What Are the Types of EV chargers?

Australians in the Northern Beaches of New South Wales, like the rest of the country, are moving quickly to embrace electric vehicles. But with adopting new technology come questions: what type of EV charger will they need for their particular vehicle, how far will they be able to drive before they need a new charge, and how will the new technology affect their current electrical needs. Once these questions have been adequately answered, it’s best to call a qualified electrician to safely install your EV charging station.

You’ll need to learn about the three different levels of EV chargers available. You’ll also need to educate yourself about two key pieces of terminology. Charging levels are designated from 1 to 3 and they reflect the power at which you can charge your electric vehicle. Charging types are the name given to the physical plug connector type that plugs into your electric vehicle.

The most basic charger is a Level 1 EV charging-portable EVSE. It usually shares the same electricity outlet as your computer or home phone. As its level implies, it only provides 10-15 Amp single phase by the EV manufacturer’s specialized cable. A Level 1 charge will provide between 10 and 20km of range per hour but it will not fully recharge a typical EV overnight. Level 1 is seen to be best for small battery sizes and if you drive under 4000km a year.

Electricians and EV experts will suggest installing a Level 2 charger to give you and your vehicle a faster charge and additional range. Many Australians have already had electricians connect their EV to an electrical network via a plug and specific socket and a dedicated circuit. Level 2 chargers are typically found in homes and apartment complexes as a dedicated AC EV charger providing up to 7kW or 32Amp single phase. EV drivers who require range and a fully-charged vehicle are pleased with a Level 2 due to its 40km of range per hour, if plugged in all the way, up to 19.2 kilowatts (KM as well as top up average daily vehicle use in one hour or deliver a fully-charged EV overnight. EV drivers praise Level 2 charging because it is much quicker due to its superior voltage and amperage. Unlike Level 1, Level 2 chargers do require more rugged equipment and more robust wiring to handle the extra electrons and the heat they generate.

The speediest EV charger is a Level 3 but it is not recommended for households. This type of dedicated DC fast charger EV provides power levels from 25kW to 350kW (40-500 Amp, three phase). It will add up to 150km of range per hour plugged in up to fully recharging an EV in 10-15 minutes.

There’s no better time than now to be preparing for your EV charger installation at your home. Once you have purchased an EV charger for your home, choose an experienced electrician to complete the installation. Look for a firm that will provide a safe and cost-effective installation compliant with Australian standards and regulations.