EV adoption has increased in recent years despite the fact that the first EVs were invented in 1884.
President Biden requires 50% of vehicle sales to be electric. 52% of 1,100 automotive executives surveyed by KPMG in 2021 think this is possible.
Most people's first challenge? Reliable, fast Ev charger installation. This article will compare charging connectors and help you choose an EV connector.
EV chargers
EVs differ despite their lower or zero pollution emissions. Size, shape, charging speed, and configuration affect charging connectors.
EV charging stations work like phone chargers. EVs use a charging station you can install in your garage or outside your home, not a charging box that plugs into any household plug (depending on where you park your car).
After an electrician installs the charging station or plugs it into a voltage-appropriate outlet, just connect your vehicle and wait.
Chargers
Portable and public chargers should be added to your vehicle's standard charger. We separated charger types and functions because not all chargers are compatible. EV charging connectors for your vehicle are listed below.
Level-1 Chargers
Most homes use the 15-amp, 125-volt NEMA 5-15 plug. Refrigerators and washers use the same plug. In energy-efficient public spaces like office parking garages, the NEMA 5-20 is similar.
Level 1 chargers are slowest at 4–5 mph. It works best for those who can plug their car in overnight, drive rarely, and have time. Level 1 chargers are standard on EVs.
L2 Chargers
Level 2 chargers charge fastest. They're usually added to EV purchases or leases.
They charge 20 to 65 miles per hour and require different cords and equipment than Level 1 chargers.
Most North American cars use J1772 plugs (except for Tesla, which uses a proprietary Level 2 plug). J1772 is the SAE-approved Level 2 charger. SAE sets automotive industry standards. Thus, the SAE J1772 charger type.
Tesla chargers use Level 2 connectors. Aftermarket adapters allow Tesla vehicles to charge at many ports.
Recharge
Level 1 and 2 AC charging converts plug energy to vehicle energy. Rapid public charging stations use direct current (DC).
DC fast charging converts vehicle energy into vehicle energy. These fast chargers are larger (like a fuel pump for a gas-powered vehicle).
Rapid chargers have CHAdeMO and CCS connectors. You must match your vehicle's socket.
Rapid charging is fast, but its inconsistent charging patterns can damage your vehicle's charging ability.
CHAdeMO chargers charge 75–150 miles per half-hour. CCS charging rates vary by connector type and watt capacity from 75 to 525 miles per half-hour.
