The question on every new EV driver&#;s mind: &#;Do I really need a Level 2 EV charger at home?&#; We often encounter inquiries like, &#;I don&#;t drive that much; won&#;t my Level 1 EV charger be good enough?&#; The truth is, it depends. Let&#;s delve into the distinctions between the three charging levels available for every EV.
Please visit our website for more information on this topic.
As illustrated, the primary difference lies in charging speed. The decision to use a level 2 home charger depends on factors like daily driving distance, time spent idle, electricity costs, and availability of other charging options. Here are compelling reasons why some EV owners choose a level 2 vs level 1 EV charger:
1. Driving More Than 40 Miles a Day
Relying solely on a Level 1 charger can work when you drive small distances. ENERGY STAR suggests that the tipping point is around 40 miles per day when a Level 2 charger becomes more practical. Let&#;s break it down with an example:
Sarah had a daily commute of 31.5 miles each way &#; a total of 63 miles per day just to get to and from work. Her electric vehicle range is 200 miles. She can charge it for 10 hours each day at a rate of 3 miles per hour.
Are you having flashbacks to 7th grade math class? Don&#;t worry, we won&#;t make you calculate anything!
Each day, she&#;d travel 63 miles and recoup 30 in her nightly charging, so a deficit of 33 miles per day. By Friday, she would have only 1 mile of range left to reach home. That doesn&#;t sound good. Even if she kept it charging all weekend, she would still not have a full charge on Monday morning.
In this scenario, you can easily see how using only a Level 1 charger for a daily commute would be unworkable. Sarah would not want to risk getting to 1 mile of range nor would she want to restrict her weekend activities so that she could charge up. Moreover, she might have other errands to run during the week. By contrast, a Level 2 charging station would allow Sarah to wake up to a fully charged vehicle every morning, and a lot less stress!
2. Take Advantage of Lower Energy Costs
Many utility companies offer incentives such as lower energy rates to charge during off-peak hours. Your utility company can offer Time of Use rates, which can be 50% cheaper at certain times. Level 1 chargers don&#;t usually qualify for these programs as most will require a smart (networked) Level 2 charger.
Some utility companies offer rebates for Level 2 smart chargers and installation costs for electrical panel upgrades that reduce your upfront investment. Be sure to check what incentives are available from your local utility provider.
What are smart EV chargers?
You can also optimize your energy expenses by harnessing the benefits of reduced utility costs through the convenient scheduling feature provided by smart home chargers (like our FLO Home X5 charger). Effortlessly plan and manage your charging sessions to make the most of cost-effective energy rates, all of that in the comfort of your home. You can also track your real-time charging progress &#; another feature offered by our user-friendly FLO app.
For the 56%* of US housing units without a garage or not parking their car inside the garage, outdoor charging considerations are crucial. You might assume that a Level 1 charger is plug and play anywhere you go. But, Level 1 chargers require a dedicated circuit with a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) and electrical outlet cover to ensure there aren&#;t sparks, damage or injuries for outdoor use.
Most Level 2 chargers can handle outdoor conditions, which you can check by looking at the enclosure type. It&#;s best to choose a 4 or 4x enclosure for protection from wind, rain, snow, and corrosion. Most electricians recommend hardwire installations for the outdoors to keep a watertight seal.
*(34% no garage + 33% of 66% with garage don&#;t park in it)
4. Longevity: Choosing a Charger as Durable as Your EV
Many people transition to electric vehicles because they believe in the promise of a longer lasting and sustainable mode of transportation. However, this commitment to longevity should extend beyond the vehicle itself to include the charging infrastructure. Here&#;s why your choice of charger matters:
Level 1 chargers, often accompanied by a mere one-year warranty, may not endure the rigors of daily use over the long term. Their design, tailored for mobility, might struggle with the wear and tear associated with regular charging. Level 1 chargers may seem cheaper at first but replacing them often can cost more in the long run.
