charging stations

So you’ve committed to a greener earth and more dollars in your pocket with the purchase of your first electric vehicle. Congratulations! An exciting new world of possibilities is opening up before you. One of the first things on your mind might be: “how do I charge my car?”. This may be the first time that you hear references to Level 1, 2 and 3 charging. Not sure which one applies to you? Don’t worry, we have all the information you need right here. 

Level 1: The Top-up

Slow and steady, Level 1 is essentially a 120V AC house current that is capable of roughly two kilowatts of power. Level 1 may also be referred to as a “trickle charge” and is ideally suited for e-bikes or light electric vehicles. Many people consider Level 1 to be a survival charge - in other words, just enough of a boost to get you to a more powerful charging station but not necessarily where you want to get a full charge, since it can take up to 24 hours to fill up a battery on this level. If you live or work close to a higher level charging station, then a Level 1 station may be all you need for the occasional top-up at home. The average Level 1 charge will get you 4-5 miles per hour of charging. 

Level 2: The Trusted Source

A Level 2 charge is delivered from a 240V AC source and is capable of up to 90 kilowatts of power. When electric car manufacturers talk about fully charging a car overnight, they are most likely referring to Level 2 charging. The most convenient option to install in your home, a Level 2 charging station can fill up a battery in 6-8 hours and get you 25-35 miles per hour of charging. 

Level 3: The Power Charge

The most rapid of the three charging levels, Level 3 is generally reserved for commercial use and is often seen in parking garages or gas stations. While Level 3 usually refers to a 480V AC connection globally, in the United States it may also refer to a DC power source. Level 3 charging stations put out an average of 120 kilowatts of direct current and significantly decrease charging time, making them an ultra-convenient solution for anyone needing to charge their vehicle in a hurry. 

Contact Mr. Plug Pro today to discuss your charging needs and rest assured that our friendly sales associates will help you to choose the charging level that best suits your lifestyle. We’ll have your new charging station installed and ready to go before you know it.