BASICS OF ELECTRIC VEHICLE (EV) CHARGERS

Duffy Electric is here to help you with all aspects of installing an electric vehicle (EV) charger at your home or business. We are familiar with, and have completed many Level 1, Level 2, and fast charger circuits. Here are some details for you to consider.

Electric Vehicle (EV) chargers are designated as Level 1, Level 2, DCFC (Direct Current Fast Charger), or Tesla Superchargers®.

Level 1 chargers generally come with the EV, and plug into a standard 120 volt receptacle. We recommend the receptacle be on a dedicated circuit so circuit breakers do not trip. Level 1 chargers are typically used in residential applications, but can be used anywhere a 120 volt receptacle is available.

Level 2 chargers are purchased separately from the EV, and can be plugged into a 30 amp or 50 amp receptacle. They can also be hardwired, particularly if the circuit is 60 amps or larger. Level 2 chargers can be used in residential or commercial applications.

DCFC or Superchargers, commonly referred to as fast chargers, are only installed in commercial, retail, or roadside locations. Because of the voltage and power requirements, they cannot be connected to residential power. Sometimes they require their own metered service.

The main difference between the different levels and types is charge time. The charge time is usually measured in miles range per hour or minutes of charge.

• The Level 1 EV charger will provide an estimated 3-5 miles of range per hour of charge.
• The Level 2 EV charger will provide an estimated 11-25 miles of range per hour of charge.
• The fast chargers will provide an estimated 3-20 miles of range per minute of charge.

The large variation of miles of charge of the Level 2 and fast charger is they are available in multiple sizes and KW ratings. The higher the KW rating, the faster the charge.

The time it takes to fully charge a vehicle depends on the battery size in each model of EV. The larger the battery, the longer it will take to fully charge.

• A Level 1 can fully charge an EV in 11-20 hours, depending on the EV model.
• A Level 2 can fully charge an EV in 3-13 hours, depending on the EV model.

Generally, a site visit is required to verify the electrical capacity before deciding what KW charger can be installed. The cost of the charger and electrical installation increases with the increase of KW rating. Some properties do not have the capacity to add a large Level 2 or fast charger.

The Level 1 and Level 2 EV chargers can generally be installed without engineered drawings. The fast chargers may require engineered drawings if a new electrical service is required. We can provide an electrical design and budget for most EV chargers. If necessary we can get engineered drawings done, or you can send us engineered drawings and we can provide pricing.

Call us to schedule a site audit and budget for an EV charger installation at your home or business.

We do not sell or provide EV chargers. Call us before purchasing one, so we can verify you have the electrical capacity necessary for the charger.