What are the Best EV Chargers for 2023
As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to gain popularity, the need for charging stations becomes increasingly essential. While charging an EV at home is convenient, public charging stations are necessary for longer trips or when on the go. Several EV chargers are available, and choosing the best one depends on a few factors, such as the EV’s battery capacity, charging speed, and location. This blog post will look at the best EV chargers available.
- Level 1 Chargers:
Level 1 chargers are the most basic and the slowest type of charger. They use a standard 120-volt outlet and can add around 4-5 miles of range per hour of charging time. They are typically provided with the purchase of a new EV and can be used to charge the vehicle at home. However, they are not recommended for public use since they are not equipped with safety features such as ground-fault protection.
- Level 2 Chargers:
Level 2 chargers use a 240-volt outlet and can add around 25-30 miles of range per hour of charging time, making them more practical for public use. They are also commonly installed at homes for faster charging times. Level 2 chargers come in two types: portable and hardwired. Portable Level 2 chargers are easy to move around and can be used in different locations. Hardwired Level 2 chargers, on the other hand, are permanently installed and require a licensed electrician to set them up.
One of the best Level 2 chargers on the market is the ChargePoint Home Flex. It is an intelligent charger that allows users to schedule charging times and monitor energy usage. The charger has a maximum output of 50 amps, adding up to 37 miles of range per hour of charging time. It also comes with a 23-foot charging cable, making charging EVs parked in driveways or garages easy.
- DC Fast Chargers:
DC Fast Chargers, or Level 3 chargers, are the fastest EV chargers available. They use direct current (DC) to charge the vehicle’s battery, bypassing the onboard charger and reducing charging time significantly. DC Fast Chargers can add up to 90 miles of range in just 30 minutes of charging time, making them ideal for long-distance travel. They are also the most expensive and require significant power to operate.
One of the best DC Fast Chargers on the market is the Tesla Supercharger. While it is designed specifically for Tesla vehicles, it is one of the most reliable and efficient fast chargers available. The Supercharger can add up to 170 miles of range in just 30 minutes, making it one of the fastest chargers available. It also has safety features such as automatic shut-off and overcurrent protection.
- Wireless Chargers:
Wireless chargers, or inductive chargers, are a newer type of EV charger that uses wireless technology to charge the vehicle’s battery. They transfer energy through a magnetic field from a charging pad to a receiver on the vehicle’s undercarriage. Wireless chargers are still in the early stages of development and are not yet widely available. They are also slower and less efficient than Level 2 or DC Fast Chargers.
One of the best wireless chargers on the market is the Plugless L2 EV Charger. It is a Level 2 charger that uses wireless technology to charge the vehicle’s battery. The Plugless L2 EV Charger can add up to 25 miles of range per hour of charging time, making it similar in speed to traditional Level 2 chargers. It is also equipped with safety features such as
