Are All Electric Car Chargers the Same?

Do you want to buy an electric car as your next new or used vehicle? These automobiles require charging in order to power you through your Leawood, KS travels. But it’s still cheaper than filling up on gasoline, and gas prices aren’t going down anytime soon. So feel free to look over our selection of Mercedes EQS or Mercedes EQE SUVs. Get ready for lower refueling costs with your purchase. As such, you’ll need to know about the different types of electric car chargers with our handy guide from the staff at Mercedes-Benz of Kansas City South.

Are All Electric Car Chargers The Same in Kansas City?

All electric car chargers are universal with one exception for the Tesla Supercharger! All EVs require the same standard plug for Level 1 and Level 2 charging, which are the two most common forms of charging.

With Level 2, you can charge from home. You’ll need a professional electrician to install a Level 2 charging box in your garage or carport to help make overnight charging faster. You could refuel your entire battery as you sleep.

What Are The Different Types of Electric Car Chargers?

Overland Park, KS drivers, and all EV drivers, have three different types of electric car charger options: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. The speed at which you charge your EV is what differentiates these charging levels from each other. See the different types of electric car chargers, their charging speeds, and where they’re typically found here.

Level 1 Charging for Electric Cars

Level 1 chargers can recharge your EV at a rate of 3 to 5 miles per hour. This form of EV charging uses a 120-volt household outlet. All EVs can be charged on Level 1 simply by plugging the charging equipment into a standard wall outlet in your garage. Because Level 1 charging is the slowest of them all, it’s good for plug-in hybrid vehicles since they have smaller batteries.

Level 1 charging isn’t recommended for drivers who are constantly on the road or for full EVs. It’s much better suited for Stilwell, KS drivers who don’t intend on taking out their EVs or plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV) very far from home.

Level 2 Charging for Electric Cars

Level 2 charging adds 12 to 80 miles per hour to your EV battery. Level 2 is great for running errands around town, commuting to work, and traveling long distances in general. You’ll need a qualified electrician to install a home charger in your garage. You could even take a portable Level 2 charger with you in some cases to plug into an outlet wherever you drive to.

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. This type of charging is completely worth it if you want to embrace this type of charging. Mercedes-Benz highly recommends a ChargePoint Home Flex wallbox for your garage.

Level 3 Charging for Electric Cars

Level 3 charging is the fastest of them all, with a charging speed of 3 to 20 miles per minute. Level 3 chargers utilize a direct current, whereas Level 1 and Level 2 chargers use an alternating current. Level 3 charging requires a much higher voltage, so you typically won’t see these in homes. Residences simply don’t have the power to accommodate DC power. You could charge your EV to 80% capacity in as little as 30 minutes at a public DC Fast Charging station! This is perfect for long road trips away from home.

Learn More About EV Charging in Kansas City With Mercedes-Benz of Kansas City South

Now that you have an answer to whether or not all electric car chargers the same, stop by and take a look at our inventory. If you have any further questions about EV charging, feel free to contact us by email or call (816) 540-1002! We’re happy to answer your questions about EV ownership. While you’re here, look over our manager’s specials to see how much money you could save on a purchase.