What is Level 2 Charging?
04 Apr 2023
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If you are an electric vehicle (EV) owner, you are probably aware of the various charging levels that are available to charge your EV. One of the most commonly used charging levels is Level 2 charging. In this blog post, we will dive into what Level 2 charging is and how it differs from other charging levels.
What is Level 2 Charging?
Level 2 charging, also known as AC Level 2 charging, is a method of charging an electric vehicle using a 240-volt AC electric power source. This charging level is faster than Level 1 charging, which uses a standard 120-volt household outlet. Level 2 charging can provide up to 60 miles of range per hour of charging, depending on the electric vehicle and the charging equipment.
Level 2 charging requires a charging station that can deliver the appropriate voltage and amperage to the electric vehicle's battery. These charging stations are commonly found in public areas, such as shopping centers, office buildings, and public parking lots. Additionally, many EV owners choose to install Level 2 charging stations in their homes to provide faster and more convenient charging.
How does Level 2 Charging differ from other charging levels?
As mentioned earlier, Level 2 charging is faster than Level 1 charging, which provides only 4 to 5 miles of range per hour of charging. However, it is slower than DC fast charging, also known as Level 3 charging, which can provide up to 80% charge in 30 minutes. Level 3 charging uses a much higher voltage and amperage than Level 2 charging, which makes it faster but also more expensive and less widely available.
Another difference between Level 2 charging and other charging levels is the equipment required. Level 1 charging only requires a standard 120-volt household outlet, while Level 2 charging requires a dedicated charging station that can deliver the appropriate voltage and amperage. Level 3 charging requires even more specialized equipment, including high-voltage DC chargers and battery-cooling systems.
Conclusion
Level 2 charging is a popular and convenient charging level for electric vehicle owners. It is faster than Level 1 charging and provides a significant amount of range per hour of charging. While it is not as fast as Level 3 charging, it is more widely available and less expensive. If you are considering purchasing an electric vehicle, it is important to understand the different charging levels and choose the one that best fits your needs.