Are All Electric Car Chargers the Same?

Mercedes-Benz EV Charging
 

Electric vehicles are all the craze nowadays because of their high-quality features and performance, on top of the environmental benefits. And we can see why! If you’re looking to make the change and go eco-friendly with your new vehicle purchase, then buying an electric car may be the way to go!

 

 

So what do you need to know about EV chargers? And are all electric car chargers the same? Fortunately, for all our current EV owners, electric car chargers are universal! All EVs require the same standard plug for Level 1 and Level 2 charging, which are the two most common forms of charging. The only form of charging that is exclusive to a specific brand, Tesla, is the Tesla Supercharger. 

Want to learn more? Take a look below and then browse our Merriam EV inventory for a model that suits your Lawrence, KS needs.

What Are the Different Types of Electric Car Chargers? 

There are three different types of electric car chargers: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. They may all be the same in composition but you can distinguish them by their charging times. To better understand their differences, take a look below at the types of electric car chargers, their charging speeds, and where they’re typically found:

Level 1 Charging 

Level 1 chargers have a charging speed of 3 to 5 miles per hour. This form of EV charging uses a 120-volt household outlet, and all EVs can be charged on Level 1 simply by plugging the charging equipment into a standard wall outlet. It is fairly slow so it does take longer so it isn’t recommended for drivers who are constantly on the road.

Level 2 Charging

Level 2 charging can add anywhere from 12 to 80 miles to your EV per hour. With this type of charger, you can expect decently fast charging speeds which means you’ll be able to get farther around town with your vehicle spending less time plugged in. This type of charging can be installed at your home, at workplaces, or in public places like plazas. And it can be installed at your home as well!

Level 3 Charging 

Level 3 charging is the fastest of them all, with a charging speed of 3 to 20 miles per minute. Level 3 chargers utilize a direct current, whereas Level 1 and Level 2 chargers use an alternating current. Plus, Level 3 charging requires a much higher voltage, so you typically won’t see these in homes because most residences simply don’t have the power to accommodate them. 

Learn More About EVs with Mercedes-Benz of Kansas City

We know that investing in a new EV if you haven’t owned one before means learning a lot of new things, but our team at Mercedes-Benz of Kansas City is here to help you navigate your EV journey in St. Louis, MO and Wichita, KS. Don’t hesitate to contact us today if you have any questions or concerns. Or consult our car-buying tips for more help!

 

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