Guide On How To Charge Your Electric Car With Charging Stations

Home charging is where most EV owners charge their vehicles, accounting for more than 80% of charging sessions. Understanding the different home charging options is essential for maximizing convenience and efficiency.

Home Charging Options: Level 1 & Level 2 

• Level 1 Charging:
   
  • This is the standard charger that usually comes with your EV. It plugs into a 120-volt outlet, but charges your car slowly—taking about 20 hours to fully charge and providing a range of 200 km.  
    
    

• Level 2 Charging:
   
  • Level 2 chargers require a 240-volt outlet and can charge your EV 3 to 7 times faster, depending on the model. These chargers are generally not included with your EV purchase. All North American Level 2 chargers use the SAE J1772 connector. To explore different SAE J1772 connector models, visit our online store.
    
    

Note: Installing a Level 2 charger may require a licensed electrician. You can find subsidies for these installations in some provinces and states—check the links below for more information:

• British Columbia
• Manitoba
• Quebec
• Northwest Territories
• Yukon

   

  For U.S. residents, consult your local government website.
  
  

Faster Charging:

A Level 2 charger can charge your vehicle 5 to 7 times faster than a Level 1 charger. For plug-in hybrids, it’s about 3 times faster, reducing the need for public charging.

Convenience: 

Charge your EV overnight at home. Simply plug in your car in the evening, and it will be ready by morning. This is especially useful since most EVs have a sufficient range for daily commutes, eliminating the need for public charging.

Cost Savings:

Home charging is more affordable than public charging or gasoline. A typical Canadian EV driver could save up to $2,500 annually on fuel and maintenance. To get the lowest electricity rates, charge during off-peak hours (e.g., 7 PM to 7 AM on weekdays). In Quebec, you can use Hydro-Québec's website to estimate savings. U.S. drivers can compare electricity and gasoline costs to see potential savings.

There are three main charging levels:

• Level 1: Slowest option, usually takes about 20 hours for a full charge.
• Level 2: Common in public stations, providing faster charging (typically 5 to 11 hours for 200 km).
• Level 3 (DCFC): Fastest, offering 80% charge in 15 to 60 minutes depending on your vehicle’s battery capacity.
  
  

Level 1 & 2 Connectors (SAE J1772):

This connector works with all EVs in North America, with an adapter available for Tesla vehicles.

Connector: Port J1772 Level: 2 Compatibility: 100% of electric vehicles Tesla: With adapter

Level 3 Connectors:

• CHAdeMO: Common for DCFC stations, but check compatibility with your EV’s specifications.
• SAE Combo CCS (Combo Charging System): Another standard for fast chargers. Tesla vehicles are generally not compatible with these connectors without an adapter.

Connector: CHAdeMO Level: 3 Compatibility: See your EV’s specifications  Tesla: With adapter

Connector: SAE Combo CCS Level: 3 Compatibility: See your EV’s specifications  Tesla: No

Checking Connector Compatibility:

Before using a public charger, check that the available connectors match your EV’s requirements. Some DCFC stations may only offer CHAdeMO or SAE Combo CCS connectors, so ensure your EV supports the connector type before plugging in.

Tesla-Specific Connectors:

Connector: Tesla HPWC Level: 2 Compatibility: Tesla only Tesla: Yes

Connector: Tesla supercharger Level: 3 Compatibility: Tesla only Tesla: Yes

Wall Outlet for Charging Stations: 

Wall outlet: Nema 515, Nema 520 Level: 1 Compatibility: 100% of EVs, charging station required

Wall outlet: Nema 1450 (RV plug) Level: 2 Compatibility: 100% of EVs, charging station required

Wall outlet: Nema 6-50 Niveau: 2 Compatibility: 100% of EVs, charging station required