Definition: EV charging

(Electric Vehicle charging) Level 1 and Level 2 are home charging systems for EV batteries (see chart below). People charge their cars overnight using home chargers, whereas Level 3 commercial charging stations can charge a battery in as quickly as a half hour. Level 3 is called "DC Fast Charging" (DCFC) and "Tesla Supercharging."

Level 3 - DC Fast Charging
Level 3 chargers supply DC directly and bypass the vehicle's AC-to-DC conversion circuit. However, there is controversy over using only Level 3 charging with claims that it lessens battery life. Time will tell.

Charging times vary because the battery technology from every manufacturer is not identical, and the rate of power delivery in public stations varies. As of 2023, there are roughly 50,000 public charging stations to accommodate roughly two million all-electric (EV) and plug-in hybrid electric (PHEV) vehicles. Many new stations are required to handle the surge in EV sales expected in the 2020s. See J1772, NACS, EV batteries, electric vehicle and electric vehicle types.

  NORTH AMERICAN SAE CHARGING TIMES
       (charge to 80% capacity)

 Charger           v = volts
  Level  Venue     p = phase    Time

    1    Home      120v  1p    24-40 hrs.

    2    Home      240v  2p     3-5 hrs.

    3    Public    480v  3p    30-45 mins.

Home Charging

EvoCharge makes a variety of home charging stations for electric vehicles. This EVSE model is a 32-amp station.

Charging on the Road

As of 2023, Tesla has more than 30,000 charging stations in the U.S. The Tesla plug (top) is expected to become the standard for all EVs (see NACS).