Investing in a good Level 2 charger is a smart choice, but not all chargers are the same. While most Level 2 chargers have a good 3-year warranty, there are also 1-year and impressive 5-year warranties out there. The extended warranty period reflects the expectation that the charging solution will have greater durability and a longer lifespan.
5. Be More Energy Efficient
EVs work differently from gas-guzzling vehicles. When you put a gallon of gasoline in a gas-guzzler, you have a gallon of gasoline in the vehicle. However, when you consume 1.44 kWh of energy, not all of it goes to your battery. Level 1 chargers are less efficient, with studies showing 80% efficiency, while Level 2 chargers have 90% efficiency. This means that you could pay for 1.44 kWh but only receive 1.152 kWh in your vehicle with Level 1 and receive 1.296 kWh with a Level 2 charging station.
EV chargers spend about 85% of the time in standby mode where they will draw at least some energy just like your laptop does in sleep mode. If you pick an Energy Star-certified device, it will consume 40% less energy when unused. This saves money on your electricity bill and helps the environment.
6. Day to Day Experience
After a few months of daily use, many EV drivers find themselves seeking an upgrade for their experience. The small problems with a Level 1 charger become more noticeable. It often has a shorter cable of about 21 feet versus up to 25 feet cables on Level 2 chargers and can require unique parking configurations to work. The box attached to it becomes a frequent victim of accidental bumps and scrapes, leading to some unwarranted wear and tear.
Electric car charging safety: what should you know?
Unlike its leading Level 2 counterpart, the Level 1 lacks cable management, resembling more of a wayward hose on the ground than a streamlined charging solution. These day-to-day inconveniences gradually nudge drivers to level up their charging game for a smoother and more hassle-free experience.
Deciding whether to upgrade to a Level 2 charger varies for each individual because of different factors. Assess your daily travel, parking, energy costs, and environmental impact to make an informed choice for convenient EV charging.
If you&#;re thinking of making the switch or purchasing a Level 2 home charger for your electric car, we have a comprehensive guide ready to help you find the best one for your needs!
Level 1 and Level 2 charging refer to different levels of electric vehicle (EV) charging speeds and capabilities. The level that is right for your business depends on various factors such as charging speed, cost, installation requirements, and the needs of your customers or employees. In this blog post, we will review the differences in these charging levels and give guidance on which level is best for your business.
Link to EraCharge
The decision between Level 1 and Level 2 charging depends on several factors such as charging speed, demand, convenience, and cost:
Level 1 charging is the slowest EV charging speed, typically delivering around 2 to 5 miles of range per hour of charging. This level of EV charging uses a J charge port and is plugged directly into a standard household outlet. It is suitable for overnight charging, but typically requires 40-50+ hours to charge a battery electric vehicle to 80%. This is far too slow to keep up with daily business operations.
Charging demand for businesses utilizing electric vehicles (EVs) can include not only the number of EVs being used but also how frequently they are being driven. Level 1 charging may be good if you have a limited daily driving range, access to charging overnight, or if you only have 1 to 2 EVs. However, if you intend to use your electric vehicles daily, Level 1 EV charging is not going to be able to keep up with your business.
Level 1 EV charging is the most easily accessible level of EV charging. Because the EVs typically come with the cord and are charged using a standard electrical outlet, you essentially can charge anywhere there is an outlet. Making Level 1 charging widely available in various locations, including homes, apartment complexes, and some workplaces. Keep in mind to charge sufficiently you are going to need to be at this location for a long time.
The Level 1 charger is the most affordable option since it utilizes the least amount of energy and comes with the vehicle. There is also no need for installing additional infrastructure or electrical upgrades. If your Level 1 charger needs to be replaced it can cost anywhere from $100 - $400 to purchase a new one.
Level 2 charging provides much faster charging speeds compared to Level 1. It can deliver around 10 to 30 miles of range per hour of charging, depending on the charging station and the electric vehicle's capabilities. This can reduce time and provide more flexibility to charge an EV.
