Are All Electric Car Chargers the Same?

2023 Nissan Ariya charging
 

Are you thinking of upgrading to a new electric vehicle in the Leominster area? Are you interested in switching from your current EV to a new model like the Nissan LEAF? Either way, you might have some questions about the different types of electric car chargers. If you’re wondering whether you’ll need to buy a new EV charging cord for your vehicle, don’t worry–electric car chargers are universal!

 

 

EVs require the same standard plug for Level 1 and Level 2 chargers no matter the car. The only type of charging that’s brand-exclusive is the Tesla Supercharger. The team at Ron Bouchard Nissan has more information on how electric car charging works in the guide below, so you can make an informed decision as you shop for your new ride. Read on, then head to our inventory to see what EVs we currently have available!

What are the Different Types of Electric Car Chargers?

Electric car chargers may be universal, but there are still three different levels of charging to be aware of: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. Level 1 and 2 are home chargers, while Level 3 can mostly be found at public charging stations only. What sets these chargers apart is their charging speed and power, which we’ve outlined below.

Level 1 Charging

Level 1 chargers use the same 120v three-prong outlets you find everywhere, used to power everything from your phone to your microwave. However, since cars are quite a bit larger than a phone or computer, Level 1 chargers only offer a charging speed of 3 to 5 miles an hour, meaning it often takes days to restore the battery to its full charge. Because of the slow charging speeds, Level 1 chargers really should only be used in emergencies or if you don’t plan on taking your EV far from home.

Level 2 Charging

Level 2 chargers are the most commonly used by EV drivers. They have to be professionally installed by an electrician, and they offer charging speeds of anywhere from 12 to 80 miles an hour. This means that you can get a full charge overnight, so you can plug your car in before bed and have it ready to go for your Gardner commute the next morning!

Level 3 Charging

Level 3 chargers are by far the fastest, using DC (direct current) power rather than AC (alternating current). At a Level 3 fast charging station, you can often get to 80% charge in as little as 30 minutes, although charging times vary based on your make and model. Level 3 chargers are typically only found in public charging stations, since they’re too large to be accommodated by a home power grid.

Learn More About EVs with Ron Bouchard Nissan

Now that we’ve discussed the different types of electric car chargers, you might be interested in learning what other benefits an EV can offer you! Contact our office for more information on our current lineup of electric vehicles or to set up a test drive of an available model around the Gardner area. You can also check out our blog for information on Nissan EVs like the 2023 Nissan ARIYA, including posts on the electric range and starting price!

 

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