With electric vehicles becoming increasingly popular and affordable, more and more people are making the switch from petrol or diesel to an electric lifestyle. One of the major concerns for those interested in transitioning to electrics is the availability and cost of installing an EV charging station.
Fortunately for drivers of electric vehicles, there are a wide range of charging station options available that can fit any budget or application. From easy-to-install solutions for the home to more complex networked systems for commercial applications, let’s take a look at the most affordable EV charging station options.
Level 1 Charging Station
The most basic and affordable charging station available is a Level 1 (120V) charging station. This type of charger is designed to simply plug into a standard 120V wall outlet and typically charges at a rate of about 4-5 miles per hour of charging. These charging stations are a great solution for those who are rarely away from home and just need the convenience of being able to charge from the comfort of their garage or covered area.
Not only are Level 1 charging stations the most affordable and easily installable options, but they are also usually the smallest and can conveniently be tucked away. All you need is an available wall outlet and plug in the charger.
Level 2 Charging Station
The Level 2 charging station is maybe the most popular and widely used choice for those transitioning to electric vehicles. This type of charger is designed to be hardwired into a 240V outlet. These chargers provide up to 4 times faster charging than a Level 1 charger and usually provide 20-50 miles of range per hour of charging.
These charging stations are more widely available, more powerful and relatively more affordable than the Level 3 chargers. Many people opt for a Level 2 charging station for their home since it provides faster charging and a solution that works for most mid-range electric vehicles.
Level 3 Fast Charger
Level 3 fast chargers are the most powerful and most expensive option available. This level of charging station is designed to provide ultra-fast charging power and be placed in commercial applications such as shopping centers or malls. Level 3 chargers can generally provide about 60-90 miles of range per hour of charging.
Level 3 charging stations are significantly more expensive than the Level 1 or Level 2 chargers, so they are not as viable of an option for the home. However, many municipalities and local governments have provided incentives to install these chargers freely in certain locations.
Public Charging Stations
And lastly, what better way to eliminate the worries of having to install a charging station in your home than to simply take advantage of the many public charging stations available. Public charging stations are becoming increasingly more common and are even being installed in many places free of charge by many organizations.
Public charging stations are a great, affordable option for those who don’t have the means or space to install a charger, or for those who are just looking for a fast charge while out and about. In addition, there are networks of public chargers available which can be accessed through dedicated apps and open up even more convenience for those transitioning to electric vehicles.
The transition from gasoline powered cars to electric vehicles is now easier than ever before, and with many different charging station options to choose from, anyone can make the switch regardless of their budget or location. So, when it comes to making the switch to an electric vehicle, check out these affordable EV charging station options available.
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