Through level 1 charging, an empty battery takes 16 to 20 hours on average to charge. Fuller batteries don’t take as long to charge, so plug in as often as you can. Level 1 charging is useful since you can find compatible outlets wherever you go. It’s best for slow charging when you have time to spare, such as when you’re home at night.
Level 2 charging can fill an empty battery within 8 hours on average. It’s the best solution when you’re out on the road or need a faster charge at home. Level 2 chargers come with a lot of additional costs. You will need to buy a charger online or from a home improvement store that carries them, then have an electrician install it.
Check your owner’s manual or call the manufacturer to ensure your car can withstand level 3 charging. Keep in mind that charging stations may charge you a fee to use a level 3 charger. When you’re looking for this type of charging on the road, look for level 3 or 480-volt charging. It may also be listed as DC or DCFC, meaning direct current fast charging. [4] X Research source
Electricity tends to be cheaper during late-night “off-peak” hours. Fewer people use electricity then, so the rates tend to be lower. Look for other opportunities to charge your car when it’s not in use. For instance, see if you can plug into a wall outlet at work. Try asking your boss to install a charging station.
Check the owner’s manual if you’re unsure where your car’s charging port is. It is typically on one side of the car or right underneath its hood. It will be covered by a small door just like the tank nozzle in a gas-powered car. Plug into an outlet with its own dedicated circuit. If anything else in your home is using that electrical line, it could overload and become a fire hazard. Get permission when running the cable from the street or to a rental unit. It needs to be kept out of the way of traffic and other residents in your community. Your local government and your landlord, if you have one, can help with this.
If you don’t have a wall outlet near where you park the car, you can also order a standalone, weather-resistant charging station and have it installed outdoors. Expect to pay another $1,200 to $2,000 on the install. You have to have an electrician wire the charger to a circuit and possibly upgrade your home’s circuit breaker box to handle the electrical load. You will also need to submit a construction application to your local planning department in some areas. Any installer you contract can handle this for you.
You can remove the charging cord before your car finishes charging. It won’t harm anything, but the battery won’t be full and you won’t be able to drive as far before needing a recharge. Keep the level 1 cord with you in case you need it while you’re driving. Some charging stations offer level 1 charging and can serve as a great way to top off your battery.
Keep a reference sheet handy as you plan out your traveling route. Remember how many miles you can get on a full car battery so you don’t get stuck between stations.
Contact the manufacturer or read the owner’s manual to find out what kind of connector your car needs. Level 2 and 3 plugs differ, so choose a station carefully. Use wall outlets at stations for level 1 charging. They work for any car model, but you need to bring your own charger. If you have a Tesla, buy an adapter to connect to level 2 and 3 stations not operated by Tesla. These adapters come with the vehicle, but you can buy more from the manufacturer.
If you need to pay for a membership, expect to pay a $10 to $20 yearly fee. However, most memberships are free but may require you to load your membership card with an initial $10 or $20 to use at charging stations. Some companies allow you to activate charging stations through the app or by calling a number listed on the charger. Having the membership makes the process easier but not 100% necessary. To avoid ending up with a wallet full of membership cards, look for the most accessible stations on your route. Register with the companies you are most likely to frequent.
For example, the Blink network of stations charges $0. 50 to $0. 60 per kilowatt hour in a few U. S. states like Oregon and California. Stations in other areas charge a flat fee of about $7. 00. [13] X Research source Some stations are free to use, but they are rare. The cost is generally set by the property owner, so stations in the same network can have very different fees.
The charging port is the same one you would use at home for level 1 or 2 charging. It is behind a small cover on the front or side of the car. Make sure you have removed the level 1 charger before attempting to plug the machine’s cord in. Charging stations activate when you swipe a membership, credit, or debit card. If that isn’t an option, look for a sign with instructions on activating the machine. Call the phone number you see to start charging your car.
