What is a Level 2 charger for EV? This guide will explain how these charging stations work, how much they cost, and how fast they charge. Whether you're building an electric vehicle charging network or simply turning your garage into the perfect charging station, this explainer is for you.
What is a Level 2 charger for EV? A Level 2 charger for electric vehicles (EVs) is a type of charging station that provides faster charging compared to the standard Level 1 chargers. The term "Level 2" refers to the charging voltage and power level associated with these chargers. Unlike Level 1 chargers, which operate on a standard household outlet with 120 volts, Level 2 chargers use a higher voltage of 240 volts.
Key features of Level 2 chargers include:
Increased Charging Speed:
The higher voltage of Level 2 chargers allows for a faster charging rate. While Level 1 chargers are suitable for overnight charging, Level 2 chargers can significantly reduce charging times, making them more convenient for users who need a quicker top-up.
Level 2 equipment offers higher-rate AC charging through 240V (in residential applications) or 208V (in commercial applications) electrical service, and is common for home, workplace, and public charging. Level 2 chargers can charge a BEV to 80 percent from empty in 4-10 hours and a PHEV in 1-2 hours.
Versatility:
Level 2 chargers are designed to be versatile and compatible with a wide range of electric vehicles. Whether you own a compact car, a sedan, or an SUV, a Level 2 charger can accommodate various makes and models, making it a practical choice for diverse EV owners.
How fast is a Level 2 charger?
A Level 2 charger can deliver anywhere from roughly 3kW to just under 20kW of AC power to an EV. In practical terms, this means it can deliver about 30 to 50km (20 to 30 miles) of range per hour of charging, and can completely charge a typical EV’s battery in the space of a night.
Compare this speed to the type of Level 1 charging station that is commonly included with the purchase of an EV, which tops out at 2.4 kW or about 5km (3.1 miles) worth of range per hour, and it’s easy to see why many EV owners prefer to “refuel” their vehicles at Level 2 chargers whenever convenient.
Thanks to their combination of fast charging and relatively easy installation, Level 2 chargers are a popular choice for businesses that are looking to add value for visitors, employees, and tenants. Fortunately, managing a fleet of Level 2 chargers can be even easier than installing them. Finding the right operating system for EV charging makes it possible to connect and control an entire network’s worth of EV infrastructure all in one place, managing users and even energy output to optimize your revenue.
How much does a Level 2 charger cost?
Determining the total cost of a Level 2 charger requires factoring in three variables:
The cost of the charger itself. Hardware costs can range from $300 at the lower end to more than $1,000, depending on brand and utility.
The cost of installation. Installation costs can vary greatly depending on the charger’s location and use case. If you’re installing a large volume of chargers, it’s best to work with a turnkey EV charging provider in your region. Though installing the box at home may be as simple as hanging it from a wall, you may need to hire an electrician to install a 240V outlet. Expect to pay at least $300 for their services.
The cost of electricity. Electricity costs may fluctuate based on location and sometimes even time of day. That said, the US Department of Energy estimates fully charging a typical EV at a typical electrical rate will cost about $6.
The Telgeoot Level 2 home charger is a sleek and efficient charging solution for electric vehicles. The Telgeoot Level 2 charger provides a faster charging speed than standard Level 1 chargers, making it a convenient choice for EV owners looking to charge their vehicles at home. The cost of the Telgeoot Level 2 home charger is reasonable, Its price is also very favorable, the price is: $349 (there is an active price now, with an additional 20% off.)
In summary, a Level 2 charger is a faster and more powerful charging solution for electric vehicles, providing increased convenience and efficiency for both residential and commercial users.