Level 2 charging is ideal for situations where there is a higher demand for charging, such as public charging stations or locations where multiple electric vehicles need to be charged on time. Still, this charging demand is not enough for most business needs.
Level 2 charging stations are a bit more convenient than Level 1 chargers. They are the most common public charging stations and allow for faster charging, but not nearly as much compared to Level 3.
Level 2 charging is more expensive than the previous level since greater energy is required to meet demand. Level 2 charging stations typically require an electrical grid update to deliver more power as well as larger equipment.
The decision to charge Level 1 vs. Level 2 depends on circumstance and personal preference. For more flexibility, charging demands, and faster time, Level 2 is the better option. Still, both of these levels do not meet business needs compared to Level 3 (DC fast charging) can offer.
Level 1 charging operates at a voltage of around 110 volts. This is the standard voltage provided by most household electrical outlets in North America, meaning that charging at home is an easy option.
Level 2 charging operates at a higher voltage of around 210-240 volts. This voltage level requires a dedicated electrical circuit and specific charging equipment, meaning this will take more materials to install a Level 2 charger. The higher voltage of Level 2 charging allows for faster charging times compared to Level 1 charging. However, it's important to note there is the faster option of Level 3 charging available.
No, Level 1 charging is not bad for an electric vehicle's battery. Still, charging speed and duration can impact the battery's long-term health and performance over time. Some factors to consider are:
Level 1 charging operates at a lower voltage, resulting in a slower charging speed compared to Level 2 charging. Slower charging time can have some advantages for battery health as it generates less heat during the charging process, which is good for long-term battery longevity.
Heat is one of the factors that can impact the lifespan of an electric vehicle battery. Level 1 charging typically generates less heat than Level 2 charging due to the lower charging current. This makes Level 1 a good charging option for trickle charging, which is used to charge the last 10-20% of an EV battery.
Level 1 charging is much slower than Level 2 and 3 charging, which means it takes more time to fully charge the battery. While Level 1 charging is unlikely to hurt the battery, extended periods of slow charging may result in the battery remaining at high states of charge for long amounts of time. However, modern EVs contain battery management systems that help to make sure the charging process is not causing damage.
It's always a good idea to review the manufacturer's guidelines and recommendations for charging your specific EV. They can provide specific instructions on charging practices and any ideas to keep in mind for keeping the battery healthy.
Overall, Level 1 charging is safe for EV batteries. Although it may be a safe option for batteries, Level 1 is not a great fit for businesses that need fast and efficient charging. The Level 3 option can be used to charge EVs safely and quickly.
It's recommended to assess your specific charging needs, driving habits, and budget to determine if a Level 2 charger is worth it for you. Consulting with a qualified charging provider can help you evaluate the costs, installation requirements, and long-term benefits of a Level 2 charger for your specific situation. Level 2 and Level 1 charging have distinct differences that make them useful in different circumstances. Compared to Level 3 (DC fast charging), Level 2 fails to keep up with business operations because of its slower speed, making it not the best option for many.
Level 1 and Level 2 charging lack the speed and accessibility to keep up with necessary business operations. Our Level 3 (portable DC fast charging) provides speedy and time-efficient energy from any location, serving as a modular, immediately deployable, and fast charging service. The Roadie Portable is a quick and easy solution for any company, designed with businesses in mind to remove expensive installations that charging stations require. Level 3 charging with SparkCharge prioritizes efficiency and convenience, something the first two levels fail to match.
Our charging as a service (CaaS)is focused on satisfying all your business needs. CaaS promises 99.9% guaranteed charge readiness, predictable low-cost energy, and compatibility with all EVs on the market. With services curated for both fleets and EV owners/operators, SparkCharge has all your business charging needs handled.
If you want to learn more, please visit our website Type 1 Charging Station.