Most electric vehicles (EVs) will charge at one of three charging “levels.”
Level 1 – Basic, “slow,” “trickle” charging – residential – 120 volts AC (alternating current) – Typically will take 3-7 Hours for PHEVs and 9-20 Hours for BEVs. Vehicles plug directly into a typical 120‐volt outlet. Electrician will evaluate the circuit to determine if upgrades or modifications to the property’s main electric panel or circuits are required, and it should be a dedicated circuit (no other appliances should use the same circuit.)
Level 2 – Fast, or “quick” charging – residential and commercial – 240 volts AC – Typically will take 1-3 Hours for PHEVs and 4-8 Hours for BEVs. Requires a charging station. Electrician will determine if upgrades or modifications to the property’s main electric panel or circuits are required.
Level 3 DC – Very fast charging – commercial – 480 volts DC (Converts 3-phase AC to DC) or higher – Typically will take 5-20 minutes (80% charge) for PHEVs and 10-30 minutes (80% charge) for BEVs. Requires more complex installation and electrical infrastructure upgrades.