Posted: Jul, 18, 2023 9:12AM ET • 2 min read

The rapid growth of the electric vehicle (EV) market is leading the new era of more sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation. As the demand for EVs continues to rise, it is essential to understand the various smart charging solutions available to optimize the charging process.

This comprehensive guide will explore the three leading EV charging solutions with varying power support levels, speed, and additional value-added features suitable for your business.

Level 1 Charging: Meeting Basic Requirements

Level 1 charging is the simplest and most accessible option, allowing EV owners to charge their vehicles using a standard 120-volt electrical outlet. This charging level is suitable for overnight charging at home or during work hours at the office. Although level 1 charging is the slowest method, typically providing 3-5 miles of range per hour, it is often sufficient for daily commuting needs. However, as EVs become more powerful, level 1 charging is now considered the minimum requirement for businesses, and a level 2 charging solution is recommended for more efficient charging periods.

Level 2 Charging: Accelerating Charging Times

Level 2 charging is a significant step up from level 1, offering faster charging times and higher power levels. This option requires a dedicated 240-volt electrical circuit commonly found in residential settings, commercial parking lots, and public charging stations such as shopping centers. Level 2 chargers can provide up to 25 miles of range per hour, significantly reducing charging times compared to level 1. As of June 28, 2023, Canada has 8,168 level 2 charging station locations, accounting for 84% of the total station locations serving in the country. Overall this charging level is highly preferred by businesses in all sectors.

Level 3 Charging: Rapid Charging On-the-Go

Level 3 charging, also known as DC fast charging, is designed for quickly topping off vehicle batteries on the road. These high-powered chargers are widely seen along highways, gas stations, convenience stores, and short-term parking lots. They can deliver a substantial amount of energy to an EV battery quickly. Level 3 charging utilizes direct current to charge the vehicle's battery directly, bypassing the need for the onboard charger. This allows for faster charging speeds, providing up to 150 miles of range in 30 minutes. With level 3 charging, businesses can minimize wait times and enhance the overall charging experience for EV owners, making it another preferred option for companies with a higher budget for EV solutions.

Features to Upgrade Your EV Charging Solution

In addition to considering the capacity of charging levels, business owners should consider a cloud-based EV charging solution for real-time management and valuable customer data collection. This can include total kilowatt-hours, customer wait time, and station occupancy rate. With customizable pricing features, business owners can maximize revenue by implementing higher peak-time charging rates and enhancing charging efficiency. Technology that is Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) compliant allows for a seamless connection and communication with various charging stations, enabling widespread adoption and efficient charging management. It promotes a competitive market for charging solutions, fostering innovation, and driving the growth of EV charging. A true turnkey EV charging service can benefit any business owner, providing support from infrastructure design and system installation to ongoing authorized support.

With the transition to smart electric vehicles, businesses must understand the different charging solutions available to cater to the increasing demand for EV charging. By embracing smart electric vehicle charging solutions, businesses can contribute to a sustainable future while meeting the evolving needs of their customers.

References

Electric charging and alternative fuelling stations locator. Natural Resources Canada. (2022, June 13). https://natural-resources.canada.ca/energy-efficiency/transportation-alternative-fuels/electric-charging-alternative-fuelling-stationslocator-map/20487#/analyze?country=CA&fuel=ELEC&ev_levels=dc_fast&access=public&access=private

Wiesenfelder, J. (2021, July 26). What is level 1, 2, 3 charging?. Cars.com. https://www.cars.com/articles/what-is-level-1-2-3-charging-437766/