Eugene, OR has a long history of innovation and commitment to eco-friendly practices. More and more people in the area are making the decision to go from a traditional, gas-powered car to an electric vehicle.
Not only has this transition been largely promoted as we become more environmentally conscious, but as gas prices continue to soar to levels we haven’t seen in years, it’s becoming more common for people to invest in an electric vehicle in order to save money. However, one of the most important aspects of owning an electric vehicle is being able to charge your vehicle at your Eugene home. There are three types of EV chargers on the market, and you should know exactly which one is the best fit for you.
Level 1 Chargers
When you purchase your electric vehicle, the dealership will provide you with a Level 1 charger. These chargers are designed to plug straight into one of the 120V outlets that are found in every home. Obviously, some people like this charger option because it’s completely free.
Not only does the dealership provide the charging cord that you need, but you don’t have to worry about any sort of upgrades to your home’s electrical system. However, it’s important to understand that Level 1 chargers are not designed for people who drive their electric vehicles daily. As the slowest of the three charger types, you only get around three to five miles of distance for every hour that you charge your car.
Level 2 Chargers
In virtually every case, people who purchase an electric vehicle contact us to have a Level 2 EV charging station installed at their home. Level 2 chargers are the ideal choice for people who have long work commutes and plan on driving their electric vehicles every day. A single hour of charging can provide up to 80 miles of driving distance.
However, it’s important to note that Level 2 chargers do require an electrical upgrade to your home. While Level 1 chargers rely on 120V outlets, Level 2 chargers require a 240V outlet. Fortunately, our team of professional electricians can install the new outlet and make any upgrades to your electrical panel that is required for your Level 2 EV charging station.
Level 3 Chargers
Finally, Level 3 chargers are the fastest, most high-powered of the group. However, most people don’t have these installed in their homes. Not only is the cost astronomical, but most people simply don’t need the amount of power that these chargers provide. A Level 3 charging station can provide anywhere between three and 20 miles of driving distance per minute! However, these are the chargers that are found at roadside charging stations. These are rarely- if ever, installed at residences.
If you’ve made the decision to drive an electric vehicle, you need access to a charging station at your home. Fortunately, Excel Electric has been installing these stations since they came onto the market. Contact us today to find out how we can serve you.