As we head into a world of electric cars, charging is the biggest concern for many first-time buyers. It makes sense. While the hype for electric cars themselves is arguably justified, the biggest drawback is the fact that you have to charge them, and right now, that can be a bit of a hassle.
That’s not only because of the fact that you have to wait to charge — but also because of the fact that there are different types of electric car chargers, and you may not be able to charge an electric car with all of those different types. ev charger manufacture
Need a rundown? Here’s a look at the different types of electric car chargers.
There are three primary types of electric car charger speeds. They are often referred to as Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 chargers. Here’s an overview of each type.
Level 1 chargers use a standard 120-volt AC household outlet and provide charging through a vehicle’s onboard charger. They typically deliver 2 to 3 miles of range per hour of charging, making them suitable for overnight charging or for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) with smaller battery capacities. Level 1 charging is the slowest method of charging an electric vehicle (EV) but doesn’t require any special charging equipment beyond the charging cable supplied with the vehicle. If you lose it or want to upgrade, our guide to charging an EV at home includes some options with perks like longer cables and faster charging speeds.
Level 2 chargers use a 240-volt AC power source, similar to what is used for large household appliances like electric dryers. They are significantly faster than Level 1 chargers, providing 10 to 60 miles of range per hour of charging, depending on the vehicle and charger specifications. Level 2 chargers are commonly found in residential, workplace, and public charging stations, which you can find with the best apps for finding car charging stations.
Level 3 chargers, also known as DC Fast Chargers (DCFC) or rapid chargers, provide direct current (DC) charging at much higher power levels than Level 1 or Level 2 chargers. They can charge an EV up to 80% capacity in just 20 to 60 minutes, depending on the vehicle’s battery capacity and the charger’s power output. These chargers are commonly found along highways and in urban areas for longer trips or quick top-ups. If you’re wondering how much it costs to recharge an electric car at one of these stations, it varies significantly, but $20 to $30 is a reasonable estimate for many cars in many situations. Due to the power required, installing one at home isn’t an option.
On top of the different types of charging speeds, there are also different car charger connectors. Here’s a look at the different connector types in North America.
This plug type is primarily used for Level 1 and Level 2 AC charging in North America. It is the standard connector for most electric vehicles (except for Tesla) and charging stations in the United States and Canada. If you have an EV that’s not a Tesla, in North America, it likely supports this charging standard.
The CCS plug is an extension of the SAE J1772 connector, with two additional DC pins for fast charging. CCS is backed by many major automakers, including BMW, Volkswagen, General Motors, Ford, and others. It is becoming the standard for DC fast charging in North America and Europe — so if you have a non-Tesla that supports DC fast charging, like the Kia EV6 GT, it most likely has a CCS connector.
CHAdeMO is a DC fast charging standard developed in Japan and used by several automakers, including Nissan, Mitsubishi, and Kia. The CHAdeMO plug enables rapid charging for compatible electric vehicles, primarily in Japan, the United States, and some European countries. It’s relatively uncommon, which can make it a strike against the few vehicles that use it, like Mitsubishi’s 2023 Outlander PHEV.
Tesla uses its own proprietary connector for both AC and DC charging at its Supercharger network stations and Tesla Destination Chargers. In North America, Tesla vehicles come with this unique connector, while in Europe, they use a modified connector that is compatible with Tesla Superchargers and public charging stations.
Lamborghini provided the first glimpse at its electric future with the Lanzador, an all-electric concept car that previews the Italian automaker's first EV, debuting in 2028. But an electric powertrain isn't the only thing that sets the Lanzador apart from the Lamborghinis of today.
Lamborghini's current lineup includes two-seat mid-engined supercars and the Urus SUV. The Lanzador represents a third body style: the "2+2" grand touring car, with occasional-use rear seats. Lamborghini has built cars like this before, including the Espada, Urraco, and Jarama, but the Lanzador adds a more SUV-like raised ride height, something Lamborghini has already dabbled with in the Huracán Sterrato. That should make tackling steep driveways less perilous than in current Lamborghini supercars, while folding rear seats provide additional cargo space.
SUVs are all the rage. So are EVs. It makes sense, therefore, that the Tesla Model Y is the world's best selling car. But that begs the question -- how much of the Tesla Model Y being so popular is just because of the fact that it's one of the very few large-size electric cars out there?
Well, we're about to find out. A number of electric SUVs have been announced, and many will be released in the very near future. This is far from a list of all the upcoming electric SUVs -- but it is a list of the ones we're most excited about. Lucid Gravity
Acura is a little late to the EV game, but it's found a clever way to catch up. Scheduled to start deliveries next year, the 2024 Acura ZDX is the luxury brand's first EV, mixing Acura design elements and a mostly forgotten name from the brand's recent past with General Motors Ultium hardware.
The original Acura ZDX was one of the first "SUV coupes," combining the tall ride height of a traditional SUV with a low roof that was more form than function. While this subgenre of SUV later took off, the ZDX was not a sales success, lasting only from the 2010 model year to 2013.
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