Understanding Level 1 EV Charging

Level 1 charging is the simplest - but slowest - way to recharge your EV.

Level 1 charging uses standard AC wall outlets (like the ones found in your home or office building) to recharge your battery. While this is the slowest of the three charging options, it can be an extremely convenient solution for EV owners with short daily commutes and access to overnight charging. 

Standard 120V AC outlets deliver a maximum charge of 1.8kW, which means you’ll only gain between three and six miles of range per hour. While this may seem slow, EV owners can still top off their cars with over 50 miles of range each night with a Level 1 charger. 

The best part of Level 1 charging is its affordability. Unlike Level 2 and Level 3 charging, Level 1 charging typically requires no additional products, installations, or maintenance. Level 1 users can simply plug their EV into any NEMA 5-15 wall outlet and begin charging!

Level 2 Charging: How is it Different from Level 1?

Level 2 charging denotes a significant increase in power and charging speed.

Level 2 chargers are the most common EV charging option, and can be seen in many residential garages, public spaces, and office buildings. 

Most Level 2 chargers can handle 240V of power - twice as much as standard Level 1 chargers. This voltage boost means significantly faster charging speeds, allowing EV owners to add around 50 miles to their range per hour of charging! 

That means that unlike Level 1 chargers, Level 2 chargers can completely recharge most EVs in a single night (depending on your charger power output and the maximum charge rate).

Level 3: Simplifying DC Charging

Level 3 DC charging - also known as fast-charging or supercharging - is significantly more powerful than Level 1 and Level 2 charging.

Thanks to high-voltage power sources ranging from 400-900V, Level 3 chargers boast a charging rate of 3 to 20 miles of range per minute! 

Yes, you read that correctly. 3 to 20 miles of range per minute. 

Level 3 chargers get their speed by essentially cutting out the middleman - in this case, the AC to DC conversion process. 

All EVs ultimately run on DC power. So, AC power needs to be converted to DC power inside the EV. Instead of wasting time and energy on this conversion, Level 3 chargers provide the high-voltage DC power your EV needs – straight from the tap. 

Level 3 charging systems require higher voltages and complicated installations, so you’re unlikely to find them at any standard residence. However, EV owners can still access these superchargers thanks to the growing network of commercial EV refueling stations across the country. 

Want More EV and Technology Tips?

We’re on a mission to make EV charging fast, easy, and affordable for everyone. As one of the leading manufacturers of in-home charging stations, portable chargers, and adapters, we’re helping to spread EV adoption by solving range anxiety and compatibility issues for all EV owners.  

Be sure to check out the Lectron website to stay up-to-date on the latest EV news, products, and announcements!

Many new EV owners are surprised to find out that despite the rising popularity of electric cars, charging a battery isn’t exactly as convenient as pumping gas (yet!).

Fortunately, electric car owners can still get the most out of their charge with just a little bit of EV knowledge, the right equipment, and some good old fashion planning.

Let’s look at some of the main factors that impact EV charging the most.

It’s All About the Levels

The largest factor in determining your EV charging speed is the type of charger you use. EV chargers fall into three categories: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 (or DC Fast Charging).

Level 1 chargers are the easiest (but slowest) way to charge your EV battery.

Level 1 chargers use standard residential wall outlets for power. That means you can plug into any 120V (AC) outlet in your garage, home, office, hotel, or some random park and instantly charge your EV.

But this convenience does come at a cost. The lower voltage of a Level 1 charger means that they typically generate less than six miles of range per hour.

However, this slower charge rate still translates to up to 50 miles of added range in eight hours of charging. For EV owners with shorter commutes and easy access to charging throughout the day (or night), a Level 1 charger, like the Lectron Level 1 charger, will work just fine.

Level 2 chargers kick up the voltage quite a bit – all the way to 240V (compared with a 120V Level 1 charger).

This jump in charging power means EV owners can expect much more range in far less time. Most Level 2 chargers can recharge the average EV battery in as little as four to six hours.

Level 2 chargers also come in a wider range of styles when compared with Level 1 chargers. They can be portable much like a Level 1 charger, or they can be stationary with an even higher amp capacity – like the Lectron V-BOX. , which comes in 48A and 40A versions.

Because of their faster charging speeds, charging convenience, and affordability (the Lectron Level 2 Charger 40A retails for only $314.99), Level 2 chargers are a great choice as an everyday charger.

