Level 1 Vs Level 2 Charging Stations

Suppose you’ve recently gotten your hands on a brand new electric car. In that case, we’re sure that besides taking the time to get used to the incredible electric driving experience. You’re currently trying to get your head around how to correctly charge up your car, as well as the various ways that you can go about doing it.

Electric vehicles (otherwise known as EVs) are still a relatively new invention. The mere fact that they run solely on electricity rather than gas can be confusing for those who do not have experience with running and owning one. If this currently sounds like a similar situation to what you’re going through – then rest assured that you’ve clicked on the right article!

Below, we’re going to be talking you through the two most common types of home charging that are available for you to choose from. Namely Level 1 Charging and Level 2 Charging.

This guide will talk you through the difference between the two to gain a better understanding of both. As well as some additional information to ensure you charge your car correctly. Let’s begin!

Charging Station Basic Concepts

Before we jump any further into this article, it’s a good idea to talk you through the various terms that are often used when discussing charging stations.

Though these terms are typically used interchangeably, it’s important to familiarize yourself with them to avoid any confusion:

• Charger
• Charging port station
• EV charging station
• Charging outlet
• Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment
• Charging port

Regardless of whether you have an electric vehicle or a plug-in vehicle, It’s worth noting that the majority of your charging will be spent doing it at home via your very own designated charging station.

For this reason, it’s essential to make sure that you’re well aware of the differences between the different kinds of charging stations – which brings us to our next section.

Level 1 Charging Station Overview

Suppose you’re already the owner of an electric vehicle. In that case, you’ll likely already be aware of what a level 1 charging station is.

Nevertheless, if you’re unsure or would simply like a refresh. A level 1 charging station is considered to be the most affordable charging option available for all types of electric vehicles. It will more than likely consist of the charger that would have come with your car upon purchase.

In addition to this, they are usually extremely convenient. They can be inserted into any standard wall outlet while also generally coming either tethered or untethered.

To give you an idea of how long you can expect your car to take to charge when using a level 1 charging station. You can estimate the average charging time is usually around 8 hours, which works out to about 5 miles for every hour of charging. However, the overall charging time will no doubt vary from vehicle to vehicle.

Due to this reason, level one charging stations are most ideal for those on the lookout for a home charging station that will be able to charge up their car overnight effectively. However, they might not be the best option for those who require a more rapid charge.

Level 2 Charging Station Overview

The next type of home charging station available for you to choose from is level 2 charging stations, which are considered an upgrade to level 1 charging stations.

These stations are specifically designed to offer you a full charge within the average timescale of around 4-8 hours, although do keep in mind that this timeframe can vary from car to car.

Nevertheless, level 2 charging stations are significantly more versatile than level 1 stations, making them more suited to those who require a charging station that is going to charge their cars overnight. While also being suitable for rapid charging when in need of top-ups throughout the day.

As a side note, it should be noted that if you want to install a level 2 charging station in your home, then you will need to hire the help of a professional electrician who will be able to install it for you. 

Which One is Best?

So, there we have it! After reading through this guide, we hope you are now well aware of the main differences between level 1 and 2 charging stations.

After comparing the two stations, we don’t necessarily think that one is better than the other. However, it can be said that both types of stations may be more beneficial to serve different needs and lifestyles.

If you are only interested in charging your electric vehicle overnight and don’t wish to spend too much money on a charging station. In that case, we recommend sticking with a level 1 charging station, as they are the most cost-effective out of all the charging stations since they offer the slowest charging time.

On the flip side, if you are currently in the market for a faster charging station, we recommend opting for a level 2 charging station. However, you will need to hire a professional to install it for you correctly. It will then mean that you’re able to charge up your vehicle in a much quicker time while also allowing you to top-up throughout the day if needed.