What’s the difference between Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 EV charging?
If you are looking to buy an EV (or already have one), you will start to think about how to actually charge your new electric vehicle, especially in an apartment or strata building. No doubt, you will then start to try and decipher the various terminology that you will start to encounter. EV charging falls into 3 x main categories or levels, namely:
Level 1 (AC trickle charging)
Level 2 (AC faster charging)
Level 3 (DC fast charging)
So, what’s the difference?
Different levels of Electric Vehicle (EV) charging
Level 1 AC Trickle Charging
Level 1 charging is the most basic and accessible option for EV owners. It involves using a standard 230 volt household socket outlet or GPO, delivering approx 1.8 to 2.3 kW (for a 10A outlet) and up to 3.5kW (for a 15A outlet). This method typically adds about 13 to 25 kilometres of range per hour, making it a slow but steady option for overnight charging for those who drive short distances daily (< 200 km per day). This makes it easy to plug-in at home or potentially at your strata apartment if you have off-street parking.
In Australia, where the average daily commute is around 35 kilometres, Level 1 charging can replenish your vehicle in only a few hours. This easily caters for drivers who don’t need to cover significant distances in a single day (which is the majority). If you don’t want to charge every day, L1 charging would allow you to charge from 20% to 80% in around 15 hours (based on a 60 kWh battery and a 2.3kW charger) and around 10 hours for a 3.5kW charger. For the 3.5kW option, if you plugged in at 10pm, you would have 80% charge by 8am the next morning.
The following table demonstrates the typical charging time for various popular EV models. The table shows the approximate time to charge from 20% to 80% charge for both 2.3kW and 3.5kW L1 trickle charging options.
| Vehicle | Battery Capacity
(kWh) |
Charging Time @2.3 kW (20% to 80%) |
Charging Time @3.5 kW (20% to 80%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai Ioniq 5 | 77.4 | 20.2 hours | 13.3 hours |
| Audi e-tron GT | 93.4 | 24.4 hours | 16.0 hours |
| Mini Cooper EV | 40.7 or 54.2 | 10.6 hours or 14.1 hours | 6.9 hours or 9.3 hours |
| Tesla Model 3 Standard | 50.0 | 13.0 hours | 8.6 hours |
| Tesla Model 3 Long Range | 80.0 | 20.9 hours | 13.7 hours |
| Tesla Model Y Standard | 60.0 | 15.7 hours | 10.3 hours |
| Tesla Model Y Long Range | 75.0 | 19.6 hours | 12.9 hours |
| BYD Atto 3 Standard | 49.8 | 13.1 hours | 8.6 hours |
| BYD Atto 3 Extended | 60.5 | 15.8 hours | 10.4 hours |
| BYD Seal | 61 to 82 | 15.9 to 21.4 hours | 10.4 to 14.0 hours |
Level 2 AC Charging
Level 2 charging offers a speed improvement over Level 1 chargers, delivering between 7 to 22 kW of power through a dedicated charging station. This can add between 40km up to 120 or even 150 kilometers of range per hour, making it popular for cheaper public charging infrastructure. Some people choose to install these chargers at home but they are more expensive and may require switchboard upgrades adding to the cost. These chargers are also more commonly found at workplaces, shopping centres, and other public locations. For the average Australian driver, a Level 2 charger can replenish a day’s worth of driving in just an hour so are a great option to plugin whilst you complete your shopping.
Level 3 DC Fast Charging
Level 3 charging, also known as DC fast charging, is the quickest option, providing 25 to 350 kW of power (not that many cars can accept 350kW). It can add anywhere from 150 to 400 kilometres plus of range per hour making it perfect for long road trips or quick top-ups. These chargers are commonly found along highways and in urban centres, catering to drivers who need to recharge quickly. However, Level 3 chargers have substantial upfront costs for the operator and often cost more per kWh than Level 2 and Level 1 options for the end user. They are best suited for situations where time is of the essence.
Conclusion
Choosing the right EV charging option depends on your driving habits and access to charging infrastructure. Level 1 charging is sufficient for the majority of people and is cost effective (which is why we at ReadySteadyPlug focus on this solution), while Level 2 offers faster charging at home (if cost is not a major issue and existing electrical infrastructure supports it) or in public. For those who frequently travel long distances or need quick top-ups, Level 3 charging provides unparalleled speed. Understanding these options will help you make informed decisions to keep your EV powered and ready for the road.
ReadySteadyPlug focuses on Level 1 chargers within strata complexes as it meets most driver’s needs and is up to 80% cheaper than Level 2 charging solutions.
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