You know that an electric Volkswagen vehicle needs to recharge its batteries, but did you know that there are actually different types of electric car charging? There are three different levels of EV charging, each with different speeds and power requirements. Here's what Patrick Volkswagen shoppers need to know when they're looking for their next green car.
Level 1 Charging
This is when an EV is charged using a standard outlet. This is one that you can plug just about any other electronic device into. It can take a long time to charge your car this way because precautions have been taken to ensure that the charging doesn't overload your home's circuit box. Every hour of charging might add two to five miles of range.
Level 2 Charging
This level of charging requires a 240V outlet, one that's usually used for appliances that use a lot of energy. Most public charging stations use level 2 charging as well. You can regain 10 to 25 miles of range for your EV with each hour of charging, so leaving your car overnight should leave you with more than enough range for your commute or errands the next day.
Level 3 Charging
This is sometimes called DC fast charging. You can use this to quickly add charge to your battery via a 480V circuit. In some cases, you could regain as much as 80 percent of your range in under 45 minutes.
These types of chargers can be found on more and more highways and at rest stops, enabling EV drivers to take longer trips without worrying about running out of range. More are sure to be added as EV adoption rates rise.
Find Your Next Green Car at Patrick Volkswagen!
If you're in the market for a new green vehicle, visit our VW dealership serving Worcester, MA. We'll answer any questions that you have about our electric vehicles and upcoming green models. We look forward to assisting you!