Making the switch to an electric vehicle (EV) is a big step for many drivers. It can be good to reduce your carbon footprint, but the transition to an EV or plug-in hybrid can require adapting to some changes – most notably, understanding how to charge your EV.
Proactive charging habits are key when you own an EV. Plan trips and vehicle usage with charging needs in mind and take stock of where charging stations are located on your travel itinerary – whether it’s en route to the grocery store or on a longer road trip. Be sure to stay aware of your battery level so you’re never left scrambling to find a charging station or rushing to power up at the last minute.
When considering an EV, it’s important to understand the different types of chargers available to you, how they work, and their cost. This can help you get the most out of your EV, making your travels safer and more enjoyable.
When charging an electric car or SUV, you’ll first need to determine the type of charging you need. EV charging falls into three different levels, depending on the charger type, voltage, and speed of charge.
How you charge your EV will depend on your time constraints, driving practices, and your access to charging infrastructure.
EV Charging Levels
Level 1 charging is the simplest option for charging an EV because it requires no additional installation. Using a standard 120-volt household outlet for power, Level 1 charging delivers a slow charge—about 2 to 4 miles of range per hour plugged in.
For drivers with a shorter daily commute, plugging into a Level 1 charger each night can ensure sufficient power for daily driving. However, a fully depleted battery pack could take at least 24 hours to replenish on a Level 1 charger. If you regularly take your EV on longer drives, you may want to consider a more powerful recharging option.
EV Charging Levels
Level 2 charging provides a much more powerful and faster charge compared to Level 1. Operating at double the voltage — 240V compared to 120V with a Level 1 charger — and at least triple the amperage, a Level 2 charge is much more powerful. A Level 2 EV charger can deliver anywhere from 12 to 30 miles of range per hour.
Level 2 chargers are frequently found at public charging stations and semi-public stations like those provided at workplaces or hotels. These chargers are also available for home installation, however, a 240-volt circuit may need to be installed to accommodate it. In fact, many EVs come with cords that support Level 2 charging for equipped residences. To prepare your home for Level 2 charging, consult a qualified electrician (or your landlord if you rent).
EV Charging Levels
Direct Current Fast Charging (CFC) stations - also known as DC fast chargers or Level 3 chargers - can charge your battery from 10% to 80% in about 35 minutes, similar to the built-in fast charge capability of the Subaru Solterra. Level 3 is an ideal charging option for taking your EV on a long-distance trip. In the event you need to make a pit stop, a Level 3 charger can help you charge up and get back on the road as soon as possible.
That said, charging an electric vehicle on a DCFC may take more time than fueling up a gasoline-powered car. However, in less than an hour, you may be able to recharge your EV up to 80 percent — plenty to power you through another leg of your journey.
The time it takes to charge an EV depends on the type of charger used and your battery’s capacity. It can take at least 24 hours to charge your vehicle from empty to full when using a Level 1 charger. Using a Level 2 charger, it could take anywhere from a few hours to overnight to fully charge your EV battery. With a Level 3 DC fast charger, you may be able to fully recharge your battery in under 1 hour, depending on your current battery level.
If you plan to charge your EV at home, you may be curious about the type of charger and other equipment you may need. For instance, if you typically only use your EV for shorter daily commutes and running errands, a Level 1 charger may suit your needs perfectly. If so, you’ll only need a standard 120-volt outlet to support your EV charging.
If your driving habits take you off-the-beaten path more frequently, you may need a faster option. Level 2 charging can replenish your battery power significantly faster. If you choose this option, you’ll need to make sure your home is equipped with a dedicated 240-volt electrical circuit, similar to those used for large appliances like washing machines. Enlist the aid of a professional electrician or utility company to install the circuit and ready it for EV charging. If you do not own your home, check with your landlord about installing a charging station. Additionally, depending on the type of charger that comes with your EV, you may need to purchase an adapter to accommodate Level 2 charging.
Once your home is properly equipped, both Level 1 and Level 2 charging can be performed before leaving home. Simply plug in your EV and allow it to charge to roughly 80% so it’s ready for you to take it out again. One important rule to remember is to never use Level 1 or Level 2 chargers with any type of extension cord.
Public charging networks offer access to Level 2 and Level 3 EV charging throughout the country. As more and more drivers make the switch to EVs, these networks and the greater public charging infrastructure must continue to expand to support the many new electric vehicles on the road.
Fortunately, a number of charging station providers have already developed robust networks to build on. Currently, there are 64,201 EV charging stations in operation across the U.S.. To find public stations for charging an EV in your area, simply download a provider’s app or consult the U.S. Department of Energy to view coverage maps online.
EV charging is not cost-free, but it tends to be more affordable than traditional gasoline. Generally speaking, expect to pay somewhere between $0.10 and $0.40 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity used in EV charging depending on type of charger, your location, electricity provider, and other factors. Some electricity providers offer incentives or special rates for home charging, encouraging EV users to plug in during non-peak times to ease demand on the electrical grid.
For EV users, public charging stations present a new type of social situation with its own set of manners and best practices. Consider some of our recommendations for respectful conduct at a public charging station:
The Subaru Solterra is the first of its kind: an all-electric SUV equipped with Symmetrical All-Wheel Drive for a truly outstanding driving experience. To learn more about charging your Solterra or about different options available, explore the Subaru Solterra today!