Which EV Charger Is Right For Me?

Electric Vehicles (EVs) are becoming more desirable and accessible for the common family and BC Hydro has created attractive rebates up to $700.00 to sweeten the pot.  There are many variables to consider when purchasing an EV and the charger required to charge your electrical vehicle might be the most important. 

The 3 levels of chargers are:

  • AC Level 1
    • 120V AC, 1-phase
    • 12-16 amps – continuous
    • 1.44 – 1.92 kW 
    • 8 to 10 hours depending on kWh rating of battery
  • AC Level 2
    • 208/240V AC, 1-phase
    • Up to 80 amps continuous
    • Up to 19.2 kW
    • 4 to 6 hours charge time depending on kWh rating of battery
  • DC Level 3  
    • Require a large three phase supply of 200 – 400 A at 208, or 600V
    • Capable of charging many of today’s EVs in 30 minutes or less! Up to 400 kW  480VDC
    • Takes 30 min to get an 80% charge (CHAdeMO type 2 connection style, standard on most non-Tesla EVs)
    • Tesla V3 Supercharger are capable of charging 120 km of range in 5 minutes at 230 kW (Proprietary for Tesla Models only)
    •  CCS Standard 1.0 delivers 500 VDC, 200A, 80 kW max.
    •  CCS Standard 2.0 increased the capabilities to 1000 VDC @ 500 A, overall power  350 kW max. Approximately a full charge in a half hour of charging
    • Ideal for fleets
    • Not every EV can charge with a DC fast charger

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