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Ruivanda explains the various forms of chargers you have available to you to refill your electric car's batteries. Many types of EV chargers are out there, and it’s crucial to know their differences. By doing this, you will know what charger to choose for your car so that it always has power. Let’s explore the details!
Types Of EV Chargers By Level
Level 1 EV chargers: These are the most basic charger type. They run off a standard wall outlet, like the one you plug your lamp or phone charger into. Because they are slower than other chargers, they can take quite a while to top up your car. In fact, a Level 1 charger can take all night — if not longer — to charge your car. That makes them ideal for people who can charge up overnight when they aren’t using their vehicles.
Level 2 EV Chargers: These chargers are a major upgrade over Level 1 chargers. They use a 240-volt plug, that’s the same kind of plug you might use for your dryer or stove. That is why Level 2 chargers are considerably faster than Level 1 chargers. They’re able to charge your car in just a few hours. That means they are ideal for those who need to replenish their cars' batteries during the working day, while at home or even running errands.
DC Fast Chargers: For the fastest way to fill your car up, DC fast chargers are the way to go. This is the fastest type of charger! They utilize a unique system to rapidly charge your vehicle in a limited timeframe. In fact, there are DC fast chargers that can put juice into your car in as little as 30 minutes! They are typically located on highways and in high-traffic public locations, such as shopping malls and parking lots, where many people might want to charge their cars in a hurry.
What's the Difference?
When Level 1 and Level 2 chargers compared, they are referred to as "slow chargers" due to their time taken to charge your vehicle than DC fast chargers. Level 1 chargers are the slowest type, which means it’s ideal for times when you can let your car charge for awhile without the car having to be driven in-between. Level 2 chargers are the better option if you want to charge your car while you’re busy working or running errands during the day since they will charge your car much faster.
The fastest option is DC fast chargers. These can top up your car in 30 minutes or less! This is great for long drives or when you just need to rapidly charge your car while you take a rest. That said, DC fast chargers tend to be pricier to use than Level 1 and Level 2 chargers. Because of this, they are not always easy to find, and you may not be able to.
Pros & Cons of DC Fast Charging Stations
Good Things:
Fast Charging Times: That means the primary benefit is they can rapidly charge your car, often providing a full charge in half an hour. This is particularly useful when you’re pressed for time.
Good for Long Road Trips: If you are going on a long drive, DC fast chargers can charge your car in the shortest time possible to get you back on the road where you belong.
Consumers Worry Less About RunOut of Battery: The fact that you can charge your car rapidly reduces the fear of running out of battery while driving.
Bad Things:
Costly to Install & Maintain It: Installing and maintaining a DC fast charger comes with a heavy price tag which is a consideration.
Not always readily available: These chargers are not so common that it’s everywhere, meaning you’re going to begin planning your driving out depending on where you may charge
Can Damage the Battery if Not Used Sparingly: If you use them frequently, DC fast chargers could create some wear on your car's battery over time.
The Future of EV Technology
And as more and more people start using EVs and as they become more popular, we would see a lot of new and exciting EV chargers designed. This has led some experts to believe that we will have wireless chargers someday. This would be fantastic as it would allow to charge the car, without having to physically connect it with a wire, thus proving to be more convenient!
Battery swapping is yet another thrillers idea. With that tech, you could easily swap your car's battery with a fully charged one. That way you wouldn’t have to wait for your car to be charged at all! Though still in its infancy with no widespread availability yet, battery swapping may be the answer that makes electric cars truly simple and accessible to all.
Which Charger is Best for You?
Which kind of charger is best for you depends not just on how you drive, but also on your daily life. If most of your driving is local — trips to school or to the grocery store — and you have the ability to charge your car at home overnight, a Level 1 charger may be sufficient. But if you drive longer distances or if you require daytime charging for your car, a Level 2 charger might make more sense for you.
And for those impromptu road trips, a DC fast charger can literally be a lifesaver, allowing you to power up and get back on your way.
Whatever type you end up going for, however, it’s really important to get a good quality charger compatible with your car’s make and model. Ruivanda provides a vast range of EV chargers to select from, and our specialists will always be there to assist you in finding an appropriate one that suits your needs.
Conclusion
To sum it up, It's essential for electric car owners to be aware of the various types of EV chargers. Read on to learn about the differences between Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast chargers, so you can find the right charger for your situation. That way, you can always be sure you have enough power to get where you need to go in your vehicle. So at Ruivanda, we want to ensure you have the best electric car ownership experience possible, and finding quality EV chargers for the platform!
