Charging hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and all-electric vehicles (EVs) requires plugging into an Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE).
Charging times vary based on how empty the battery is, how much energy it holds, battery type, and the type of charging equipment used. EV Chargers may require power infrastructure upgrades.
There are two residential categories of EV chargers, based on the amount of power the charger can provide:
Level 1 - 120 volt outlet
Plug into a standard 120 volt (V) wall outlet; alternating current (AC) plug up to 15 amperes and 1.8 kW
Requires a dedicated circuit
Portable, does not require installation
Cord is a standard 3-prong household plug with a connector to the vehicle
Slowest charging time between 8 - 20 hours
Standard outlet: NEM 5-15R
Level 2 - 240 volt outlet
Uses 240 volt(V), alternating current (AC) plug up to 80 amperes and 19.2 kW
Requires installation
Most residential level 2 EVSE will operate at lower power, using 30 amperes and deliver 7.2 kW of power
Charging time take 3 - 8 hours and can be done overnight
Most common in US for residential homes and business use
Modern charging equipment and vehicles use a stand connector and plug receptacle based on the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) J1772 standard. Vehicles with this plug receptacle can use any Level 1 or Level 2 EVSE. Major vehicle and charging system manufacturers support this standard, which should eliminate drivers’ concerns about whether their vehicle is compatible with the infrastructure.
In the US, Combined Charging System (CCS) and CHAdeMO are the two standard connector types for Level 3 (DC fast charging) EVSE.
Tesla chargers deviate from these standards, but adapters are available so that Tesla drivers can use standard, non-Tesla connectors.