What's the difference between Level 2 AC charging and ...

E-mobility is becoming mainstream

Part of what’s giving so many people the confidence to make the switch to electric transportation is the widespread buildout of Level 2 AC and Level 3 DC fast charging infrastructure at shopping centers, multifamily properties, parking facilities and along highways.

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But what are the differences between the two types of charging? It has to do with how electricity from the grid makes its way to an EV’s battery. The power from our energy grid is alternating current (AC), and most power outlets use AC power. Batteries, on the other hand, use direct current (DC) power. When charging an EV, the AC power from the grid must be converted to DC power so it can be stored in the vehicle’s battery.

What about Level 1 charging?

Some drivers may still use Level 1 charging cables at their homes. These require only a 120-volt, 20-amp circuit, which means you can simply plug them into a normal household outlet and connect to an EV at the other end. Level 1 charging speed depends on the type of EV (all-electric or plug-in hybrid), the size of the battery and how much energy the battery has in it. For example, an EV with a 100-mile battery plugged into a Level 1 charging cable can take about 24 hours to fully charge when it’s nearly empty.

When to choose Level 2 AC charging

• At work or home. Level 2 charging stations are great for when you park your car in one spot for more than two hours. EVs can reach a full charge from a Level 2 charging station in just a few hours or overnight, depending on the vehicle type and battery size.
• While running errands. These charging stations can provide up to 35 or 40 miles of range per hour (RPH), which makes them convenient for use while shopping or dining. Since most people run errands within 20 miles of their home, even a brief top off can provide enough juice to get you to the next stop.

When to choose DC fast charging

• On a road trip. DC fast stations can charge an EV to 80% in as little as 20 minutes, making DC fast chargers a great choice during extended journeys when you want to refuel and get back on the road quickly.
• When you’re in a real hurry. If your battery is very low and you need to get somewhere quickly, DC fast charging can be a lifesaver.
• When driving a fleet vehicle for work. To keep vehicles charged up around the clock, DC fast stations allow fleet drivers to charge up quickly in depots or at public stations along driving routes.

Why faster is not always better

• It’s more expensive. Because DC fast stations require more power supply, they are more expensive for station owners to operate. These costs are passed on to drivers in the form of higher charging fees.
• It can impact your battery’s lifespan. A lot of power flows from a DC fast charger, and managing it puts extra strain on some EV batteries — potentially reducing the battery’s efficiency and overall lifespan.
• Not all EVs can take a fast charge. Not all EVs come with a DC fast charging port, so some drivers will not be able to use them at all. This limitation will likely disappear as automakers evolve their standards.

Get more detail on how DC fast charging works.

Learn More Charging Basics

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There are two types of electricity transmitters that can be used for charging electric vehicles. They are called Alternating Current (AC) and Direct Current (DC) power. 

The power coming from the electricity grid is always Alternating Current (AC). However, an electric car battery is able to accept only Direct Current (DC). The main difference between AC and DC charging though, is the location where the AC power gets converted. It can be converted outside or inside the car.

The DC chargers are usually bigger since the converter is inside the charging station. This means that it is faster than the AC chargers when it comes to charging the battery.

By contrast, if you use AC charging, the converting process only starts inside of the car. Electric vehicles have a built-in AC-DC converter called an "onboard charger" that converts AC power to DC power. After converting the power, the car’s battery is charged.

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