Electric car charging is easier than you think
You can charge at home or on the road at public charging stations. The cost to charge an EV is the same as the standard residential electric rate, which varies, but is typically less than fuel costs.
Level 1: Standard Wall Outlet (120 Volt)
- Up to 5 miles of range per hour
- No installation required – every EV will come with a standard Level 1 charger that you can drive home and plug into the wall
- Best used for overnight charging and low-mileage daily driving – a good option for plug-in hybrid vehicles because of their smaller batteries
- J1772 connector or Tesla connector (comes with vehicle)
Level 2: 240-Volt Outlet (Dryer Plug)
- Average of 25 miles of range per hour
- Often found in public areas (rest areas, shopping centers, restaurants, etc.)
- Option to purchase and have it installed by a qualified electrician – can be either hardwired or plugged into an existing 240-volt outlet (dryer plug)
- Best for quick charging – can get a full charge from empty overnight (8-10 hours)
- J1772 connector or Tesla connector (comes with vehicle)
DC Fast Charging
- Fastest electric car charging option – provides up to 250 miles of range per hour, depending on the car and charging equipment
- Can charge up to 80% typically in about 20 to 30 minutes
- Used to facilitate longer distance driving or road trips or for a quick recharge
- Most non-Tesla chargers have a CCS/SAE Combo connector
- Tesla DC fast chargers will only work with Tesla vehicles