The different types of EV charging & what it means for your business

EV owners need access to charging stations to keep their vehicles charged and on the road. This post gives you an overview of the types or levels of EV charging and when businesses should offer each type of charging to cater to different use cases.

Levels of EV Charging:

Level 1 Charging: Level 1 charging involves plugging the EV into a standard household outlet. This type of charging is the slowest, with a maximum charging rate of 1.4 kWh. It is recommended for emergency situations only and not for regular use.

Level 2 Charging: Level 2 charging is the most common charging option for EV owners. It offers a charging rate of 7 kWh to 22 kWh, which is significantly faster than Level 1 charging. Level 2 charging is recommended for daily use and is suitable for EV owners who park their vehicles for several hours at a time, such as at work or home.

Level 3 Charging: Level 3 charging is also known as DC fast charging. It offers a charging rate of 50 kWh to 80 kWh, which is significantly faster than Level 2 charging. Level 3 charging is recommended for certain use-cases, such as long-distance travel, where EV owners need to recharge quickly.

Ultra-fast Charging: Ultra-fast charging, also known as Level 4 charging, offers the fastest charging speeds, with a charging rate of over 100 kWh. It is typically only offered at highway rest stops and is suitable for long-distance travel, where EV owners need to recharge quickly.

When to Offer Each Type of Charging:

Level 2 Charging: Level 2 charging is the minimum that businesses should provide. It is suitable for daily use and is essential for businesses that want to attract EV owners as customers. According to the Electric Vehicle Council, there were over 67,000 EVs registered in Australia by the end of 2022. By providing Level 2 charging, businesses can cater to this growing market and attract new customers.

Level 3 Charging: Businesses that are located near highways or offer long-distance travel services, such as hotels or airports, should consider offering Level 3 charging. According to a study by the Electric Vehicle Council, the most popular EV models in Australia have a range of between 400 and 600 kilometres. By offering Level 3 charging, businesses can cater to the needs of long-distance EV travelers and provide them with a quick and convenient way to recharge their vehicles.

Ultra-fast Charging: Ultra-fast charging is suitable for businesses located at highway rest stops or in remote areas. According to a report by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, ultra-fast charging stations can charge an EV to 80% capacity in just 15 minutes. By offering ultra-fast charging, businesses can provide EV owners with a quick and convenient way to recharge their vehicles, making it easier for them to travel long distances.

Offering EV charging options is becoming increasingly important for businesses, as the number of EVs on the road continues to grow. Level 2 charging is the minimum that businesses should provide, as it is suitable for daily use and essential for attracting EV owners as customers. Level 3 charging is recommended for businesses located near highways or that offer long-distance travel services, while ultra-fast charging is suitable for businesses located at highway rest stops or in remote areas. By offering a range of charging options, businesses can cater to the needs of different EV owners and attract new customers.