EVs (electric vehicles) are becoming more popular and will eventually become the norm. Charging stations are being built in high demand, so they will be as common (maybe more so) than a gas station. However, there are different types of chargers for EVs and they all offer different charge times and prices.
Level 1 Chargers
This simply means that you can plug these chargers into any outlet and most people hook these up into their garages. These take the longest to charge and should be the least inexpensive because you will usually charge from home (and will only cost a couple of cents per kilowatt at a public station). However, this should be more than enough because your battery hardly ever runs down to an empty tank (unless you’re not charging it every time you get home). If your commute is an hour or less both ways, you should hit a full tank every time every 3-4 days or so. Your tank should be between halfway to full almost all the time.
Level 2 Chargers
Level 2 charging stations give off house electricity like the Level 1, but it supplies more kilowatts. However, you will need a professional electrician to install one in your house, and this will give you the maximum output. If you go to a charging station that has Level 2 chargers, it will not give you the best output because charging station are apart of the federal grant money. You should not get a Level 2 charging station unless you drive around more than the average person because a Level 1 charging station should cover you.
DC Fast Charging (Level 3)
This is the fastest option for charging speed, but it is also the most expensive (up to $100 for a full charge). You cannot implement these into your house because they feed off more power than your whole house. We recommend using Level 3 chargers if you need to get to a trip location faster and are willing to spend more on “fuel”. While stopping for lunch, your car can be charged up to 80% from empty (but again, your car shouldn’t hit empty often).
Tesla Charging Stations
Tesla has their own stations and no other EV can use them. This is not so good for other EV owners because they have to find another station if you happen to be running low. Tesla stations are equipped with mini stops that have hospitality, retail, food, and more. The cost of a Tesla pays off, but it does exclude a lot of people.
