have a longer commute. If you're worried about the space or electrical service requirements, scheduling a consultation with a professional electrician is the best way to determine if you can undertake this upgrade.
Contact a local EV charger installation service to learn more.
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