Neva Charge

Charging the Electric Car

The charging of electric vehicles can be classified at three different levels. These levels refer to the power outputs used when charging a vehicle, hence the charging speed. Each of the levels has connector types designed to handle low or high power usage and AC or DC charging.

Level 1

Level 1 charging, or commonly called home charging, is generally considered the simplest and most cost-effective way to charge your electric car. Level 1 charging requires no other equipment other than a special power circuit that can only be used to charge electric vehicles. Whether in your garage or in your home electric car parking unit, you can charge it simply by plugging the cable into the designated power socket. Level 1 charging can be done with a Level 1 EVSE cable, which has a standard three-prong household plug that plugs into a wall outlet on one end and a standard J1722 connector for vehicle on the other end. Charging rates range from 1.4 kW to 3 kW when plugged into a 120V AC outlet. Depending on the battery capacity and condition, charging takes between 8 hours and 12 hours.

Level 2

Level 2 charging is often referred to as public charging. Level 2 charging equipment can be installed in your home, otherwise most Level 2 chargers are found in residential areas, public parking garages, workplaces and privately operated locations. Level 2 chargers that require assembly offer charging via the 240V AC plug. With the Type 2 connector with a charge rate of 7 kW to 22 kW, charging usually takes between 1 and 11 hours (depending on the battery capacity). For example, the charging time of the KIA e-Niro equipped with a 64 kW battery is approximately 9 hours with a 7.2 kW Type 2 charger connected to the charging station.

Level 3

Level 3 charging is the fastest way to charge electric vehicles. Although not as common as Level 2 chargers, Level 3 chargers can also be found in densely populated areas. Unlike Level 2 charging, some electric vehicles may not be eligible for Level 3 charging. Level 3 chargers that require assembly offer charging via 480V AC or DC plugs. With a charge rate of 43 kW to 100+kW, the charging time can take from 20 minutes to 1 hour using the CHAdeMO or CCS connector. Both Level 2 and Level 3 chargers have connectors attached to charging stations.