Charging Stations: Level 1, 2 or 3?

If you own an electric car, a charging station is a must for many reasons. But when it comes to choosing a charging station, there are so many options that you may be unsure which one to choose.

Not only are there a multitude of makes and models to choose from, but there are also three types of charging stations, each designed to meet a specific need.

What should you choose between a Level 1, 2 or 3 charging station? Let’s take a look at the differences.

Level 1 charging station

When you purchase your electric vehicle, you’ll receive a charging station. This is a Level 1 charging station, or what you might call « basic ». It’s not particularly powerful, but you can manage. The Level 1 terminal plugs into a standard 120-volt outlet, and because of its low performance, charging time is rather long. We’re talking about a recharge time of around 20 hours for a range of around 200 km. Depending on your needs, you can get by with this terminal, but it’s not necessarily ideal.

Here’s a visual comparison between Level 1 and Level 2 charging stations.

On the left, a Level 1 charging station. On the right, a Level 2 charging station.

Level 2 charging station

The Level 2 charging station recharges your car much faster than a Level 1 charging station. It must be plugged into a 240-volt socket, which allows you to reach a range of around 200 km in less than 4 hours. In addition to charging speed, Level 2 charging stations offer a number of other advantages. Not only does it allow you to recharge your electric car in the comfort of your own home, but it’s also an economical and safe practice, since installation is carried out by an electrician. What’s more, subsidies are currently available, making the purchase and installation of a Level 2 charging station even more financially attractive.

A Level 2 charging station is the perfect choice for refueling your home, and can power any EV. Since there are now so many home charging stations to choose from, we strongly recommend that you talk to an expert in the field. They’ll be able to help you decide which charging station is best suited to your recharging needs.

In-store and online, we offer a wide selection of home charging stations. We’re proud to offer you the best products on the market, and we invite you to consult our charging station comparison to make a more informed choice.

Level 3 charging station

If you run a business or have a fleet of vehicles, Level 3 charging stations are a must. They enable you to charge more than one vehicle at a time, and very quickly at that. Level 3 charging stations are generally found in public areas. Being the size of a refrigerator, they’re hard to miss! They’re more expensive, but they’re very practical, as they recharge much faster. What’s more, you can also charge your users/visitors for their use.

These kiosks are ideal for businesses or retailers, for example. At BEQ Technology, we offer a wide selection of Level 2 and Level 3 commercial charging stations that will perfectly meet your needs, and those of your users.

In short, your choice of charging station is based on your needs. We’re always available to advise you and help you choose the best product for you, so don’t hesitate to contact us!