New electric car driver? Want to learn more about charging? Learn some basics.

There are various types of electric vehicles that run on batteries alone or on a combination of batteries and natural gas.

Summary:There are other ways to charge them. There are slow and fast chargers, chargers attached to electric vehicles, household and commercial chargers, chargers that require the vehicle to convert alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) in the battery, and some DC electricity from the start. Below is a short list of the main chargers.

First level charging 

Despite the proliferation of public charging stations, more than 80% of electric vehicle charging is still done at home. Level 1 charging cables and hardware are included with the electric vehicle.

EVSE chargers use about the same amount of power as large electrical appliances such as refrigerators and clothes dryers, so in most cases, complex wiring changes are not required. Level 1 chargers are designed for home use and overnight charging, but it takes an entire day to fully charge the EV. To charge, drivers simply plug the cable into a regular outlet. Level 1 chargers require only 120V and charge the vehicle slowly. This usually adds 4-5 miles of charge per hour.

Second level charging 

Level 2 chargers are much faster, cost more to install, and charge the car at about 25 miles per hour. They are the choice for most businesses, car parks and public garages.

Level 2 chargers are a great option for businesses looking to integrate EVSE as a convenience or subscription service, but many also install them in their home garages.

Level 1 and Level 2 chargers work the same way. Stations charge electric vehicles with alternating or alternating current, which is converted to direct or direct current inside the car to charge the DC batteries.

DC fast chargers 

Fast DC chargers, sometimes referred to as Level 3 chargers, are also popular with businesses, especially truck stops and tourist destinations, whose customers often want to get back on the road quickly.

They don't charge EVs with AC first, but simply convert it to DC in the car. The reason for their speed is that they charge the battery directly from a DC source.

They usually charge the car to more than 80% in about 30 minutes. Plus, they cost about twice as much as second-rate chargers. In some five-star hotels and restaurants, they are used as an addition.

Not all vehicles can use DC fast chargers, but all electric vehicles can use level 2 chargers. Fast chargers cost more than regular electricity bills. In fact, regular use will usually double and shorten battery life.

Tesla superchargers 

Tesla Superchargers are generally as fast or faster than DCFCs but only work with Tesla vehicles. Adapters allow Tesla owners to use other types of chargers.

How do they work 

Level 1 and 2 chargers function the same way. The station charges the electric vehicle with AC current, which is then converted to DC power inside the vehicle to charge the DC battery. Of course, DC fast chargers don't need to convert power inside the vehicle, as they charge directly from DC, hence their name.

There is usually a time limit per charging session with a fast DC charger. This is because charging stops at a faster rate when the car reaches approximately 80%; after charging to 100%, charging is as slow as second-level charging, but the charging speed is the same as fast charging. Not only is a full charge on a fast charger a waste of time and money, but regularly charging to 100% on any charger will shorten battery life. People who use chargers to charge their batteries from 80% to 100% are destroying their own batteries and are unlikely to please those waiting in line to charge. As a result, the service life of the DC fast charger is reasonable.