Plug-in Electric Vehicle Charging: The Details

Can I use any charger?

Not yet. All PEVs can use Level 1 and Level 2 (non-Tesla) chargers. DC fast charging, however, is vehicle-specific and not available for all PEVs. If your PEV has DC fast charging capabilities, it has one of the three types of fast charging ports – CHAdeMO, CCS, or Tesla. Vehicles’ charging ports vary by auto manufacturer, so make sure to check which connector is compatible with your vehicle before charging.

Fortunately, many DC fast charging stations now provide multiple connector options in order to service as many PEVs as possible. You can check if a specific station has your vehicle’s connector in DOE’s Alternative Fuel Data Center’s station locator. Map of available public chargers.

Is my PEV-charging experience similar to filling up my car at a gas station?

In some ways, yes:

• Like a hose to a gas pump, charging a PEV is plugging an electric cord into an outlet/charger.
• Like gas stations, there are public charging stations, where you pull off the road and fill up (i.e., charge).

In other ways, charging a PEV is different:

• No more gas station stops. If you have a home charging option, and typically don’t travel beyond your car’s range, almost all your charging can be done at home.
• Workplace charging is becoming a more common option. Rarely do you have access to a gas pump at your office.
• Fully charging your PEV at a public charging station does take longer than the usual 5-10 minutes spent filling your car at a gas station (see chart above), although you could “top up” at a public station, then finish charging when you get home.
• There are still far more gas stations than public charging stations, so vehicle charging may require a bit more planning when you hit the road with your PEV. This can be accomplished using the built-in route planning software in certain PEVs or using one of multiple apps available for smart phones to guide you through available chargers along your journey.

What does it mean when some chargers list amperage (Amp) and some list kilowatts (kW)?

Amperage (amp) and kilowatts (kW) are two different metrics related to the rate of charging. In general, the higher the amps or kW, the faster a vehicle can charge. However, it’s important to recognize your vehicle’s capabilities and your needs.

• Level 2 chargers are rated between 30-80 amps.^† These are the maximum amounts the charger can provide to a vehicle (an electrician can tell you how many amps your home can support, or if any panel upgrades are needed). PEVs using level 2 chargers require a constant load of electricity, sometimes for hours at a time, so it is important to follow certain safety guidelines. Make sure your electrician follows the National Electrical Code (NEC) “80% rule” for EV charging, meaning that your charger uses no more than 80% of the capacity of the circuit it is attached to. As an example, a 40-amp level 2 charger would require a dedicated 50-amp electrical circuit.
• Every vehicle also has an advertised maximum level 2 charging rate in amps. If you own a PEV with a 30-amp charging limit, it doesn’t benefit from using a charger that can supply 80 amps. Many small and medium vehicles can recharge an entirely empty battery overnight even on lower amp chargers, so it’s important to consider your specific needs before installing a home charger.
• Public DC fast chargers usually advertise their charging speeds in units of kW. This is due to the large amounts of electricity and the varying levels of amps and volts they provide. These chargers generally range between 50 – 350 kW, representing the maximum rate at which they can charge a PEV. Here again, all vehicles have a maximum DC fast charging speed they can accept (determined by the automaker), so a vehicle capable of charging up to 50kW will charge just as quickly if it uses a DC fast charger rated at 150kW or 350kW. For the quickest charging experience on road trips, you generally want to use the DC fast charger with the highest kW rating, up to the maximum charging speed your vehicle can accept.

How do I pay to charge my PEV?

For public charging stations, payment is by credit card at the pump, by a mobile app, or a monthly subscription service. Some vehicles and chargers have a feature called “Plug and Charge” that lets you simply plug in, and it can automatically pay using your linked credit or debit card. Sometimes public charging is even free! If you charge at home, the cost will be included in your monthly electric bill, just like you pay for the electricity use of home appliances.

Can I get reimbursed for installing a charger at home or at my workplace?

There may be federal, state, or utility incentives available for installing a level 2 charger, including required electrical upgrades. Visit DOE’s Alternative Fuels Data Center to search for current incentives for chargers.

Ready to buy an EV charger? Installing an energy efficient, ENERGY STAR certified electric car charger adds to the environmental benefits and cost savings.

How does the cost of charging compare to gasoline?

It depends. The price of gasoline and electricity varies around the country, but it is typically cheaper to charge a PEV than to fill up a gas tank. Fueleconomy.gov’s fuel cost calculator is a great place to compare refueling costs of a plug-in electric vehicle that recharges at home with a gasoline vehicle. The calculator allows you to personalize fuel prices* and driving habits when comparing two vehicles. The results provide fuel cost comparisons by week, month, year, or over 10 years.

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Visit EV Charging: The Basics for information on Level 1, Level 2, and DC Fast Charging.

*Visit U.S. Energy Information Agency website to find your state’s average price for electricity (cents/kWh) and regional gasoline (per gallon) price.

^†In the United States, Level 2 chargers generally provide 240 volts.