Everything You Need to Know About Electric Vehicle Charging 

With fuel prices the way they are, it’s no wonder so many drivers are now considering making the switch to an electric vehicle. However new technology means there’s a whole new way of refueling your vehicle, and that barrier can be enough to give some drivers pause. To help all of the new electric vehicle owners out there, here is everything you need to know about electric vehicle charging.

Multi-Level Charging

When charging your electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle, there are three levels of charging to choose from. Each level has a different rate of charging and can take different amounts of time to fully charge your vehicle’s battery. The levels range from one to three, with Level 1 being the slowest charging and Level 3 being the fastest.

Level 1 chargers can take multiple days to fully charge your vehicle, while Level 2 chargers can cut this charge time in half. Level 3 chargers, on the other hand, can recharge as much as 60% of your vehicle’s battery capacity in only 30 minutes!

Charging At Home

One of the major benefits of driving an electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle is the ability to charge your battery at home. When you purchase an electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle, a Level 1 charging cord will be included with your purchase. This cord will be compatible with any 120V power outlet but, as mentioned above, will take some time to charge your vehicle.

Level 2 chargers are available at home but will require the installation of a charging station or a 240V power outlet. Be sure to consult the Bernard’s Northtown service center for more info regarding installing a charging station!

Finding Local Charging Stations

But what if you’re out and about and your vehicle’s battery requires a top-off? Recent green infrastructure initiatives have increased the number of local public charging stations. Smartphone applications like PlugShare and ChargePoint can navigate you to your nearest charging station and can even tell you if chargers are available or in use before you make the trek.

Did we answer all of your questions? We understand there is a lot to learn before making the leap into driving an electric vehicle, but after doing your homework you’ll find the rewards far outweigh the challenges. Stop by Bernard’s Northtown Chrysler Dodge Jeep® RAM to check out our available selection of hybrid and electric vehicles today!