Level 1 chargers come standard with most electric vehicles and are generally sold with the vehicle. This charger can be plugged into any normal three-prong outlet. On the plus side Level 1 chargers require no additional electrical installation, and are great for emergency backup when traveling, however it charges the vehicle batteries extremely slowly.

A level 1 charger is best suited for overnight use or short range travel (30 to 40 mile per day). However if the battery is fully depleted it can take up to 24 hours or more to fully charge. Charging rates are around 3.5 – 6.5 miles of driving range per hour of charging time.

Level 1 charging can also ideal for plug-in hybrid electric cars that have smaller batteries

Level 2 charging is considerably faster than Level 1, but requires installation of a charging station, also known as electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE). Charging station installation requires a dedicated 240-volt or 208-volt electrical circuit, similar to what is required for a clothes dryer or electric r

Level 2 charging is considerably faster than Level 1, but requires the installation of a charging station, also known as electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE).

A Charging station installation requires a dedicated 240-volt or 208-volt electrical circuit, similar to what is required for a clothes dryer or electric range.

Level 2 chargers are typically found at public and workplace charging stations, and they are becoming increasing common in residential homes.

These chargers use the same standard connector as Level 1 chargers, meaning any electric car can plug in at any Level 2 charge; however, the amount of kWs the vehicle will draw from the charging station will depend on the vehicle manufacturers design. As a general rule, older EV models will tend to draw lower amounts of power than newer models.

Depending on the battery type, charger configuration and circuit capacity, the fastest Level 2 charging unit (at 19.2kW rating) can add about 60-70 miles of range per hour of charge time, with the average Level 2 (at 9.6kW rating) generating 20-30 miles of range per hour of charging time.

These are standalone devices seen mostly at highway rest stops and public charging stations in shopping centers.. It can fully recharge many EV’s batteries in about 30 minutes. Depending on battery type, charger configuration and circuit capacity, DC fast charging can add up to 10-15 miles of range per minute of charging time.

DC fast charging provides the fastest available recharge. They require a 480-volt connection, and as such DC fast charging is unsuitable for home use. Many older EV’s are not equipped to handle the higher power available. However, newer models are all designed for these faster charging platforms.

There are 3 different types of DC fast chargers

• CHAdeMO;
  Combined
• Charging System (Combo or CCS); or,
• Tesla connector system.
  Level 3 chargers range from the more common 50kW chargers up to the currently very rare 350kW chargers.