The electric vehicle revolution is upon us. With renewable energy sources that we have today, it’s no longer whether EVs will happen, but when. Today, there are different types of EV chargers available in the market. But with so many choices out there, how do you know which charger is suitable for your EV? This guide will explain the different types of EV chargers and how to select one that’s right for you.

Different EV Charger types

There are two types of chargers for EVs: corded and wireless. Corded chargers are the most common type of charger; they use an electrical plug to connect to your vehicle. While wireless chargers are newer and more expensive than corded chargers, they offer more convenience. Wireless chargers work by transmitting power over a short distance using radio waves. And they require a metal object that is plugged into the wall–usually called a charging pad-to transfer power to your vehicle. Below are the different chargers you can use depending on your charging needs.

Level 1 EV Charger

This is the most basic type of EV charger. Electric vehicle chargers like this use alternating current (AC) power that uses 120 volts of electricity, which is about the same amount of energy as a standard wall outlet. Some level 1 chargers can only charge at 10 amps and take 18 hours to fully charge an EV.

Level 2 EV Charger

Level 2 chargers are the most common type of EV charger. Level 2 charging stations are installed at homes, workplaces, and public places. They’re easy to install as they can be hardwired or plugged into a standard household outlet. Level 2 chargers use 240 volts and typically charge your car 20 miles per hour. Like Level 1 EV chargers, this EV charger also uses alternating current or AC.

DC Fast Charging

DC fast charging is the quickest way to charge your EV. It’s also the most expensive charger you can buy in the market. But if you have a long commute or a heavy daily workload, DC fast chargers might be suitable for you. This type of charger is essential for long-distance driving and large fleets. DC fast chargers can charge EVs up to 80% in less than 20 minutes using direct current.

How to choose the correct charger for your vehicle?

You can charge your electric vehicle using the Supercharger network if you have a Tesla. These chargers are about 10 times faster than a standard charger. However, if you have another type of EV, you’ll need to look at the connectors that come with your vehicle and go from there.

There are three different types of connectors for charging EVs:

• CHAdeMO
• CCS (combined charging system)
• Tesla-specific connectors

If your EV is new enough to come with one of these connectors built-in, you’re good to go! It will be hard to find a public charging station that matches your car type with this connector. But if you want to purchase an additional charger or upgrade the one that came with your car, be sure to look at the connector before purchasing.

When buying an electric vehicle charger, think about what type of connector it has and whether it is compatible with your car’s make and model before deciding. All three major types of connectors work well for their respective variety of vehicles, so there isn’t a “wrong” choice when selecting which charger is suitable for your EV. The only thing you need to consider is what type of connector it has and whether it is compatible with your car’s make and model before making a purchase decision.

Summing up

What’s the difference between Level 1 and Level 2 chargers?

Level 1 chargers can only give your vehicle a little extra juice and are usually installed at home. Level 2 chargers can give your car a full charge. DC Fast Chargers can charge your vehicle 80% in about 30 minutes. We at EV Install offer these solutions; we pride ourselves on supplying only the best quality car chargers for home and office installation.

Which is the best charger for my vehicle?

If you have a plug-in hybrid or battery electric vehicle, it is best to have a Level 2 charger installed at home. If you have a plug-in hybrid and don’t want to install a charger, you can charge the battery in the car with a Level 1 charger. If you have a battery-electric vehicle, you need a DC Fast Charger. Our team of professionals assesses and provides advice on power management to ensure you’ll always have electricity for the things you need.

What should I do when installing my charger?

It’s essential to ensure that your charger is installed in an area with enough room for it to not be in traffic. Install your charger near an electrical outlet dedicated to EV charging. We can help you choose the best charging unit for you and install and maintain the team for you.

It’s also essential to check the grants offered by seai.ie/grants/ to know if you are eligible for their government funded initiatives that will help you save costs.

If you follow these guidelines, you should be able to find the perfect EV charger for your needs! EV Install is Dublin’s leading EV charger installer. We offer Level 1 to DC Fast Charging solutions to suit your charging needs. Our team of professionals can fit any model EV charger into homes, offices, and commercial locations. You can reach us by clicking here.