Electric vehicle charging station networks have expanded in recent years, but navigating the different types of electric vehicle charging stations can be confusing and overwhelming.
We explain the difference between types 1, 2 and 3 and what they are best used for.
Types of EV Charging Stations
Currently, there are three levels or types of EV charging stations available in the United States, namely Type 1, Type 2, and Type 3.
Type 1 is the slowest of the three, while type 3 can charge an EV’s battery in just an hour, according to HowtoGeek.
Before knowing the difference between the three, it is important that you familiarize yourself with some terms.
EV charging stations are referred to by several names, all of which mean the same thing, which can add to the confusion about which one to choose.
Also Read: 7-Eleven Eyes Installing 500 EV Charging Ports in 250 Locations in North America by End of 2022
For example, a type 2 station is sometimes referred to as a level 2 station. It still has the same power and means the same thing.
The other terms used for charging stations are charging socket, charging plug, charger, charging port and electric vehicle equipment or EVSE.
All these terms mean the same thing. It’s important to look for the type or level of the station you’re in, because that way you’ll know what type of exit it has.
In 2021, both GM and Tesla said they will install 40,000 EV charging stations in the United States, most notably Level 2 charging stations.
The Type 1 Chargers
Type 1 chargers are regular electrical outlets, similar to the ones you would use to plug your phone into. It takes hours to charge an EV’s battery with a type 1 charger, usually about 20 hours from a 120 mile drive.
Type 1 chargers use alternating current and are rated from 1 kW to 7.5 kW. They are also called single-phase plugs and type 1 connectors are standard for electric vehicles made in the United States and Japan.
This type of outlet is considered slow for daily charging of EVs at home. But it could be good for EVs with smaller battery packs, according to Forbes.
The Type 2 Chargers
The type 2 chargers also use alternating current and allow for a faster charging speed due to their increased power.
These chargers can supply up to 240 volts of power and can charge an EV battery five to seven times faster than a type 1 charger.
Type 2 chargers use a different type of plug to plug in than a type 1 charger because they require a connector plug with more wires to carry the extra power.
That plug is called SAE J1772 and is the standard for all electric vehicles manufactured in North America. Many EVs sold today come with a J1772 connector. If not, you can buy one online from the manufacturer.
The Type 3 Chargers
With the type 3 chargers, also called DC fast charging or DCFC chargers, you charge the fastest of all charging stations out there.
They use direct or direct current and require special plugs to connect that differ from the J1772 standard, according to LifeWire.
There are three types of connector plugs that work with type 3 charging stations: CHAdeMO, SAE Combo and Tesla connector.
Related article: EV chargers will be installed on NYC curbsides starting October
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Written by Sophie Webster
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