Decoding EV Charging Station Levels: Powering Your Electric Journey
As electric vehicles (EVs) become more popular as a sustainable and environmentally friendly form of transportation, so too does the popularity of the infrastructure that supports them. An important part of this infrastructure is the charging stations for electric vehicles, which are offered at different levels to meet different charging needs. Knowing these cost levels is important for EV owners to plan trips effectively and charge effectively.
Building a reliable EV charging infrastructure is a top priority in India as it accelerates the transition to sustainable mobility.
To travel with electricity in India, it is important to know the different levels of charging stations for electric vehicles. Here is an overview of the different levels of electric vehicle charging stations:
Level 1 Charging
Level 1 charging is the most basic method of electric vehicle charging, where the electric vehicle is plugged into a standard household electrical outlet using the charging cable that comes with the vehicle. These outlets are typically 120V AC outlets commonly found in homes. Level 1 charging is the slowest method, but is still useful for overnight charging when time is not of the essence. However, it is important to note that level 1 charging may not provide enough power for long journeys or large-capacity batteries.
Level 2 Charging
Level 2 charging is a faster and more powerful charging option than Level 1 charging. Special charging stations are required and are often installed in homes, workplaces, public parking lots, and commercial spaces. Class 2 stations use 240V AC power, similar to the AC power used in large appliances such as clothes dryers and space heaters. The higher the voltage, the shorter the charging time, which is suitable for overnight charging and long-term parking. Many EVs can use Stage 2 magazines, which can significantly increase the range of an EV in a very short time.
Level 3 charging
Level 3 charging, also known as DC fast charging, uses 480 V DC to charge your electric vehicle.
There are different types of electric vehicle charging stations in India such as AC-powered EVCS and DC-powered EVCS. EV plans to build two e-trucks for hybrid, biofuel, and electric vehicles on the Jaipur-Delhi-Agra route, which will provide charging stations and solution services. In addition, several online resources provide detailed maps of electric vehicle charging stations around the world, such as the Kazam EV. Understanding the different levels of EV charging stations and using these features will help you plan your EV trip in India and ensure the availability of charging stations along the way.
Difference between Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3
Ultimately, your EV's capability and your driving requirements will determine which charger is best. Unless your driving needs are really limited, it's typically advisable not to rely only on the basic L1 charging cable that comes with the car.
Having access to an L2 charger is essential for the majority of EV drivers, whether it be at home, work, school, or another convenient location. If you don't already have a stable dedicated location elsewhere, installing an L2 charger at home is sometimes the most practical option. It is wise to choose an L2 charger that can fully charge your car in 8 hours, but keep in mind that in particularly cold winters or hot summers, charging durations may be longer. Finally, if you plan to go outside of your usual commute routes, it is advised that you download the Kazam app that enables you to find and pay for L3 charging stations that are appropriate for your particular car.
