Residential EV Charger Explained

Level Up Your EV Charging: A Guide to All Your Residential EV Charger Options

The idea of purchasing an electric vehicle (EV) is very appealing, but only if the owner can navigate the charging issue.

• A complete and diverse infrastructure is available for internal combustion engines: there are gas stations, convenience stores, and truck stops available at many locations.
• However, this type of charging infrastructure is not available for EVs. Who is responsible for this infrastructure? Should it be the electric utility provider? Should it be commercial entrepreneurs? Should a government entity install the infrastructure?

A fear associated with EV use is running short of charge while on a trip. To avoid this, an EV owner needs to develop a clear charging plan, including emergency charging options. First, EV owners need to clearly understand all of the charging options. Second, they need to identify charging stations in convenient places to meet any charging needs.

Level One Residential EV Charger

Every EV comes with a Level One charging cord, which amounts to an extension cord for the car. There are some important pros and cons about Level One charging.

• This charger uses a normal 110-volt circuit, found in every home and commercial space. There is no lack of places to charge an EV with Level One charging. A Level One charger is an option for emergencies and for when the EV will not be used for a while.
• Level One charging is the slowest form of charging. It can take 24 hours for an EV to go from empty to complete charge.

Level Two Residential EV Charger

A Level Two charging station is typically installed in a garage or secure location. The charging station is connected to a dedicated 220-volt circuit, ensuring that a quick charge can happen without interruption.

• Charging is much faster—Level Two charging usually takes 6 to 8 hours from empty to complete charge. That allows EV owners to charge overnight with no problem.
• Charging is convenient and done in a secure location.
• A Level Two charging station and the installation are an additional cost. Make sure to allow time to schedule the installation.

Level Three Residential EV Charger

A Level Three charging station is a commercial, high-speed charging station, usually located in public spaces, frequented by shoppers.

• Level Three charging is very fast—from empty to complete charge can take as little as 30 minutes.
• Level Three chargers can be used to travel across the country. A relatively quick stop for a charge and the trip can continue.
• Level Three charging is the most expensive form of charging. Charging costs depend upon the level of charge needed and can cost $30 or more.
• The number of available Level Three charging stations is growing, but the total number of stations is still very low. There are only 20,430 such stations across the US; most are located in a very limited number of locations.

EV owners must retain every charging option to ensure charging is available upon demand.

• The Level One charging cord should be always stored on the vehicle in case of emergency.
• A Level Two charger should be considered and installed if possible.
• Know the location of every Level Three charging station in the vicinity. Locate quick-charge stations on the route of long trips.

Let AirPro Houston Help You Overcome Your Residential EV Charger Anxiety

There are three levels of EV charging, from the slow, ubiquitous Level One using standard outlets to the fast, but less common and more expensive, Level Three commercial stations. It emphasizes the importance of understanding each level and developing a charging plan to mitigate range anxiety. For residential charging, a Level Two Residential EV Charger is recommended for faster, overnight charging, while Level One serves as a backup and Level Three is best for long trips.

With our four decades of experience in helping homeowners with their electrical repairs and Residential EV Charger installation, AirPro Houston provides you with the knowledge of electrical repairs in your home and addresses any Residential EV Charger issues that homeowners may encounter. Call our team of electricians at 281-880-8805.