License #1101428
How do Car Chargers Work?
Electric car chargers usually draw current from a 240v outlet, but it can also be hardwired. This power is managed by breakers in the home's electrical panel which delivers that electricity to the vehicle like other appliances. So, it's important the car is powered through a breaker capable of the load.
Level 1 chargers draw less electric, but charge slowly. This is why Level 2 chargers are more common.
Level 1 and Level 2 Car Chargers
Level 1
A Level 1 charger is the cable that comes with the car. It plugs into a 120 Volt, (20 Amp) wall outlet.
These plugs deliver about 1.4 kW of charge (about 4 miles of driving range/hour). Doing the math, it takes 11-20 hours to charge a vehicle. Not practical for daily commuters..
Level 2
A Level 2 charger needs a 240 Volt outlet. It can also be hardwired.
These plugs deliver 6 to 11 kW of charge, allowing some EVs to be charged in under 8 hours.
An electrician is highly recommended to install and inspect these charging stations.
Level 3
Yes, there is a Level 3 charger. But, we just added it here for fun.
DC Fast Chargers can potentially recharge a car in an hour - but your home would need to be a power plant to pull this one off.
Plug Adaptors
The plugs that come with chargers are sometimes designed with specific models in mind. But, that shouldn't necessarily deter you from a brand.
Adaptors are available. Feel free to request our input during your free estimate consultation.
Will my electric panel support a car charger?
We all want the fastest charge possible. But, the faster speed takes more power. This is why I encourage inspecting the electric panel before buying an EV or a charger.
In a condo or an older home, you may have a small panel, such as 60 amps. It's difficult to charge an EV (and power appliances like air conditioners) with a panel under 100 amps.
Consider this:
Do you have enough power?
Do you have unused breakers?
Is the outlet shared with appliances?
Car Charger guy can solve
your home EV charging needs.
