Level 1 Charging Vs Level 2 Charging – Which One Should You Choose?
Electric vehicles have revolutionized the way we travel on the road, while bringing a host of benefits for the environment. With electric vehicles, charging is the main concern of drivers. Are you confused about the difference between level 1 charging and level 2 charging? Do you struggle to decide which one meets your needs for your daily commute? If so, read on to get a comparative analysis of level 1 charging vs level 2 charging.
What is Level 1 Charging?
Level 1 charging is the standard charging option for electric vehicles, which involves plugging your vehicle into a normal household electrical outlet. It uses a charging cord, which usually takes hours to charge a vehicle’s battery, depending on the vehicle model and battery size. With level 1 charging, charging time can take between 12 to 24 hours, and it can give you a range of 3 to 5 miles per hour of charge. This means if you have an electric car with an average of 60 kWh battery capacity, it will take 24 hours to charge it fully from 0% to 100%.
What is Level 2 Charging?
Level 2 charging is a faster and more efficient charging option for electric vehicles. It requires a charging station, which will be installed at your residence or in a public charging station. It uses a 240-volt charging unit, which is four times faster than level 1 charging, and it can give you a range of 10 to 60 miles per hour of charge, depending on the vehicle’s battery capacity. With level 2 charging, charging time can take between 3 to 8 hours to fully charge your vehicle, depending on the battery’s size.
Comparative Analysis of Level 1 Charging vs Level 2 Charging
Cost
One of the main factors to consider when deciding whether to choose level 1 charging or level 2 charging is the cost implication. Level 1 charging requires just a standard electrical outlet, which means you can use the charging cord that comes with your vehicle. This option is cheaper and does not require any installation cost.
On the other hand, level 2 charging requires a charging station to be installed either at home or in a public charging station. This installation process can be costly, as it requires the services of a licensed electrician to install the station. Additionally, the charging cost per kilowatt-hour is relatively high for level 2 charging than level 1 charging.
Charging Time
Charging time is another factor that drivers consider when deciding between level 1 charging and level 2 charging. Level 1 charging takes longer to charge your vehicle, as it only provides 120-volt current, which means you can only charge your vehicle for a limited number of hours per day. This option is ideal for drivers who use their vehicles for short commutes or weekend errands.
On the other hand, level 2 chargers are much faster, and they can charge your vehicle up to four times quicker than level 1 chargers. This option is best for drivers who have longer commutes or need a battery top-up while on the go. With level 2 charging, you can recharge your vehicle’s battery from empty to full within 8 hours.
Convenience
The convenience of charging your electric vehicle is an essential factor to consider when choosing your charging options. Level 1 charging is limited, as it only offers slow charging, which means drivers need to charge their vehicles regularly to maintain a full battery life. Additionally, drivers need to have access to a standard electrical outlet since the charging cord is too short to reach faraway electrical sockets.
In contrast, level 2 charging offers faster charging, which means drivers do not need to charge their vehicles frequently. Also, the charging station’s placement can be customized according to the driver’s preference. You can install the station on your property, so you don’t have to worry about finding a public charging station. The availability of charging stations is critical, especially when you are on a long trip, and your battery is running low.
Conclusion
In conclusion, both Level 1 charging and level 2 charging come with various advantages and shortcomings. Level 1 charging is best suited for drivers who travel short distances, while level 2 charging is best suited for drivers who travel long distances or need their battery top-up while on the go. Although level 2 charging is more expensive and requires an installation cost, it is faster and more convenient than level 1 charging, which makes it the best option for most drivers.
.Recommend:Ev Charging Stations Manufacturer