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As electric vehicles (EVs) become more popular in recent years, it is important to understand the concept of different charging levels so that you can get a more efficient charging experience. There are four different ways to charge your electric vehicles (EVs): level 1, 2 and 3, and the well-known SuperCharger.

1. Level 1

• Uses a connection to a standard 120-volt outlet
• Charges about 8 km per hour
• Takes 60+ hours to fully charge a battery EV (6 to 12 hours for a plug-in hybrid)
• All EVs come with a kit, also referred to as a mobile charger, used mostly at home
• Maximum charging power is 15 Amps x 80% x 120 Volts = 1.4 kW
• The slowest way to charge
• Depending on the current battery charge and temperature, a 10-hour overnight charge could add over 75 km of range

2. Level 2

• Uses a connection to a 240-volt outlet, also used by ovens and dryers
• Could charge up to 50km per hour
• Takes 6 to 14 hours to fully charge a battery EV (4 to 8 hours for a plug-in hybrid)
• Used in homes, businesses, and common areas
• Maximum charging power varies from about 7 kW to 11 kW or more
• These chargers use either a J1772 plug or a Tesla plug
• Depending on current battery charge and temperature, a 5-hour charge at 7 kW could add over 190 km of range

3. Fast charger (Level 3)

• Uses a direct current connection to a car battery
• Charges 100 km per 30 minutes or 80% charge at 50 kW (varies by vehicle type)
• Takes an hour to 2 hours to fully charge a battery EV (15 minutes to 3 hours for a plug-in hybrid)
• Used mostly in businesses and common areas
• There are two types of plugs for DCFC charging: CCS and CHAdeMO

4. Supercharge

• Superchargers are just Tesla’s proprietary version of DCFC chargers
• Maximum charging power is up to 72, 150, 250 kW
• Actual charging power/speed depends on the battery state of charge, temperature and maximum power supported by the EV
• Similar speed to level 3 charger

Need to install an EV charger? Amor Energy will be your expert. 

Call us at 604-267-1677 or info@amorenergy.ca