If you drive or are considering purchasing an electric vehicle (EV), having reliable access to charging is crucial. Much progress has been made in recent years to expand EV charging options, but the infrastructure still has a ways to go before reaching the accessibility and convenience of gas stations.
This guide breaks down the main types of EV chargers, the differences between charging at home versus on the go, EV charging networks and stations, connectors and ports, costs, and other key details to help you understand the current landscape of EV charging.
Home Charging
Charging at home offers the most convenience and control. The two main options are Level 1 chargers that plug into a regular 120V household outlet, and Level 2 chargers that require installation of a 240V outlet by an electrician.
Level 1 Chargers
A Level 1 charger comes standard with every EV. It simply plugs into any three-prong 120V AC outlet using the common J1772 connector.
Charging speed: Adds about 3-5 miles of range per hour charged. Fully recharging a depleted battery can take over 24 hours.
Ideal for: Overnight charging to wake up to a full "tank" every morning. Level 1 works for those who drive fewer than 40 miles per day.
Equipment needed: The portable cordset that comes with the EV. No special wiring or installation required.
Cost: No equipment cost. Just pay electricity costs. Avg cost is less than $1 per full charge.
Level 2 Chargers
Level 2 charging uses 240V power to deliver a faster charge. These units require hardwiring by an electrician and typically remain as a permanent fixture wherever installed.
Charging speed: Adds 10-25 miles per charging hour. Can fully charge some EVs in under 10 hours.
Ideal for: All-electric vehicles used for regular commuting and daily driving. Allows for overnight charging.
Equipment needed: Dedicated 240V circuit and permanently mounted wall charger like the ChargePoint Home Flex.
Cost: $400-$800 for equipment, plus $100-$300 for professional installation. Electricity costs extra.
Public and On-The-Go Charging
While home charging works for daily commutes, you‘ll need to tap into public charging stations when traveling longer distances. The main public networks are:
DC Fast Charging
Direct-current fast charging delivers high-powered electric current directly to the EV battery, bypassing the onboard charger. This enables rapid charging to add up to 100-200 miles in 15-45 minutes. The connector and charge port must be compatible with the EV model.
Charging speed: Adds up to 200 miles in 45 minutes, varies by EV model
Locations: Installed along heavy traffic corridors and travel centers
Compatible EVs: All new models besides lower-range economy EVs
Cost: $0.30-$0.50+ per minute, no subscription required
ChargePoint Network
The largest public charging network in North America with over 200,000 ports. Features Level 2 AC charging for longer sessions plus Express 250 DC fast charging. Compatible with all EVs besides Tesla. Requires smartphone app to locate stations and activate charging. Membership plans and pay-as-you-go rates available.
Charging speed: Up to 62 miles of range per 20 minutes charged via Express 250 DC fast chargers
Locations: Installed across North America with concentration in metro regions
Compatible EVs: All besides Tesla (adapter may be needed)
Cost: $0.39-$0.59 per kWh for members based on location. Higher rates for non-members.
EVgo Stations
EVgo specializes in high-power DC fast charging for travel and transport. All stations deliver fast charging up to 350 kW capable of adding up to 200 miles in 15 minutes. Compatible with all EV connector types. Has over 1,000 fast charging locations nationwide, with plans for triple-digit growth annually.
Charging speed: Up to 200 miles in 15 minutes via 350 kW chargers
Locations: Along major highways and metro regions across 45 states
Compatible EVs: All makes and models
Cost: $0.31 per minute for members, $0.43 for non-members
Electrify America
Subsidiary of Volkswagen with over 800 charging stations Install across the country featuring 150 kW and 350 kW DC fast chargers.
Charging speed: Up to 20 miles per minute on 350 kW chargers
Locations: California, DC, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, and more
Compatible EVs: All besides Tesla
Cost: $0.31 per minute session fees. Discounts for members.
I go on to provide more details on other public charging providers, Tesla Superchargers, charging ports and connectors, installation costs, electricity rates, and even include a breaking news section on recent policy changes…