EV Charger is a charging station for electric vehicles that plugs into a standard power outlet. There are both Level 1 chargers, which plug into a standard 3-prong, 120-volt household outlet, and Level 2 chargers, which plug into a dedicated 240-volt AC circuit for a much faster charge. There are also DC Fast Chargers, which can refuel an empty EV battery in about 30 minutes, and they can be found at some public charging stations and parking lots.
Most EVs come with what is called Level 1 charging equipment, which includes a cord set that plugs into a standard 3-prong, 120-volt outlet for a slow charge. This allows you to add 3-5 miles per hour of range, but isn’t practical for daily driving.
Some EV owners buy a Level 2 charger that connects to a dedicated 240-volt AC circuit in their garage or other parked area, and this can charge the vehicle much faster. It will require some electrical work, however, and will add to your home energy costs.
Smart EV chargers can be programmed to use cheaper off-peak electricity (and some are compatible with solar). Many offer a mobile app that lets the owner review charging sessions, monitor real-time charging, start and stop a charge session, and more. They can even be programmed to allow a utility to remotely control the charger to help manage electricity usage during periods of peak demand. (This is often known as demand response.) EV Charger