Are All Electric Car Chargers the Same?

Are you the proud owner of a brand new or pre-owned Ford EV? Do you think you might trade in your current Moose Jaw commuter for a new-to-you electric vehicle? Regardless of your ownership status, you probably already know that EVs need to charge before you can drive them around the Weyburn area. But are all electric car chargers the same? If you purchase a new EV, does that mean you have to purchase a new charger?

Fortunately, you don’t have to because electric car chargers are universal! All EVs require the same standard plug for Level 1 and Level 2 charging, which are the two most common forms of charging. The only form of charging that is exclusive to a specific brand is the Tesla Supercharger. Learn more about the different types of electric car chargers with the team at Capital Ford Lincoln. Then be sure to check out our new vehicle inventory where you can find fuel-efficient EVs!

What Are the Different Types of Electric Car Chargers? 

So, we’ve already covered the question, “Are all electric car chargers the same?” But what are the different types of electric car chargers you can find around Estevan? Drivers will have access to three different types of electric car chargers: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. What distinguishes each charger from the others is the speed at which they can charge vehicles. Here’s a breakdown of the different types of electric car chargers, their charging speeds, and where they’re typically found:

• Level 1 chargers have a charging speed of 4 to 8 kilometres per hour. This form of EV charging uses a 120-volt household outlet, and all EVs can be charged on Level 1 simply by plugging the charging equipment into a standard wall outlet. Because Level 1 charging is the slowest of them all, it’s good for plug-in hybrid vehicles, since they have smaller batteries. Other than that, Level 1 charging isn’t recommended for drivers who are constantly on the road; it’s much better suited for Regina drivers who don’t intend on taking out their EVs very far from home. 
• Level 2 charging can add anywhere from 19 to 32 kilometres to your EV per hour. Level 2 is great if you plan on using your EV for running errands around town, commuting to work, and travelling long distances in general. This type of charging can be installed at your home, at workplaces, or in public places like plazas. If you choose to install a Level 2 charging system at your house, you expect it to charge your vehicle much more quickly than a Level 1 charger. 
• Level 3 charging is the fastest of them all, with a charging speed of 4 to 32 kilometres per minute. Level 3 chargers utilize a direct current, whereas Level 1 and Level 2 chargers use an alternating current. Plus, Level 3 charging requires a much higher voltage, so you typically won’t see these in homes because most residences simply don’t have the power to accommodate them. 

Learn More About EVs with Capital Ford Lincoln

Do you need assistance with deciding which charger is right for your EV, or help to search for the perfect EV for your lifestyle? Contact Capital Ford Lincoln today. When you work with our dealership, not only will you be privy to our exceptional customer service, but you’ll also have access to amazing new and pre-owned vehicle specials where you can find great deals on a wide array of models!