Are All Electric Car Chargers the Same?

Here at Aristocrat Motors Lee's Summit, hybrid and electric vehicles are becoming more and more popular on Blue Springs roads. That’s because they lower your overall ownership costs, save on fuel, and are environmentally friendly. They’re also getting better at maintaining their charge and have longer ranges thanks to better engineering from the world’s top manufacturers. 

You might be wondering, “Are all electric car chargers the same?” If you purchase an EV or a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), do you have to buy a special charger if you get a different brand later? Our team is here to answer these questions and more with our guide to the different types of electric car chargers. Fortunately, all electric car chargers are mostly universal!

Are All Electric Car Chargers the Same for Every EV?

All EVs have the same standard plug for Level 1 and Level 2 charging, which are the two most common forms of charging in Independence and beyond. The only form of charging that is exclusive to a specific brand is the Tesla Supercharger. 

What Are the Different Types of Electric Car Chargers? 

You’ll need to know about the three different types of electric car chargers in Kansas City. There are Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 chargers. Take a look at more details regarding these charging levels as we continue to answer, “Are all electric car chargers the same?” It’s very easy to distinguish among the different types of electric car chargers.

Level 1 Charging 

Level 1 chargers add 3 to 5 miles of range per hour. Because Level 1 charging is the slowest way to charge your EV or PHEV, it’s great for topping off your battery or fully charging a PHEV battery overnight. Level 1 charging isn’t recommended for drivers who are constantly on the road. It’s much better for commuting Lee's Summit drivers. If your EV range is 300 miles, it could take up to three or four days to fully charge the EV from empty. For a PHEV with 25 miles of all-electric range, you could charge the PHEV battery in about 5 to 8 hours.

Level 2 Charging

Level 2 charging adds 12 to 80 miles of range to your EV per hour. Level 2 is great if you plan on using your EV for running errands around town, commuting to work, and traveling long distances in general. You’ll need a professional electrician to install a special Level 2 charging box in your garage, but it’s well worth the investment when you consider the savings on gasoline because electricity is cheaper than gallons of gas. You could fully charge your EV overnight while you sleep in 6 to 10 hours. You’ll also find Level 2 chargers in public.

Level 3 Charging 

Level 3 charging is the fastest of them all, with a charging speed of 3 to 20 miles of range per minute. Level 3 chargers utilize a direct current, whereas Level 1 and Level 2 chargers use an alternating current. Plus, Level 3 charging requires a much higher voltage. Level 3 chargers are only found at special public charging stations. Public chargers cost money, but they are still cheaper than gasoline. They’re also great when you’re on a weekend getaway to your favorite casino, Branson, or Lake of the Ozarks destination. 

Learn More About EV Charging With Aristocrat Motors Lee's Summit

Now that you know about the different types of electric car chargers, we’re more than happy to help you learn more! We have a decent stock of EVs and PHEVs on our lot. Contact us or call for more information. We’re happy to help in any way we can when you want a luxury used vehicle, even one priced under $30K.