EVC

Level 1 charging stations plug into your standard 110V-120V wall outlets. They do not require an electrician, or any installation in general. Just plug them in. Unfortunately, they are very slow, taking 10 or more hours to recharge the average electric car battery.

Level 2 charging stations are the most commonly installed chargers. Plugging into a 240V wall outlet, they often require adjustments to your electrical system. Creating dedicated circuits, putting in new outlets, and even routing power to new locations are very common when installing Level 2 EVCs. Due to the amplified level of voltage, Level 2 stations are capable of charging vehicles much faster than Level 1 chargers, adding on average 25 more miles of range per hour of charging.

Level 3 charging stations are the most powerful stations on the market. Running at 440V they exceed the power capabilities of home installation. Due to the large demands for power, Level 3 chargers are rarely installed in homes and generally only found in commercial settings. While offering an impressive rate of charging, repeated use of Level 3 chargers can impact the longevity of your vehicles battery. Due to the nature of Level 3 chargers Mike’s Electric does not currently install them.

J1772 is the most common Level 2 charging connector. You will find this port on most electric vehicles. While capable of charging at Level 2 speeds, the J1772 is typically run at Level 2 in most residential and commercial settings.

CHAdeMO is an early form of DC quick charging. CHAdeMO connectors tend to appear alongside J1772 connectors in order to maximize charging options. However, these chargers have been decreasing in popularity and are unlikely to retain a significant market share in the future.

CCS Type 1 / CCS Type 2 connectors enable both AC and DC charging using the same port. Incorporating a J1772 outlet allows both Level 2 and Level 3 charging via the same connector. Both European and American carmakers have embraced the CCS format.

TPC or Tesla Proprietary Connector is the standard port for all Tesla models. It accepts both AC and DC Tesla equipment. A J1772 adapter with TPC plug can be used at public AC charging stations and for non-Tesla home/destination charging equipment.

Cord Length can be very helpful or just complicate things. Having a cord that is just short of the needed length to charge can make life frustrating. When pondering available station options be sure to consider the length of cord needed to reach your vehicles port.

Phone Applications accompany many charging stations. These apps allow you to monitor and control the charging process while also helping you keep an eye on your electricity consumption.

Charger Communication can be a very valuable addition if you intend to install more than one station at your home or business. Some stations have the ability to communicate with each other helping to safely regulate your energy use.

Locking Ability varies from station to station. While few have physical locking mechanisms, many have phone applications that allow users to lock the station to avoid any unwanted use.

Dedicated Circuits are often a must when installing electric vehicle charging stations. The most common Level 2 stations require 240V outlets which can add a hefty demand to your power grid. Creating dedicated circuits for your chargers gives them access to the power they need while keeping your home or business electricity working safe and efficiently.

Power Routing is often needed when installing charging stations. Homeowners regularly lack the sufficient power needed for the station in the location they desire to have it installed. While routing power is not always necessary it can add extra labor and material expenses to the process and is something to consider when planning your electric vehicle station installation. In many cases this process can be avoided by assuring that the station you select has an adequate length of cord.

Most Electric Vehicle Charging Stations can be installed indoors or outdoors. It is however important to consider the length of chord on the charger and the distance to your power source. Charging stations often require dedicated circuits and power routing (see Electrical System Adjustments). If you intend to install your station in a communal location or an area with public traffic it is wise to look into stations with an adequate locking mechanism to avoid unwanted use.