As more people are switching to electric vehicles (EVs), the demand for Level 2 charging stations has also increased. Level 2 chargers offer faster charging times compared to Level 1 chargers, making them more convenient for EV owners. However, not all Level 2 chargers are created equal, and choosing the right one for your electric car can be overwhelming. In this article, we will discuss how to choose the right Level 2 charger for your EV.
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When choosing a Level 2 charger, one of the most important factors to consider is the amperage. Amperage, also known as current, is the rate at which electricity flows through the charger to your EV. The higher the amperage, the faster your car will charge. Most Level 2 chargers have amperages ranging from 16A to 80A, but the most common amperage is 32A.
It is important to check the amperage of your EV&#;s onboard charger before choosing a Level 2 charger. For example, if your EV&#;s onboard charger can only handle 30A, there is no point in getting a Level 2 charger with 40A or higher amperage, as your car will not be able to take advantage of the higher amperage.
Another important factor to consider when choosing a Level 2 charger is the connector type. There are two common types of connectors for Level 2 chargers: the J connector and the Tesla connector. The J connector is a standard connector that is compatible with most non-Tesla EVs, while the Tesla connector is only compatible with Tesla vehicles.
It is important to choose a charger with the correct connector type for your EV. If you have a Tesla vehicle, you will need a Level 2 charger with a Tesla connector, while if you have a non-Tesla EV, you will need a charger with a J connector. Some Level 2 chargers come with both connector types, so you can use them for both Tesla and non-Tesla EVs.
The charging power of a Level 2 charger is measured in kilowatts (kW) and is a combination of the amperage and voltage. The higher the charging power, the faster your car will charge. However, just like with amperage, it is important to check your EV&#;s maximum charging power before choosing a Level 2 charger. For example, if your EV&#;s maximum charging power is 7kW, there is no point in getting a 10kW Level 2 charger, as your car will not be able to take advantage of the higher charging power.
There are many brands and models of Level 2 chargers on the market, and it is important to choose one from a reputable brand that is known for its quality and reliability. Some of the most popular brands of Level 2 chargers include ChargePoint, ClipperCreek, and Siemens. It is also important to choose a charger that is compatible with your EV&#;s onboard charger and that has a warranty in case anything goes wrong.
When choosing a Level 2 charger, it is important to consider the location where it will be installed. Will it be installed in your garage or outside? Will it be exposed to the elements or protected from them? Will it be installed on a wall or on a pole? These factors can affect the installation process and the cost of installation.
The cost of a Level 2 charger can vary greatly depending on the brand, model, and features. Some chargers can be very expensive, while others are more affordable. It is important to set a budget for your Level 2 charger and find a charger that fits within your budget. However, it is important not to compromise on quality or reliability for the sake of a lower price.
Finally, when choosing a Level 2 charger, it is worth considering any additional features that may be useful for your specific needs. Some chargers come with built-in WiFi, allowing you to monitor the charging process from your smartphone or computer. Others have a delay start function, allowing you to schedule charging for off-peak hours when electricity rates are lower. Some Level 2 chargers also have the ability to limit the charging power, which can be useful if you have a limited electrical supply or want to avoid overloading your electrical panel.
When making your final decision, it is important to remember that a Level 2 charger is an investment that can significantly improve the convenience of charging your EV. It can also increase the resale value of your car, as many potential buyers will be looking for a home charging solution. Therefore, it is worth spending some time and effort to choose the right Level 2 charger for your needs.
In addition to choosing the right charger, it is also important to ensure that your electrical panel and wiring are compatible with the charger. It is recommended to have a licensed electrician install the charger to ensure that it is done safely and correctly.
In conclusion, choosing the right Level 2 charger for your electric car can seem overwhelming, but it is worth taking the time to research and compare different options. By considering factors such as amperage, connector type, charging power, brand, model, location, cost, and additional features, you can find a charger that meets your needs and provides reliable, convenient charging for your EV. Investing in a Level 2 charger can significantly improve the convenience and value of owning an electric car, making it a worthwhile investment for any EV owner.
Can I use a Level 2 charger with any electric car?
It depends on the connector type of the charger and the car. Most Level 2 chargers use a standard J connector, which is compatible with most electric cars. However, some cars, such as Teslas, require an adapter to use a J connector. It is important to check the connector type of both the charger and the car to ensure compatibility.
How long does it take to charge an electric car with a Level 2 charger?
