EV Charging Guide

BMW i3

Hyundai Ioniq

Kia Soul EV

Charging Levels

Level 1

Using a standard wall outlet, any electric vehicle can be charged at around 3 – 5 miles of range gained per hour. Despite this slow speed, around a quarter of the EV population uses Level 1 because outlets are common in garages, and all EVs come with a cord that can let them use it. Think of Level 1 as dial-up internet of yore.

Level 2

Using a 240V outlet (think electric dryer plug), Level 2 steps up the power and delivers 15 – 30 miles an hour of charge. This works well for overnight and workplace charging. This is like broadband internet service in terms of speed.

Level 3 (DC FAST CHARGING)

Using a charging station that charges your vehicle’s battery using DC current at high power allows for fast charging in minutes instead of hours. This is perfect for extending your driving range during road trips and enables those who do not have home charging to have an electric vehicle. This is the revolutionary technology that allows for EVs to truly replace internal combustion engine vehicles. Think of fiber internet – very high speed!

Connector Information

AC Connector Type

Typical Power Ratings

3.7 kw

7 kw

Approx. range /hr charging*

12.5 miles

25 miles

Features

• 5 - pins

• Standard US Connector

• No locking mechanism

• Single Phase only

Typical Power Ratings

3.7 kw

7 kw

22 kw (three phase)

Approx. range /hr charging*

12.5 miles

25 miles

75 miles

Features

• 7 - pins

• By Far the most common connector on new cars

• Inbuilt locking mechanism

• Can carry three phase power

* Assumes 60kWh full battery electric vehicle (BEV).

DC Connector Type (Type 3)

Typical Power Ratings

50 kW

Approx. range /hr charging*

75 miles

Features

• Original DC Connector

• Most common for UK public chargepoints

Typical Power Ratings

50 kW

150 kW**

350 kW

Approx. range /hr charging*

75 miles

225 miles

525 miles

Features

• High Power

• Neat Arrangement with 2 x ‘Type 2’ pins

• Likely to become most popular DC standard

Typical Power Ratings

150 kW

250 kW***

Approx. range /hr charging*

180 miles

500 miles

Features

• Only Tesla Superchargers provide DC via a Type 2 connector

* Assumes 60kWh full battery electric vehicle (BEV).

** A handful of 350kW CCS chargers exist, however it is not yet common place.

*** 250kW Tesla Superchargers are starting to be rolled out.

Charging speeds

Fast Charging

Public charging at retail & business

Time to Full Charge : 20 - 30 min

Charging Speed : 90 - 120 miles / .5 hr

Level 2

Best for work & multifamily

Time to Full Charge : 5 - 6 hrs

Charging Speed : 20 miles / hr

Level 1

Best for homes

Time to Full Charge : 20 hrs

Charging Speed : 4 miles / hr