If you have taken the plunge and joined the electric vehicle (EV) world, you will learn quickly how important it is to have an EV charging station installed at your home. This is where you will do the bulk of your charging, so you need to know you are doing so safely. There are some things that you need to think about when charging at home. Burley Electrical Services is here to talk about charging your EV at home and what you are going to need to do it.
What is the Difference Between Level 1 & Level 2 Charger?
When it comes to charging your EV at home, there are two ways that you can do it, level 1 or level 2 charging. Here is the difference between the two of them.
– Level 1: This is the slowest method used in charging an EV. If you are only planning on driving 30-40 miles in a day, this may be sufficient for you as it takes all night to get that many miles charge. Most EVs come with a charging cord that can use a standard wall outlet to charge the vehicle; you just have to make sure you have enough time to wait for the vehicle to charge. Level 1 charging is most ideal for hybrid vehicles rather than full EVs.
– Level 2: When you switch over to level 2 charging, it is significantly faster. You will need electrical vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) to do this though. This is a charging stations that is hooked up to a dedicated 240V-280V electrical circuit. You need similar circuits to operate your clothes dryer or oven. Level 2 charging is also found in many public places where you have to pay to charge your vehicle. If you have a fully electric vehicle, you will most likely want to have level 2 charging capabilities at home.
How Do I Charge My Car Away from Home?
While most of your charging will happen at home, there will likely be times that you need to charge your EV out in public. Sometimes you are driving your vehicle too far from home and need to charge to be able to get back, or maybe you are traveling in your EV and looking to charge on the way to your destination. Whatever, the circumstance may be, you will have many different charging options.
– Level 2 Charging: Many public areas have level 2 chargers that you are welcome to use. Several workplaces offer it for free to their employees. Also, many dealerships that sell EVs have level 2 charging that is free to their customers as well.
– DC Fast Charging: This is the fastest way to fill up your battery when you are on the road. You will more than likely to have to pay to use any DC charger. Because this form of charging used direct current, it is extremely fast.
– Supercharging: If you drive a Tesla, there is a supercharger network in place to charge your vehicle incredibly fast. This is only an option for Tesla owners though.
Electric Vehicle Charging Station Installation & More in Pompano Beach, Imperial Point, Plantation, Deerfield Beach, Boca Raton, Davie, Lighthouse Point, Parkland & Fort Lauderdale, Florida
If you have an EV, you can call on the pros at Burley Electrical Services to help you install an EV charging station at your home so you can safely charge your vehicle. Call us today!
