Your 2022 Buyers Guide to Electric Vehicle Chargers

Electric vehicles have always been a wise investment, but that’s more true now than ever before. With gas prices skyrocketing, owning a car that’s powered by the electricity already in your home is plain good sense. To keep your electric car running smoothly, make sure to invest in a quality EV charger in 2022.

How Does a EV Charger Work?

Essentially, an EV charger works exactly the same way as anything else plugged into an outlet. It draws power from the outlet or power grid and funnels it into your car. Just like with phone chargers, there are different types of connections, so every charger won’t work with every vehicle.

Different Types of EV Chargers

The standard charger in North America is the J-1772. Unfortunately, “standard” doesn’t mean it’s compatible with every EV.

If you own a Tesla, it can only be charged with Tesla EV chargers. Luckily, as with cell phones, you can buy converters in order to power your Tesla with a Lectron battery charging cable.

After you’ve found the correct connection for your vehicle, there are several choices when it comes to the speed and voltage of your EV charger. Chargers are separated into three levels:

  1. Level One chargers are most similar to a phone charger. They plug into ordinary 120v household outlets, and they’re most likely what came with your vehicle. These are also called “trickle chargers” because they’re the slowest option, taking 30 hours or more to deliver a full charge to an EV (after all, it takes a lot more electricity to power a car than a phone.) 
  2. Level Two chargers plug into 240v outlets, so they’re much more powerful. They’re also called “fast chargers,” as they can deliver full power in one-third of the time. You’ll need an electrician to install a 240v outlet in your garage to use a Level two charger. Many EV owners find this extra expense to be worth it for the charging speed.
  3. Level Three chargers are even faster, but right now they’re only for commercial use. They require more power than the average home can provide. 

Choosing the Right EV Charger

If you only drive around the neighborhood, a Level one charger may perfectly suit your needs. These chargers are inexpensive, easy to use, and don’t require any modifications to your home or garage.

Many drivers prefer a faster charger, however. Because a Level one charger takes so long to deliver a full charge, it’s best to choose Level two if you’re planning on driving more than 30 miles a day.

While Level two is a more expensive option, you’ll be paying for the convenience of a quick charge on your vehicle so it will always be ready to go. A Level two charger can get you 12 miles off of a 30-minute quick charge, while a Level one charger will only manage two miles.

Owning an electric car is smart, but having extra chargers on hand is even smarter. Carefully consider your vehicle, budget, and driving needs when selecting a Lectron battery charging cable for your car.

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