Characteristics of a level 2 charging stations

There are several factors to consider when choosing a charging station, here are some of them.

Power of the charging station

The higher the amperage (A) of a station, the faster you will be able to charge your electric vehicle. Level 2 charging stations have maximum amperage ratings ranging from 7.2 kw (30 amps) to 9.6 kw (40 amps). Our electricians will be able to help you make the right choice for your electric vehicle model.

The technology offered with the charging station

Many models of electric charging stations offer an online portal to access your data usage and manage the settings of your charging station. It is also possible to install a mobile application to control the charging of your vehicle at home, at work or on the road.

A smart charging station for power sharing

If you plan to have more than one electric vehicle, then a smart charging station is the way to go. Smart charging stations allow you to share a circuit (power sharing). More and more manufacturers are now offering this type of charging station.

Charging station for outdoor or indoor use

In Quebec, we must take into account the weather. Heat waves, extreme cold, heavy rain and ice are part of our reality. Some cables become rigid at low temperatures and some charging stations are not waterproof.

Make sure you choose the right model if you want to install it outside. Of course, we can help you choose according to your requirements.

The length of the connection cable

The latest models have a cable connection of 18 to 25 feet. There are even some that go up to 33 feet but there are some that are under 18 feet. The important thing is to make sure you have the proper length between the charging station and where you want to charge your vehicle.

Manufacturer’s warranties

Warranties on Level 2 charging stations are generally three years and cover all components as well as the cables. Most components are designed to last more than 10 years. Some manufacturers offer a network connection that allows you to monitor the status of the charging station remotely and get technical support in real time.

Different types of charging stations can be installed

Residential charging station

Having a charging station at home has several advantages. Any type of car, even an electric car, spends the majority of its time in the parking space. If you have or are thinking of buying an electric car you will realize that this type of charging station can be essential.

Commercial charging station

More and more businesses are installing electric charging stations for their customers or employees. With the number of electric vehicles growing rapidly, the installation of commercial charging stations is a logical option. It also demonstrates an increase in environmental awareness in Quebec.

Condo and building charging station

The installation for condos or apartment buildings is sometimes more complex (accessibility, billing, parking areas, circuit configuration, etc.). However, there are appropriate technical solutions and we can help you carry out this project with the help of your condo association.

The two charging levels for residential charging stations

For residential use, there are two types of charging stations, level 1 or level 2. In addition to the installation and the price, the difference between the two is mainly in the recharging speed of the vehicle.

Level 1 Charging station (120V)*

When you buy an electric vehicle, you receive a portable charger to plug into a standard 120V outlet. This is beneficial because it is accessible and you can find this type of outlet everywhere.

However, it takes longer to recharge than a level 2 charging station.

This allows a vehicle to be recharged at about 6km/h thanks to a dedicated 120V socket. So a total recharge is about 6 to 8 hours for a hybrid vehicle and 11 to 16 hours for an all-electric vehicle.

It is preferable to recharge during the night for example. Although the recharge is slower, it is also gentler on the battery and can therefore increase its longevity.

Level 2 Charging station (240V)

The charging station most often installed in residences allows you to recharge your electric vehicle at about 37 km/h. The total recharging time will therefore be around 3 to 4 hours for an all-electric vehicle with a 30 kWh battery.

You probably already have a level 1 charging station when you purchased your vehicle. However, the main advantage of a level 2 charging station is its ability to charge up to 5 times faster. As a result, you’ll have a peace of mind knowing that your vehicle will be fully charged every morning.

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*It is important to note that frequently used standard 120V outlets must be 20A on a dedicated circuit. In other words, a circuit that only serves this outlet. It is important to check your electrical circuits before using these outlets because they could wear out prematurely and cause major electrical problems.

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