If you own or are considering purchasing an electric vehicle, you need to prepare for charging.
Unlike traditional vehicles that rely on gasoline, electric vehicles must be recharged for continued use. Owners of electric vehicles have two options when in need of a charge — either install an at-home charging station for overnight use or visit a Public Charging Station.
In this article, we cover the costs of charging an electric vehicle, including both average costs at public stations and installation costs for at-home chargers.
Read on to discover the true cost of electric vehicle charging.
How Much Do Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Cost?
The cost of using electric vehicle (EV) charging stations can vary depending on several factors, including the type of charging station, the location, and the charging network provider.
Generally, there are three main pricing models:
- Pay-per-use charging stations: These stations typically charge users based on the amount of electricity consumed or the duration of the charging session. Prices may be displayed per kilowatt-hour (kWh) or per hour of charging. Rates can vary widely, ranging from a few cents to several dollars per kWh or per hour, depending on the region and the charging station operator.
- Subscription-based models: Subscription models require EV drivers to pay a monthly or annual fee to access charging stations within a particular network. Subscribers often enjoy discounted rates compared to pay-per-use customers.
- Free stations: Some charging stations are provided free of charge by businesses, local governments, or charging network operators as an incentive to promote EV adoption. However, free charging stations may have limited availability and may not always be conveniently located.
EV Charging Installation Cost
For many EV owners, having to wait hours while your vehicle charges at a public station is not a convenient option. Luckily, you can install an at-home charger capable of charging your EV at a fast rate without breaking the bank on this investment.
In general, a Level 2 charger is ideal for high-speed charging at home. The average cost of a residential Level 2 charger installation can range from $1,000 to $1,800, depending on your location.
What are the Three EV Charging Station Types?
Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 EV charging refer to the different levels of charging stations available for electric cars, each providing varying charging speeds and capabilities.
Here’s an overview of each charging station level:
Level 1 EV Charger
Level 1 charging is the simplest form of charging and typically involves using a standard household outlet (120 volts) to charge the vehicle. This method is convenient for overnight charging at home but is the slowest option, providing an average of 2 to 5 miles of range per hour of charging.
Level 1 chargers are inexpensive to install but are not suitable for rapid charging needs. An average Level 1 charger can charge at a rate of roughly four miles per hour.
Level 2 EV Charger
Level 2 charging utilizes either a NEMA 14-50 outlet or a hardwired wall charging unit. These chargers are commonly found in residential settings, workplaces, and public charging stations.
A Level 2 charger provides much faster charging speeds compared to Level 1, offering around 10 to 60 miles of range per hour of charging, depending on the vehicle’s battery capacity and the charger’s power output. Level 2 charging is suitable for daily charging needs and is often used for overnight charging or during extended periods of parking.
Level 3 EV Charger
Level 3 charging, also known as DC fast charging or rapid charging, is the fastest charging option available for electric vehicles. Level 3 chargers utilize direct current (DC) power and can deliver high-voltage electricity directly to the vehicle’s battery, bypassing the vehicle’s onboard charger.
These chargers are available only at Public Charge Stations along highways and major travel routes and cannot be installed for residential or personal use.
Level 3 chargers can provide up to 100 miles of range in as little as 20 to 30 minutes, making them ideal for drivers who need to recharge their vehicles quickly. However, Level 3 chargers are more expensive to install and operate compared to Level 1 and Level 2 chargers.
EV Charging FAQ: Answering Your Top Questions
How do Electric Vehicle Charging Stations work?
EV Charging Stations work by providing a source of electricity to recharge the battery of an electric vehicle. They typically consist of a physical charging unit, also known as a charger or charging station, and are connected to an electrical power supply.
The charging process begins when an EV driver plugs their vehicle into the charging station using a compatible charging cable. The charging station communicates with the EV, ensuring that the correct voltage and current are provided to charge the EV’s battery safely.
How are Electric Vehicle Charging Stations powered?
EV Charging Stations are powered by grid electricity or renewable energy sources such as solar or wind. Grid-connected charging stations draw electricity from the local power grid, while those powered by renewable energy sources generate electricity on-site or purchase renewable energy from utility providers.
What are the requirements for a home installation of an Electric Vehicle Charging Station?
For a home installation of an EV Charging Station, several requirements must be met, such as:
- A dedicated electrical circuit with sufficient capacity to support the charging station
- Adequate space for installation
- Compliance with local building codes and regulations
Additionally, homeowners may need to consider factors such as the type of charging station, charging speed, and compatibility with their EV model.
How often do you need to charge an Electric Vehicle?
The frequency of charging an EV depends on various factors, including the vehicle’s battery size, driving habits, and daily mileage. Most EV owners charge their vehicles at home overnight or during periods of low electricity demand to ensure that their vehicle is fully charged and ready for daily use.
How long does an Electric Vehicle take to charge?
The time it takes to charge an EV varies depending on the charging method, battery capacity, and charging station’s power output. A Level 2 charger — the most common charger found for residential use — can typically charge at a rate of 10 to 60 miles per hour.
Choose Oregon Generators for Your EV Charging Station Installation
If you are planning an at-home EV charge station installation in the Portland area, Oregon Generators is here to help. We provide you with expert consultations and installation services to get your at-home charging station up and running in no time.
Contact Oregon Generators today to get started.
