What is Level 2 Charging?
To understand L2 charging, we must first have a basic understanding of Level 1 charging. L1 is simply a plug from the electric vehicle to any 120V outlet. This form of charging is called EVSE or Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment. These are not actual “chargers”, they are an electromechanical device that passes power (and communication) from the electrical panel to the onboard charger in the EV. The time to achieve a full charge can run between 12-30 hours depending on the battery pack and state of charge of the battery.
Level 2 EVSE uses 240V which means it can deliver a meaningful charge in as little as 2- 3 hours but ideally 4 hours – overnight. Most EV drivers purchase a L2 charger and have a 240V circuit installed for the comfort of waking up each day with a fully charged vehicle.
Level 2 Smart Chargers are used where multiple L2 charger will be installed. These chargers and associated cloud network use a form of load management to dynamically provide the right amount of power to each vehicle being charged simultaneously. L2 Smart Chargers are also preferred in applications where power availability is limited.
Level 2 Super Chargers are higher power versions of the above and can charge larger vehicle batteries such as delivery vans and Hummer type SUVs that have larger battery packs. These are commonly used to power Fleet vehicles in workplace applications.
Proper application of the right charger is essential to delivering a successful project and most importantly, a positive customer charging experience. The starting point for proper selection is to first consider the dwell time. Dwell time is the typical amount of time a vehicle will remain parked.
Some of the best applications for L2 besides home charging are parking locations where the EV will be charging for 3-4+ hours or more hours.
• Communities, City/Towns for parking lots, rec. centers, parks.
• Workplace, office parking, commercial and mixed-use parking, corporate employee parking.
• MUD (multi-unit dwelling) apartments and condos > 5 units.
• Hospitality such as hotels, sporting venues, and restaurants
Applications for L2 Charging
To learn more about L2 EVSE, click the logos:
