Whether you’re considering a BMW all-electric vehicle or you’ve already made the switch to an EV, you might wonder, “Are all electric car chargers the same?” The answer is yes and no. While electric car chargers are universal and use the same plug for both Level 1 and Level 2 chargers, a public charging station operates slightly differently than a home charger. Learn all about the different types of electric car chargers, as well as the benefits of electric vehicles, with the team at BMW of West St Louis below!
So, are all electric car chargers the same? Not exactly. The three different types of electric car chargers are Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. The main difference between them is the speed at which they can charge your car. Let’s go through the basics:
Level 1 chargers have a charging speed of 3 to 5 miles per hour. The most simple and inexpensive way to charge your car, the Level 1 charger uses a standard 120-volt household outlet. However, it’s also the slowest. While it may not the most efficient option for an all-electric car, many plug-in hybrid drivers use Level 1 chargers due to the smaller size of the PHEV battery.
Level 2 charging can add anywhere from 12 to 80 miles to your EV per hour. The most common option for at-home charging, Level 2 charging ports can be professionally installed directly into your garage in Ballwin or Ladue. That means you can easily top off your battery overnight.
Level 3 charging is the fastest of them all, with a charging speed of 3 to 20 miles per minute. That’s because Level 3 chargers utilize a direct current, while Level 1 and Level 2 chargers use an alternating current. Since Level 3 charging requires a much higher voltage, you’ll find these charging stations while out and about in St Louis.
Want to learn more about electric and hybrid models? Visit BMW of West St Louis to get behind the wheel in Manchester. You can contact us anytime with questions!
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