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As electric vehicles is gaining momentum, efficient charging infrastructure is
becoming increasingly important. What should ev car owner consider to
choose a suitable ev charger ? Let’s explore 3 types of charging stations .
1. Level 1 Charging Station
It is AC Level 1 and portable ev charger which is the most basic type .It uses
a standard 120-volt AC outlet, which is commonly in most households.
2. Level 2 Charging Station
It is AC Level 2 and AC ev charger .The charging speed is more fast than
Level1 ev chargers. It uses a 240-volt AC power which is for major household
appliances.It is a popular choice for both home and public charging.
3. Level 3 Charging Station
It is DC fast charger which is the quickest way to charge an EV. They use
direct current (DC) to rapidly charge the vehicle’s battery, making them ideal
for long distance travel and quick top-ups. It is mainly used for commercial .
For home , it usually uses 20kw ,30 kw , 40 kw DC EV charger.
For commercial , it is mainly above 60kw , The most popular is 120kw , next is
160kw ,180kw,240kw .
Here is comparison in an Excel format:
| Type | Level 1 Charging | Level 2 Charging | (Level 3) Charger | |||
| Voltage | About 120V AC | About 240V AC | About 400V DC | |||
| Charging Speed | Slow (3-5 miles/hr) | Medium (12-30 miles/hr) | fast (30 mins up to 80% ) | |||
| Installation | No special installation | Requires professional installation | Typically public/commercial | |||
| Advantage | Convenient for home | Faster charging, widely available | Extremely fast, convenient for travel | |||
| Type of Charging Station | Equipment Cost (USD) | Installation Cost (USD) | Total Cost Range (USD) | |||
| Level 1 | $100 – $300 | Minimal to none | $100 – $300 | |||
| Level 2 | $500 – $3000 | $800 – $2,000 | $1300 – $5,000 | |||
| Level 3 | $5,000 – $50,000 | $10,000 – $20,000 | $1,500 – $70,000 | |||
How to Choose a suitable EV Charging Station?
When selecting an EV charging station, consider the following factors:
(1)Driving Habits: If you frequently drive long distances, DC Fast Charging
stations may be more important.
(2)Home Charging: For overnight charging at home, Level 1 and Level 2
are both ok .
(3)Budget: Level 1 is the most affordable, while Level 3 is the most expensive.
Level2 offer a balance between cost and charging speed.
Conclusion
As the EV market continues to grow, the availability and variety of EV charging
stations are expanding. After this article , I think you have a decision.
