Electric Vehicle Charging

Level 1 charging stations are typically provided with an EV purchase and use a J1772 connector. They are rated 120 Volts and can be plugged into a standard NEMA 5-15 household outlet. Level 1 provides the slowest charging time, averaging 5 miles of range per hour of charging.

Level 2 charging stations are the most common type of charging stations in the US and North America, using a J1772 connector. As of 2022, over 85% of public EVSE ports in the US were Level 2. They are rated 240 Volts and charge faster than Level 1, averaging 25 miles of range per 1 hour of charging. Level 2 charging stations are common for homeowners, workplace, and other commercial/public locations.

DC charging stations, often referred to as "Level 3 Charging Stations", use direct-current to provide quick charging.  They use CCS connectors (also known as J1772 combo) and CHAdeMO connectors. They are typically rated 208/480 Volts and charge faster than Level 2, averaging 100-200+ miles of range per 30 minutes of charging (or 200-400+ miles of range per 1 hour of charging) and are common at rest stops, gas stations, shopping malls, and other public locations.

•  AC Charging – AC power is put into the vehicle from a charging station, and then the converter inside the vehicle converts it to DC power.
• DC Charging – the charging station, with a built in convertor, converts AC to DC, and then the vehicle receives DC power directly from the charger, allowing for faster charging.  DC Charging is often referred to as Level 3 Charging

 To estimate your cost of charging at home, multiply your vehicle's kWh/100 miles figure by the electric rate for the time of day you'll most often be charging. That figure will tell the cost per 100 miles.

 Level 2 charging reduces the charge time by up to 5 times versus Level 1 charging. Many customers want a Level 2 charger because it delivers safe, reliable and secure power for electric vehicles. Additionally, Level 2 charging provides the benefit of “topping off” the electric battery in a relatively short period of time.

Call Gron Energy at 512-233-9026 to discuss.

The following list includes important safety features you should think about prior to selecting a Level 2 EV Charging Station:

• Pick an EV Charging Station with the latest industry standards including meeting Underwriter’s Laboratory and National Electric Code Requirements
• Make sure the manufacturer provides additional safety features such as ground monitoring circuitry and over temperature protection.

• Horsepower vs. Kilowatts:
  • Gas-powered vehicles are rated in horsepower, whereas electric motors in EVs are rated in kilowatts.  One kilowatt is one third more powerful than one horsepower
• MPG vs. MPGe.
  • Driving range for gas-powered vehicles are often referred to as miles per gallon (MPG).  The EV equivalent is miles per gallon equivalent and can be used comparatively.

•  Range anxiety is a common pushback against purchasing an Electric Vehicle.  However, as EVs are increasing in popularity, the number of charging stations available is increasing as well.  You can charge your car at home, at work, and at public charging stations to ensure you always have a charged vehicle.  View this map.  Many EVs have an app that helps you find nearby charging stations when you are getting low on battery.
• More EVs are being released that have larger mile ranges to help combat range anxiety.  If you are looking for a longer range vehicle, choose an EV over a hybrid!

 While the popular Tesla Superchargers in public spaces can ONLY charge Tesla vehicles, you can charge your Tesla virtually anywhere, including Leviton stations!  Every Tesla purchase comes with a J1772 adapter that will allow you to use Level 2 stations, and Tesla cars can already accept DC charging stations.

 There are car settings that don’t allow your car to be unplugged if it’s still charging. You can also set it so that others can freely unplug the charger if you reached a full charge or whatever designated charge you have for your car.

 Yes!  Both EVs and EV charging stations meet specific safety ratings and are designed to avoid water intrusion.  Electric current will not flow through the charging cable to the EV until a proper connection has been made.