Level 1 vs Level 2 Charging: Which is Right For Your Business?
Level 1 and Level 2 charging refer to different levels of electric vehicle (EV) charging speeds and capabilities. The level that is right for your business depends on various factors such as charging speed, cost, installation requirements, and the needs of your customers or employees. In this blog post, we will review the differences in these charging levels and give guidance on which level is best for your business.
Is it better to charge with Level 1 or Level 2?
The decision between Level 1 and Level 2 charging depends on several factors such as charging speed, demand, convenience, and cost:
What is Level 1 EV Charging?
Charging Speed:
Level 1 charging is the slowest EV charging speed, typically delivering around 2 to 5 miles of range per hour of charging. This level of EV charging uses a J1772 charge port and is plugged directly into a standard household outlet. It is suitable for overnight charging, but typically requires 40-50+ hours to charge a battery electric vehicle to 80%. This is far too slow to keep up with daily business operations.
Charging Demand:
Charging demand for businesses utilizing electric vehicles (EVs) can include not only the number of EVs being used but also how frequently they are being driven. Level 1 charging may be good if you have a limited daily driving range, access to charging overnight, or if you only have 1 to 2 EVs. However, if you intend to use your electric vehicles daily, Level 1 EV charging is not going to be able to keep up with your business.
Convenience and Flexibility
Level 1 EV charging is the most easily accessible level of EV charging. Because the EVs typically come with the cord and are charged using a standard electrical outlet, you essentially can charge anywhere there is an outlet. Making Level 1 charging widely available in various locations, including homes, apartment complexes, and some workplaces. Keep in mind to charge sufficiently you are going to need to be at this location for a long time.
Cost
The Level 1 charger is the most affordable option since it utilizes the least amount of energy and comes with the vehicle. There is also no need for installing additional infrastructure or electrical upgrades. If your Level 1 charger needs to be replaced it can cost anywhere from $100 - $400 to purchase a new one.
What is Level 2 EV Charging?
Charging Speed
Level 2 charging provides much faster charging speeds compared to Level 1. It can deliver around 10 to 30 miles of range per hour of charging, depending on the charging station and the electric vehicle's capabilities. This can reduce time and provide more flexibility to charge an EV.
Charging Demand
Level 2 charging is ideal for situations where there is a higher demand for charging, such as public charging stations or locations where multiple electric vehicles need to be charged on time. Still, this charging demand is not enough for most business needs.
Convenience and Flexibility
Level 2 charging stations are a bit more convenient than Level 1 chargers. They are the most common public charging stations and allow for faster charging, but not nearly as much compared to Level 3.
Cost
Level 2 charging is more expensive than the previous level since greater energy is required to meet demand. Level 2 charging stations typically require an electrical grid update to deliver more power as well as larger equipment.
The decision to charge Level 1 vs. Level 2 depends on circumstance and personal preference. For more flexibility, charging demands, and faster time, Level 2 is the better option. Still, both of these levels do not meet business needs compared to Level 3 (DC fast charging) can offer.
What is the difference between Level 1 and Level 2 charging voltage?
Level 1 Charging Voltage
Level 1 charging operates at a voltage of around 110 volts. This is the standard voltage provided by most household electrical outlets in North America, meaning that charging at home is an easy option.
Level 2 Charging Voltage
Level 2 charging operates at a higher voltage of around 210-240 volts. This voltage level requires a dedicated electrical circuit and specific charging equipment, meaning this will take more materials to install a Level 2 charger. The higher voltage of Level 2 charging allows for faster charging times compared to Level 1 charging. However, it's important to note there is the faster option of Level 3 charging available.
Is Level 1 charging bad for battery performance?
No, Level 1 charging is not bad for an electric vehicle's battery. Still, charging speed and duration can impact the battery's long-term health and performance over time. Some factors to consider are:
Charging Speed
Level 1 charging operates at a lower voltage, resulting in a slower charging speed compared to Level 2 charging. Slower charging time can have some advantages for battery health as it generates less heat during the charging process, which is good for long-term battery longevity.
Heat Generation
Heat is one of the factors that can impact the lifespan of an electric vehicle battery. Level 1 charging typically generates less heat than Level 2 charging due to the lower charging current. This makes Level 1 a good charging option for trickle charging, which is used to charge the last 10-20% of an EV battery.
Charging Duration
Level 1 charging is much slower than Level 2 and 3 charging, which means it takes more time to fully charge the battery. While Level 1 charging is unlikely to hurt the battery, extended periods of slow charging may result in the battery remaining at high states of charge for long amounts of time. However, modern EVs contain battery management systems that help to make sure the charging process is not causing damage.
Manufacturer Recommendations
It's always a good idea to review the manufacturer's guidelines and recommendations for charging your specific EV. They can provide specific instructions on charging practices and any ideas to keep in mind for keeping the battery healthy.
Overall, Level 1 charging is safe for EV batteries. Although it may be a safe option for batteries, Level 1 is not a great fit for businesses that need fast and efficient charging. The Level 3 option can be used to charge EVs safely and quickly.
So Is a Level 2 charger worth it?
It's recommended to assess your specific charging needs, driving habits, and budget to determine if a Level 2 charger is worth it for you. Consulting with a qualified charging provider can help you evaluate the costs, installation requirements, and long-term benefits of a Level 2 charger for your specific situation. Level 2 and Level 1 charging have distinct differences that make them useful in different circumstances. Compared to Level 3 (DC fast charging), Level 2 fails to keep up with business operations because of its slower speed, making it not the best option for many.
Using Portable Level 3 Charging with SparkCharge
Level 1 and Level 2 charging lack the speed and accessibility to keep up with necessary business operations. Our Level 3 (portable DC fast charging) provides speedy and time-efficient energy from any location, serving as a modular, immediately deployable, and fast charging service. The Roadie Portable is a quick and easy solution for any company, designed with businesses in mind to remove expensive installations that charging stations require. Level 3 charging with SparkCharge prioritizes efficiency and convenience, something the first two levels fail to match.
Our charging as a service (CaaS)is focused on satisfying all your business needs. CaaS promises 99.9% guaranteed charge readiness, predictable low-cost energy, and compatibility with all EVs on the market. With services curated for both fleets and EV owners/operators, SparkCharge has all your business charging needs handled.