Level 3 chargers are the fastest, most powerful, and most expensive charging options for EV owners.

All EVs run on DC electricity; level 3 chargers improve efficiency by cutting out the whole AC-to-DC conversion process. Level 1 and Level 2 AC power gets converted to DC power inside the EV. Foregoing this whole conversion process results in a faster charge.

Rated for as much as 900V of DC power, Level 3 chargers can generate as much as 20 miles of range per minute and charge most EV batteries to 80% in as little as 10 to 40 minutes.

Unfortunately, the shere cost of building, operating, and maintaining a Level 3 charger makes them unrealistic as an in-home charging solution.

U.C. Davis Transportation and Travel Behavior researcher, Gil Tal, compared building an in-home Level 3 charging system to building a private gas station, in terms of cost and maintenance requirements.

What Else Affects Your Charging Speed?

Your charger isn’t the only factor in determining how fast you can charge your EV. There are two more things you need to consider.

Maximum charging rates can vary significantly between EV brands, body styles, and models.

EV owners should keep this in mind when considering charging options, and seek out chargers with power outputs that align with their vehicle’s maximum (and most efficient) charging rate.

For example, if your EV’s acceptance rate is capped at 50kW, buying a charger with a much higher rating wouldn't make sense, as you couldn't maximize your charge.

Having a clear idea of your day-to-day driving habit is crucial in choosing the right charging solution.

If your daily commute falls comfortably below your EV’s range, a less powerful Level 1 charger will work just fine for you. However, if you are regularly pushing your EV to the limit and need to be able to charge up quickly, a powerful Level 2 charger or charging station might be better suited for your lifestyle.

Want to Learn More About All Things EV?

We’re on a mission to make EV charging fast, easy, and affordable for everyone. As one of the leading manufacturers of in-home charging stations, portable chargers, and adapters, we’re helping to spread EV adoption by solving range anxiety and compatibility issues for all EV owners.

Be sure to check out the Lectron website to stay up-to-date on the latest EV news, products, and announcements.

Many EV owners understand how frustrating it can be to watch your charging speed slow to a crawl as your charging range exceeds 80%.

But you may be surprised to learn that this slow-down is actually a crucial part of maintaining your EVs' health and longevity!

Let’s take a look at how battery temperature, charging environment, and other variables can affect your charging speed – so you can understand exactly what’s happening when you plug in your EV.

Don’t Get Too Hot

Charging any battery generates heat, and EV batteries are no exception. When you’re using a DC fast charger, for example, the higher amps and voltage mean more heat is being generated. This heat typically won’t cause any problems for your EV, that is, until it begins approaching 75-80% capacity.

At that point, the heat generated by powerful DC fast chargers can cause extreme stress and overheating that can degrade the capacity of the battery. Without charging speed safeguards (Battery Management Systems) that prevent battery degradation, EV batteries would quickly become damaged from overheating.

To determine if the root of your slow charging issue is your battery level approaching 80%, simply check your State of Charge (SoC) when you notice a decrease in speed.

Your SoC is essentially your EV’s fuel gauge, so keeping a record of your SoC when you notice slowed charging can help you determine if your EV is merely slowing down due to typical charging safety measures or if another issue is at play.

A Healthy Environment

The temperature of the environment can play a role too.

In a study that examined EV charging speeds in environments that ranged from 15 to 103℉, researchers found that colder weather significantly impacted charging speeds.

For example, researchers found DC fast-chargers that achieved an 80% recharge rate in 30 minutes at 77℉ struggled to reach 36% in the same time frame at freezing (32℉).

Additional Loads and Charging Speeds

Additional loads on your EV charger’s power source can also slow the charging speed.

If you use a Level 1 charger and are experiencing slow charging, it may be due to the power needs of the rest of your home. Similarly, running the heater in your car while you top off your battery at a public charging station can take power away from your battery and lead to slower charging times.

Want More EV and Technology Tips?

We’re on a mission to make EV charging fast, easy, and affordable for everyone. As one of the leading manufacturers of in-home charging stations, portable chargers, and adapters, we’re helping to spread EV adoption by solving range anxiety and compatibility issues for all EV owners.

Be sure to check out the Lectron website to stay-up-to date on the latest EV news, products, and announcements!

