EV Charging Station Types

There are some up front decisions to consider when looking into EV Charging Stations also called Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE). 

First, EVSEs come in three power levels:

• Level 1 AC (L1)
• Level 2 AC (L2)
• DC Fast Charging (DCFC)

Level 1 and Level 2 EVSEs output Alternating Current (AC) and the AC is converted to Direct Current (DC) on board the EV. This on-board DC power then charges the battery. DCFC outputs DC current and feeds directly to the vehicle’s battery.

The other key consideration is the power level of the EVSEs. Power levels (in kiloWatts or kW) determine how fast an EV can charge. Power levels are calculated by multiplying the voltage times the amperage.

Depending on the amperage,

·        Level 1 uses 120 VAC power and provides 3 to 5 Range Miles per Hour connected.

·        Level 2 uses 208 or 240 VAC power and provides 13 to 75 Range Miles per Hour connected.

·        DCFC uses 480 VAC (or higher) power and provides 75 to 400 Range Miles per Hour connected.

L1 and L2 EVSEs can be hardwired or portable. Portable EVSEs plug into standard (NEMA) outlets.  EVs often come with portable EVSEs.