How Do Electric Car Charging Stations Work?

Many drivers are familiar with the environmental friendliness and powerful performance of electric vehicles. In order to capitalize on these benefits, you’re likely wondering how electric car charging stations work, and how much of a lifestyle change will be required of you in Niagara should you decide to leave behind your gas-powered vehicle. From the cost of electric car charging stations to locations, Performance Mercedes-Benz covers it all in the following guide.

Electric Car Charging Station Types

How do electric car charging stations work? First, you’ll want to know which type you’ll be using. There are three types of electric car charging models, two of which you’ll find on the road. There’s level 1, which is almost exclusively found at home. This is the same as a standard electrical outlet, and it only provides a few kilometres of charge for each hour of charging. For most electric vehicles available in Niagara-on-the-Lake today, expect to spend more than 24 hours to get a full charge.

However, the models available out in public are much quicker. The slower of the two is level 2, which will typically give you a full charge overnight. However, if you are just looking to top off, most modern EVs can provide somewhere between 97 and 193 kilometres of charge in 45 minutes.

The biggest and best of the three has to be level 3 DC Fast Charging. If you’re looking to get the full charge on a road trip or during your grocery run, this is what you’ll want. In most cases, you’ll be able to get 322-483 kilometres of charge in a 25-30 minute period. These car charging stations are most often found at grocery stores and fast food establishments, so you’ll be able to get a meal or get your groceries done and have a week’s worth of driving ready on average.

Electric Car Charging Ports

There are several different charging ports you’ll have to contend with when it comes to charging your electric car, and they differ based on what model you have and whether you’re going level 2 or level 3.

Level 2 car chargers are all the same if your EV was made after model year 2000. They all have J1772 charging ports. Level 3, on the other hand, that’ll differ. If you have a Tesla, you’ll have a different charging port than all others. However, if you don’t have a Tesla, you’ll have either the CCS (combined charging system, also known as SAE Combo or just Combo) or the CHAdeMO plug. Most Level 3 chargers are designed to accommodate the two common ones, while a Tesla requires you to find a proprietary Tesla charger.

Electric Car Charging Station Cost

If you’re concerned about the cost of a visit to an electric car charging station, you’ll want to know a few things off the bat. For one, it’s almost always cheaper to charge at home. When you charge at home, you’re paying the kilowatt-hour cost that you pay to keep the lights on. This is almost certainly cheaper than filling up on the road.

Some electric car charging stations are free with certain models, but this only applies for a limited time. Don’t expect to have this for the life of your vehicle. You’ll have an app with your vehicle that will direct you to these charging stations in most cases.

If you’re out on the go, you’ll want to consider that charging costs differ between Level 2 and Level 3. Level 2 is cheaper and will typically cost between $1.00 and $2.50/hour to charge the average car fully. Level 3 is more expensive and will typically cost between $15 and $25 to get a full charge in Pelham. This is contingent on daily demand pricing, so charging during peak times will typically cost you a little more.

What About Road Trips?

One thing that gives people trepidation about electric cars is the question of the road trip. How do you get charged as you hit the highway outside of St Catharines? Thankfully, new level 3 chargers are rolling out across the country constantly, meaning you’ll have more and more options to charge your car. One thing that will differ with this new way of road-tripping is that you’ll have to take more short breaks for a meal, the restroom, or for supplies.

Find Your EV with Our Team

Now that you know how electric car charging stations work, it’s time to shop for your EV with a team that’s got your back. Performance Mercedes-Benz has a great selection of electric vehicles just waiting for you to discover. Contact us today and we’ll help you get started. In the meantime, we invite you to apply for financing and learn more about the benefits of electric cars!