Before You Buy: EV Charging Basics

Are you ready to convert to an electric vehicle (EV) but have questions about the charging process or how long you can drive before charging again? How about home versus public charging, what are the benefits of each? Or which chargers are the fastest? And how do amps make a difference? We get it, buying any car is a major investment that requires time and research to ensure you purchase the right thing.

With this simple guide to EV charging basics, you have a head start with regard to EV charging and what you should know. Read the following, and soon you’ll be ready to hit the local dealership to look at the new models.

What Are the Three Types of EV Charging?

The three types of EV charging stations are Levels 1, 2 and 3. Each level relates to the time it takes to charge an EV or plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV). Level 1, the slowest of the three, requires a charging plug that connects to a 120v outlet (sometimes it’s called a 110v outlet — more on this later). Level 2 is faster and can add up to approximately 45 miles of range an hour and requires 240v power. The fastest, Level 3, provides the quickest charge, and they are found in public charging areas since they are expensive to install and you typically pay to charge. As national infrastructure is added to accommodate EVs, these are the types of chargers that you will see along highways, rest stations and eventually will take the role of gas stations.

For most EV owners, Level 2 home charging stations are most popular since they blend convenience and affordability with faster, more reliable charging. Many EVs can be charged from empty to full in 3 to 8 hours using a Level 2 charging station. Charging while you sleep is the most common way, and utility rates may be less expensive during overnight hours saving you even more money. To see how long it takes to power up a specific EV make and model, check out the EvoCharge Charging Time tool.

Is it Better to Charge an EV at Home or at a Public Charging Station?

Home EV charging is most convenient, but drivers may need to supplement their charging needs with public solutions. This can be done at businesses and parking lots that offer EV charging as an amenity, or at public charging stations you pay to use while traveling long distances. Many new EVs are manufactured with upgraded battery technology to run 300 or more miles on a single charge, so it’s now possible for some drivers with shorter commute times to do the bulk or all of their charging at home.

Learn more about how to get the most mileage possible when traveling in your EV

If you intend to rely on home charging, one of the most important EV charging basics is knowing you should get a Level 2 charger so you can charge faster overnight or in fewer hours during the day. Or if your average daily commute is like most, you will only need to charge a couple times per week.  

Should I Buy an EV if I Don’t Have a Home Charger?

Many, but not all new EV purchases come with a Level 1 charger to get you started. If you purchase a new EV and own your home, you will most likely want to add a Level 2 charging station to your property. Level 1 will suffice for a while, but the charging time is 11-40 hours to fully charge vehicles, depending on the battery size.

If you are part of an HOA or a renter, many apartment and condo complexes are adding EV charging stations as an amenity for residents. If you’re a renter and don’t have access to a charging station, it may be worthwhile to ask your property manager about adding one. EvoCharge works with commercial properties on charging solutions and stakeholders can find resources here.

How Many Amps Are Needed to Charge an Electric Car?

Any charging amperage will ultimately add charge to your EV, but it’s a matter of how quickly and whether the amperage supports your driving needs. If you want to provide the most flexibility while maximizing your charging speeds at home, look at an adjustable amperage charging station. Adjustable amperage future-proofs your charging installation by allowing you to maximize the speed for your current situation while providing the option to easily upgrade to higher amperage if you change vehicles later on. 

For example, if your car or electrical panel can only accommodate 32A, you can set your charger amperage to 32A and install it on a 40A breaker. If you decide to upgrade your panel or vehicle in the future, you could simply change the amperage setting on your charger to match what you need and eliminate the need of buying a new station.

Do You Need 110v or 240v to Charge an Electric Car?

The basic Level 1 charger that comes with most new EV purchases works with a 110v outlet, which is essentially the same as a 120v outlet. If you want to buy a Level 2 charger, you will need a 240v power source to plug-in or hardwire too. We recommend hiring a licensed electrician to evaluate your needs and installation of a Level 2 charging station.

EV Charging Basics: Next Steps

Now that you know the EV charging basics, you’re ready to shop for the EV you want. EvoCharge offers the Home 50, a convenient, Wi-Fi enabled Level 2 smart charger with adjustable amperage up to 50A that’s easy for a licensed electrician to hardwire. With the EvoCharge app, users can manage charging schedules to ensure they power up when it’s cheapest and most convenient, and they can track usage, add users and even estimate their charging session costs.

For more information resources related to EV charging, check out our FAQ and Knowledge Center, which has the latest articles, resources, white papers and other information.