EV Charging FAQ
Provident Electric Answers Your EV Charging Questions
Electric cars (EVs) and hybrid vehicles are becoming a popular choice among drivers, which means that charging stations are more common than ever. If you have questions about EV charging station use, installation, and maintenance, then look no further! Provident Electric is happy to answer the most commonly-asked questions about EV charging in this FAQ.
Where Do Drivers Charge EVs?
There are many places where drivers can charge their EVs, including at home, at work, and in public. Everyone has different daily driving habits, which affects the EV charging locations that work best for them. Let’s go into detail about EV charging locations so you can choose the most convenient and cost-effective option.
- Charging at Home – This is the most common place where people charge their EVs. It’s convenient and allows you to charge your EV for long periods of time, which can be enough for daily driving, depending on your habits.
- Charging in Public – Public charging is a great option for drivers who need to charge their EV while driving long distances. There are many different kinds of public charging stations, some offering faster charging speeds and higher prices than others. Keep in mind that they might require different types of connectors, so it’s best to check into that beforehand if possible.
- Charging at Work – Employers can choose to offer EV charging stations to their employees. This allows the employee to conveniently charge their EV during their shift. Usually, these stations are either lower cost than public charging stations or free.
What Factors Affect Charging Speed?
The connector, outlet, and charging station all play a role in how quickly your EV charges. There are three levels of charging speeds, each with their own pros and cons.
- Level 1 Charging – This charges your EV with a standard wall outlet at 120 volts. It is the slowest option and usually requires tens of hours to fully charge an EV. However, it is typically the most affordable option.
- Level 2 Charging – This is a dependable choice that people often use to charge their EVs at home and in public. It involves plugging your EV into a charging station with a 240 volt outlet, which can fully charge an EV in just a few hours. The electricians at Provident Electric can help you safely install this convenient option in your home.
- Level 3 Charging – These are the fastest EV charging stations, but they are also the most expensive. They can fully charge an EV in an hour or less. However, it’s important to mention that some EVs cannot charge with level 3 charging stations.
What’s the Most Effective Home EV Charging Station?
Level 1 charging and level 2 charging are both effective depending on your driving needs. Level 1 involves plugging your EV into a standard 120 volt outlet, taking tens of hours to fully charge the vehicle. While this is cost effective, it is also very slow, so level 2 options are the more popular choice.
Level 2 chargers require a slightly more complex setup, and they’re sold separately from the EV, but they offer many benefits. The 240 volt outlet can fully charge an EV about three to seven times faster than a level 1 charger. It’s best to have an experienced electrician install this for you.
Contact Provident Electric for Your EV Charging Needs
You can count on the electrical engineers at Provident Electric to safely install your home EV charging station in the Frederick, MD area. In addition to installing the charging station, our skilled team can perform maintenance when needed so it’s always working at full capacity. All you have to do is simply plug your EV in and start charging! Give us a call at 301-690-2227 or contact us to learn more.