The limited range and slow charging speed of early electric cars have created a lingering concern in the public’s mind surrounding EVs – a condition better known as ‘range anxiety’.

Fortunately, major technology improvements in recent years have largely calmed this anxiety, with electric cars going farther than ever before.

But just how far can you expect to get on a single charge today? This, of course, depends on the type of EV you buy!

So how much range do you really need?

Average EV Range on a Single Charge

According to the Electric Vehicle Database, the average range of an electric car on a single charge is about 205 miles. However, it’s important for buyers considering an electric car to understand that a ‘single charge’ differs quite a bit depending on the EV you buy.

Cars made by luxury and EV-focused companies like Lucid, Tesla, Mercedes-Benz, and Porsche typically have single-charge ranges far surpassing their more affordable competitors.

While the range of electric cars produced by popular car manufacturers like Ford, Toyota, Honda, Nissan, and Fiat may lag behind those produced by more of the luxury EV manufacturers, many buyers find that the range of these brands is more than enough for their particular lifestyle.

Finding the Right by Make, Model, and Cost

For most buyers, choosing an EV is all about balancing various factors like range, performance, comfort, tech, and cost.

Which EV strikes the perfect balance for YOU?

The Average American’s Commute

Before you pull the trigger on a luxury long-range EV, take a moment to reflect on your daily commute and driving habits. It could save you more than a pretty penny!

According to the US Federal Highway Administration, the average American drives just over 14,000 miles a year. That’s roughly 1,200 miles a month, and just 38-40 miles driven each day.

If your commute falls within this national average, the range you get from a single charge might not be the biggest concern you should have.

For example, Smart’s EQ Cabrio starts at less than $30,000 and comes standard with a smaller 17.6 kWh battery that provides between 60-95 miles of range on a single charge. Even Plug-In Hybrids (PHEVs) like Toyota’s Rav4 Prime boast enough electric-only range (43mi) to cover a typical commute!

Want More EV and Technology Tips?

We’re on a mission to make EV charging fast, easy, and affordable for everyone. As one of the leading manufacturers of in-home charging stations, portable chargers, and adapters, we’re helping to spread EV adoption by solving range anxiety and compatibility issues for all EV owners.

Be sure to check out the Lectron website to stay up-to-date on the latest EV news, products, and announcements!

EV connectors come in various shapes and sizes. Let’s take a look at four EV connectors you’re most likely to come across when considering a new electric car.

The Four Most Common Types of EV Connectors

1. SAE-J1772

SAE-J1772 (or just J1772) connectors are the Level 1 and Level 2 charging standard for all non-Tesla EVs sold in North America.

Level 1 and Level 2 AC chargers use standard 120V residential outlets to recharge your car’s battery. J1772 chargers generally take longer than CCS chargers to recharge EV batteries because they are limited to a lower voltage than commercial Level 3 direct current chargers. Most J1772 drivers adjust for this longer recharge period by topping off their battery overnight or during the workday.

J1772 connectors, also known as Type 1 or J Plug connectors, are used for AC charging on every make of electric vehicle except Tesla.

2. Tesla

Tesla electric vehicles use a unique and proprietary connector that uses a single plug for Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 DC fast charging.

Tesla’s connectors are designed to accept any voltage, which allows owners to effortlessly transition from at-home Level 1 or Level 2 charging to plugging into Tesla’s exclusive SuperCharger network. Tesla also ships each vehicle with an adapter that allows owners to plug their vehicle into standard J1772 compatible chargers.

3. CCS

The Combined Charging Systems, widely known as CCS, is the most common type of DC fast charging connector.

When you look at a CCS plug, you’ll notice that it looks a lot like a J1772 plug, but with two additional power lines at the bottom. This creates a high-voltage connection that boosts the power output up to 350 kW and puts the “fast” in fast charging.

CCS is an open industry standard, which means the connector is used internationally by electric vehicle manufacturers. Electrify America projects that more than 90% of non-Tesla electric vehicles in operation in the United States will be CCS by 2025.

4. CHAdeMO

CHAdeMO connectors were created for EV fast-charging by the Japanese auto industry-affiliated CHAdeMO Association in 2010.

While some Japanese brands still use CHAdeMO connectors, they’re becoming increasingly rare.

