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Level 2 EV Chargers
Level 2 ev charging has increased in popularity over the last 5 years. With the exception of Tesla, which developed its own supercharged infrastructure in commercial locations, most non Tesla electric vehicle owners had to figure out the best way to charge their cars. We created this simple glossary on level 2 ev charging to simplify things.
What is level 2 charging?
Level 2 charging simply is the fastest available charging you can find at home. All homes have power capable of supplying level 2 charging. If you look at your circuit breaker at home you will see typically 30, 40 and 50 amps circuits. These were traditionally used for electric dryers, washing machines, hot tubes and power tools. Level 2 electric vehicle chargers use these circuits with typically upto 250 volt supply (The voltage rating provided is the highest voltage allowed for use with an electrical device such as an EV chargers). Most level 2 EV chargers are 240 or 250 volt. Houses nearly receives 240V for appliances like A/C, clothes dryers etc. Typically your electric vehicle will come with a level 1 charger, taking much longer to charge than a level 2 charger.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is level 2 EV charging?
Level 2 EV charging is the most popular of residential EV charging. Level 2 EV charging includes anything generally from 20 amps to 48 amps and at a nominal 240 volts. Level 2 EV charging generally means it is a lot quicker than level 1 EV charging.
What is the most popular level 2 EV charger?
Level 2 EV charging grew in popularity following the launch of the Tesla residential EV charger range. The most popular plug-in level 2 EV charger is the NEMA 14-50 type (NEMA 14-50 refers to the name of the receptacle).
Why did Level 2 EV charging increase in popularity?
It increased in popularity due to Tesla launching level 2 EV chargers, the increase in electric only EVs (bigger batteries) and the recognition of level 2 plug receptacles being already available in some homes.
What voltage is level 2 EV charging?
It normally operates between 208 and 240 volts depending on local supply. AEFA EV chargers will work at all voltage levels within this range.
Should I upgrade from a level 1 EV charger?
Level 2 charging simply is the fastest available charging you can find at home. A level 2 EV Charger will provide typical charge times of 6-8 hours for electric vehicles. It also avoids the lines at commercial charging stations and with full overnight charges, reduces range anxiety., Typically, your electric vehicle will come with a level 1 charger, taking much longer to charge than a level 2 charger.
Which plugs use level 2 charging?
The following U.S. National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) plug types can provide the voltage and current capacity for level 2 electric vehicle charging – NEMA 6-20, NEMA 6-30, NEMA 14-30, NEMA L14-30, NEMA 6-50 and NEMA 14-50. NEMA 10-50 and NEMA 10-30 J1722 EV chargers are capable of level 2 charging but neither plug has a grounding wire and often a neutral wire is used instead, which creates an electrical safety hazard during or after charging.
