What are the different charging types and speeds available?
Level 1 and level 2 charging
An AC charging station supplies AC power to your car's on-board converter, which supplies DC power to the battery.
With Level 1 AC charging, you simply plug the cord that came with your EV into a standard household receptacle. An hour of Level 1 charging will add about four miles of range to your vehicle’s battery.
Level 2 AC charging requires a 240-volt outlet and J1772, Type 1 or Type 2, plug (compatible with most EVs). Level 2 chargers can add 25 to 50 miles of range per hour depending on station amperage and vehicle capabilities.
AC power is supplied from the charging station to the on-board charger,
which supplies DC power to the battery.
DC fast charging
With DC fast, or Level 3, charging, the station itself converts AC power to DC power before delivering it directly to your vehicle’s battery. DC fast chargers can charge vehicles quickly, adding 100+ miles of range in 30 minutes. DC fast charger plugs are SAE Combo (CCS1 in the US. and CCS2 in Europe), CHAdeMO and Tesla (as well as GB/T in China). Check the station details and your EV owner's manual to ensure that the station is compatible with your EV. Not every EV is capable of DC fast charging. If you think you will need a fast charge from time to time, make sure to ask about this option when buying your EV.
The charger is off board the vehicle and supplies DC power directly to the battery.
Tip: You can filter by connector type in the ChargePoint app to find stations that work for your EV.