The charging time depends on the battery size of the car, the charging power of the charger, and the charging level of the battery. Generally, a Level 2 charger can charge an electric car in 4-8 hours, depending on these factors.
Can I install a Level 2 charger myself?
It is not recommended to install a Level 2 charger yourself unless you are a licensed electrician. Improper installation can be dangerous and can cause damage to your electrical system or the charger itself. It is recommended to hire a licensed electrician to install the charger to ensure safety and proper installation.
Is it more expensive to charge an electric car with a Level 2 charger than a Level 1 charger?
While a Level 2 charger can have a higher upfront cost than a Level 1 charger, it can actually be more cost-effective to charge with a Level 2 charger in the long run. This is because a Level 2 charger is more efficient and can charge an electric car faster, reducing the amount of time spent charging and potentially reducing the overall cost of electricity.
Can I use a Level 2 charger for public charging?
Some public charging stations use Level 2 chargers, and these can be used to charge your electric car. However, it is important to note that public charging stations may have different connector types or charging speeds, so it is important to check compatibility and charging speed before using a public charging station.
First, think about your parking space. Do you usually park your electric car outdoors or in your garage?
The main reason why this is important is that not all home charging stations are weather-proof. Among the weather-proof units, their levels of resistance will also vary depending on how extreme the climate is.
So, if you live in a region that exposes your EV to icy winter conditions, heavy rain, or strong heat for example, make sure to choose a home charging station that can handle these types of extreme weather conditions.
This information can be found in the specifications and details section of each home charging station displayed in our store.
On the topic of extreme weather, choosing a home charging station with a flexible cable is the best option to manipulate it in colder climates.
Speaking of cables, when choosing a home charging station; pay attention to the length of the cable that comes with it. Each level 2 charging station has a cable that varies in length from one unit to another. With your parking space in mind, think about the exact location where you plan on installing the level 2 charging station to make sure that the cable will be long enough to reach your electric car&#;s port!
For example, the home charging stations available in our online store have cables that range from 12 ft to 25 ft. Our recommendation is to choose a unit with a cable that is at least 18 feet long. If that length isn&#;t sufficient, look for home charging stations with a 25-foot cable.
Cable for two, please?
If you have more than one EV to charge (lucky you!), there are mainly two options. First, you could get a dual charging station. These can charge two vehicles simultaneously and need to be installed somewhere where the cables can plug into both electric cars at the same time. The other option would be to purchase two smart charging stations (more on that later) and install them on a single circuit and link them. Although this gives you more flexibility with the installation, this option is generally more expensive.
If you tend to head over to your cottage every week or have a career that requires you to move often, you might choose a portable charging station, rather than a unit that is hard-wired and permanently mounted.
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Here are the differences between the two:
Hard-wired and permanently-mounted:
Portable:
Finding out which home charging station offers the fastest charging speed is a popular topic among new EV drivers. Hey, we get it: Time is precious and valuable.
In short, no matter which model you choose, the selection of level 2 charging stations available on our online store and in general, can charge a full EV battery overnight.
However, EV charging time is dependent on variables such as:
even if the vehicle on-board charger can accept a high power,
if the home charging station can only output less, it will not charge the electric vehicle as fast as it can.Among these variables, the charging time of an electric car comes down to the following two: the power source and the vehicle's onboard charger capacity.
If you&#;re a numbers person, here&#;s the formula for charging time: total charging time = kWh รท kW.
Meaning, that if an electric car has a 10-kW onboard charger and a 100-kWh battery, you can expect it to take 10 hours to charge a fully depleted battery.
This also means that even if you equip your home with one of the most powerful level 2 charging stations&#;such as one that can provide 11 kW&#;most electric cars won&#;t charge any faster.
Some level 2 charging stations are &#;smart&#; and can be controlled remotely with an app on your over WiFi or Bluetooth. These smart home charging stations don&#;t charge any faster, but they do offer perks, such as access control or data monitoring. If those interest you, check which smart features are offered by a specific home charging station before buying it.
One thing to keep in mind: Most EVs have their own smartphone app which can do some or all of these smart features, so we recommend you start by checking what your electric car already offers to make sure you don&#;t pay twice for something you might already have.
Final aspects to choose the right home charging station
Ready to choose the right home charging station?
Browse level 2 charging stations available in our online storecompare them hereIf you answered each question in this guide, you have everything you need to choose the right home charging station.and find your match or
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