Types of NEMA Sockets

There are many types of NEMA sockets. However, when it comes to EV charging, there are two types that you need to know about.

NEMA 5-15

A NEMA 5-15 socket is better known as a basic wall outlet. It’s the type of outlet you plug your lamp, phone, devices, and basic home appliances into. NEMA 5-15 sockets provide up to 16A and 120V of power, and are the standard sockets for Level 1 EV chargers.

NEMA 14-50

A NEMA 14-50 socket (also sometimes called an RV outlet) is generally for large appliances. It’s the type of outlet you plug your washing machine, refrigerator, and other large appliances into, which requires more power. NEMA 14-50 sockets provide up to 50A and 240V of power and are the standard sockets for Level 2 EV chargers.

Want to Learn More About All Things EV?

We’re on a mission to make EV charging fast, easy, and affordable for everyone. As one of the leading manufacturers of in-home charging stations, portable chargers, and adapters, we’re helping to spread EV adoption by solving range anxiety and compatibility issues for all EV owners.

Be sure to check out the Lectron website to stay up-to-date on the latest EV news, products, and announcements.

Getting into electric cars is like opening the floodgates - new EV terminology, jargon, and abbreviations come flowing so fast that it can take a lot of work to keep up.

That’s why we put together this no-nonsense guide to the EV terms you’ll run into the most as you research, purchase, and enjoy your new car. So, if you’ve ever wondered how volts and amps factor into charging or what in the world kWh means, read on — this one's for you!

Five Terms to Know About EV Charging

Let’s do a little thought experiment to make EV charging simpler. Imagine for a moment that you drove a car powered by water. Now imagine refilling your car with a typical garden hose. EV charging is surprisingly similar!

Let’s break this comparison down further.

1. Amp

Amp (or ampere) is the unit used to measure electrical current. You can think of current as the volume of water flowing through your garden hose. Just as wider hoses can handle more water volume, high amperage chargers can draw a faster flow of electrons from your power source to your vehicle.

2. Volt

Volt describes the potential of energy. Using our "water car" analogy from above, volts can be seen as the water pressure. An increase in water pressure translates to a more powerful spray, and an increases in voltage translates to more powerful and speedy charging.

3. Kilowatt

Kilowatt, or just kW, is a measure of how much power an electric appliance consumes.

4. Energy (kWh)

Kilowatt-hours (kWh) refer to the amount of energy consumed over one hour of charging.

Using our analogy, killowatt-hours equates to the total amount of water that passes through the hose in an hour. Higher kWh chargers allow EV owners to recharge their cars significantly faster. The kWh can be calculated using a basic formula: amp x volt = kWh.

5. State of Charge (SoC)

State of Charge, often referred to as SoC.

Your SoC describes how full your EV battery is using percentages from 0-100. This makes SoC the perfect EV stand-in for the traditional fuel gauge and a handy charging tool.

Three Terms to Know About EVs

1. Power

Power is measured in a unit called watts. Watts describes the transfer rate of energy, much like another term you’re probably more familiar with - horsepower.

Like horsepower, watts can be used to easily conceptualize the power (meaning speed, torque, acceleration, etc.) of an EV. Because electric cars require a fair amount of power, they are typically rated in kilowatts. (1,000w) The equation for using kilowatts (kW) to find horsepower is (kW x 1.369 = Horsepower).

2. Maximum Range

Maximum range is how far your EV can go on a single charge.

EV shoppers should make sure they have a clear picture of their daily commute and traveling habits to ensure their new vehicle’s range aligns with their lifestyle. Research indicates the average American only drives about 40 miles a day - meaning even EVs with the shortest range on the market would suit the needs of most US drivers.

3. Maximum Charge Rate

The maximum charging rate describes the electricity acceptance limit of a vehicle, which means the amount of power it can process when charging. If your maximum charge rate is 50kW (a pretty standard rate), then fast-chargers capable of generating north of 150kW will be limited to your rate.

Want to Learn More About All Things EV?

We’re on a mission to make EV charging fast, easy, and affordable for everyone. As one of the leading manufacturers of in-home charging stations, portable chargers, and adapters, we’re helping to spread EV adoption by solving range anxiety and compatibility issues for all EV owners.

Be sure to check out the Lectron website to stay up-to-date on the latest EV news, products, and announcements.