Section 3
Level 1 charging is the slowest charging method available and refers to plugging your EV directly into a standard household socket. As household sockets only deliver between 1.3 kW - 2.4 kW, a one-hour charge adds around four to six miles of range (six to ten kilometers).
While Level 1 charging may be sufficient for PHEVs with small batteries, many BEV owners find Level 2 charging a better fit for their daily charging needs. Level 1 charging is also very useful in the case of emergencies since you can plug in almost anywhere, just be prepared to wait!
Level 2 charging refers to charging your EV using a dedicated AC charging station. Given their price point and good charging speeds, you’ll typically find them installed at homes, workplaces, and public locations like shopping malls. With power outputs between 3.4 kW - 22 kW, and 43 kW in some public locations, you can expect to charge considerably faster than using a regular socket.
Level 2 charging will likely be the most used form of charging for EV drivers. It’s practical, useful, and the best balance for minimizing charging times whilst not stressing your EV’s battery too much.
Level 3 charging, also known as DC fast charging, is the fastest type of EV charging available.
What makes it so fast? Unlike Level 1 and 2 charging, it delivers power in the form of direct current (DC). This bypasses the process of having to convert alternating current (AC) from the grid to DC power for the battery, allowing much higher powers to be delivered directly to the battery.
Level 3 chargers are also designed to deliver and withstand much higher power and voltage, with thicker cables and different connectors, all needed to unlock faster charging speeds.
Diagram showing the difference between AC & DC charging (Source)
How fast are we talking? While Level 3 chargers come in a range of power capacities (50 kW to 400 kW), you can expect to charge an EV from 5% to 80% in as little as 30 minutes depending on your vehicle. Given the high-voltage supply (and price) required for Level 3 chargers, you won’t find them in residential garages or driveways. You’ll typically find them at quick-stop commercial locations like gas stations and along major highways.
Sometimes, EV charging is also categorized by speed. Level 1 chargers are referred to as ‘slow’ given their sloth-like power outputs. Level 2 chargers are referred to as ‘fast’ between 7-22 kW and ‘rapid’ at 43 kW (these are commonly found on highways). 50 kW Level 3 chargers are also referred to as ‘rapid,’ whereas chargers with higher outputs (from 100-400 kW) are known as ‘ultra-rapid’ or ‘ultra-fast.’
*Charging times mentioned are rough estimates. Actual charging times depend on the battery capacity, state of charge, the vehicle’s max charge rate, charging station power output, as well as a number of situational factors.
While it’s hard to predict if and when that will change, with a new law passing that all new mobile devices in the EU market must include a USB-C charging port by the end of 2024 ⁽¹⁾, here’s to hoping legislation takes the same route for EV connectors soon.
In 2023 North America did take a big step towards a single accepted standard for EVs. At the end of 2022, Tesla opened its charging standard allowing other EV makers to use it on their vehicles, let them use Tesla’s Supercharger network too. Known as NACS ⁽²⁾ (North American Charging Standard) it’s one of the most prevalent connectors shapes in the region. BMW Group, Lucid, Rivian, Ford, General Motors, Kia, Volkswagen Group all say they will adopt the standard.
Let’s take a look at some common connector types to get familiar with.
It makes a lot of sense to buy a dedicated home EV charger and have it installed by a professional. In most cases, when you’re buying your EV, the carmaker will be able to help you pick the right one. Many have arrangements and deals with charger makers to offer deals and support to new buyers. These devices help you track your EV’s charge and also charge your EV faster than a conventional wall socket.
Home chargers usually come with an app that lets you control the charging via a smartphone. Some let you schedule charging (so you can take advantage of lower overnight electricity costs), gain insights into energy usage, or access a network of public chargers. Companies like EVBox, Wallbox, Ohme, and Octopus Energy all offer home EV charging solutions like this.
Charging costs vary depending on electricity prices in your area and the charging point you choose. Some government incentives are available for installing an EV charger at your home. As charging stations are connected to your electrical circuit, the energy you use is tracked by your meter and simply added to your electricity bill, so that’s the bill you have to watch to figure out how much your EV is costing you per mile or km.
Pro tip: Many utility companies offer EV-tailored tariffs to help you save on energy costs by charging during off-peak hours. It’s worth checking what’s available in your area and switching tariffs. In some places, charging overnight can be a lot cheaper than during the day.
Public charging apps, such as TomTom’s own XYZ can help you locate EV charging stations and discover information about their availability, pricing, connector types, and charging speed. Use these apps to find EV chargers close to your destination, and get used to “topping up” your charge when driving extensively.
Most public charging stations provide Level 2 charging, although fast, rapid, and ultra-rapid chargers are becoming more widespread, particularly on interstates and highways. In fact, Zap-Map found that the number of ultra-rapid charge points in the UK grew by almost 80% in 2022 ⁽³⁾.
In-vehicle infotainment systems and digital cockpits in EVs are improving quickly too. Many EV makers are taking advantage of fast-growing products like TomTom’s EV Services, to help them provide drivers with an experience that makes driving an EV second nature. In an EV, when you pop in your destination to its navigation system, it’ll suggest optimal charging stops, telling you where and how long you’ll need to charge and the cost in some cases.
Costs for charging on the go vary a lot depending on the charging station you use. As a rule: fast charging usually costs more. You may want to consider using a charging network subscription to get discounts or guaranteed access to stations. Some networks also offer contactless payment methods or accept RFID cards or key fobs, and bill you monthly to save hassle at the charger.
Map out charging pit stops in advance and check charger availability using apps like TomTom GO Navigation.
Understand your vehicle’s range and what impacts it. Be sure to know how far your EV can drive on a full charge, and keep in mind that extreme heat or cold, blasting the heater and aircon, or driving uphill at high speed, can adversely affect your range. Unlike ICE vehicles, driving through town, where you can use regenerative braking, won’t impact your range as much. Be sure to keep an eye on your car’s live range calculation.
Use fast charging stations when possible as they supply more range in less time. Many hotels also offer free Level 2 charging for guests so you can top up while you sleep. Be sure to look for those.
Sign up for charging networks and download all the apps you might need in advance to save time and get easier access to charging stations along the way. Many EV chargers need you to have an account and their accompanying app to work, it’s not a great experience to be fumbling around at a charger downloading an app, setting up an account, and inputting your payment details when all you want to do is put your car on charge and grab a coffee. Do this ahead of time.
Make sure to have a backup plan in case a charging station is out of service or unavailable. Note down alternative charging stations and carry your own Level 1 charging cable to plug into a standard socket in case of total emergencies.
Next Section:
Why now’s the time to get an EV
1. https://www.europarl.europa.eu/news/en/press-room/20220930IPR41928/long-awaited-common-charger-for-mobile-devices-will-be-a-reality-in-2024#:~:text=By%20the%20end%20of%202024%2C%20all%20mobile%20phones%2C%20tablets%20and,obligation%20will%20extend%20to%20laptops
2. https://www.motortrend.com/features/tesla-nacs-charging-port-automaker-compatibility?slide=3
3. https://www.zap-map.com/news/2022-charging-hub-growth/
