Charging an EV

By the end of this topic you can

• You can explain the difference between Level 1, Level 2 and DC fast charging.
• You can identify which connector your EV uses and when you need an adapter.
• You can start and finish a public charging session safely.
• You can follow charging etiquette, including moving your car when charging ends.
• You can plan charging stops for a longer drive.

What you need to know and understand

• Level 1 uses a standard 120-volt household outlet and adds only a few miles of range per hour, roughly 5 miles per hour according to the Department of Energy.
• Level 2 uses 240 volts at home or 208 volts at many public sites and adds roughly 25 miles of range per hour, depending on the car.
• DC fast chargers can add around 100 to 200 or more miles in about 30 minutes, depending on the car and how full the battery is.
• Charging slows down as the battery gets fuller, so fast charging is quickest at lower charge levels.
• The J1772 plug is the standard for Level 1 and 2 on most non-Tesla EVs; CCS adds pins for DC fast charging.
• J3400, also known as NACS and based on Tesla's design, is being adopted by many automakers; adapters connect different plugs.
• Parking in an EV charging space without charging is banned in some states and cities; rules vary.

The three ways to charge

A home Level 2 charger needs a suitable 240-volt circuit, which should be installed by a licensed electrician. Never use a damaged cable or a light-duty household extension cord for charging.

• Level 1 (120 volts): plugs into a normal outlet with the cable that often comes with the car. Slow, but fine for short daily commutes when parked overnight.
• Level 2 (240 or 208 volts): a wall-mounted home charger or a public post at workplaces, stores and parking garages. The everyday choice for most owners.
• DC fast charging: high-power stations, usually near highways, for road trips. Best used to get to the next stop rather than to 100 percent.

Using a public charger, step by step

1. Check the app or screen first: is the charger working, which plug does it have, and how do you pay?
2. Park fully in the marked bay without blocking the cable or other spaces, and switch the car to park.
3. Start the session in the app, with a card or by tapping the screen, then plug the connector firmly into the car.
4. Check that the car shows it is charging before you walk away.
5. End the session, unplug, put the cable back on its holder and move the car promptly.

Etiquette and trip planning

Chargers are shared, so treat them like a gas pump, not a parking space. Many networks charge idle fees if you stay plugged in after charging ends. At busy fast chargers, unplug once you have enough to reach your next stop.

For longer trips, use your car's built-in route planner or a charging app to pick stops. Have a backup charger in mind in case the first one is busy or broken, and arrive with a comfortable buffer of charge, especially in cold weather.

Common mistakes

• Assuming every charger fits your car. Check the connector and carry the right adapter.
• Leaving the car in a charging bay after it is full. Move it so others can charge.
• Waiting at a fast charger until 100 percent. Charging slows near full; leave when you have enough.
• Using a household extension cord for Level 1 charging. Plug directly into a suitable outlet.
• Arriving at a charger almost empty with no backup plan. Plan a second option.

Test yourself: Charging an EV

Answer each question, then read the explanation. Questions come in a random order each time.