Are you stuck in and frustrated with the long hours of charging? Different types of charging systems are useful in home and public charging places, especially Level 1 and Level 2 chargers but charging speeds are too slow when compared to EV Charger Level 3 or DC Fast chargers.
Due to the surging awareness of electric vehicles, it’s critical to provide rapid charging solutions like level 3 EV charging to everyone at a fast pace. DC fast chargers are helpful in quick charging and resolving the main obstruction in EV adoption – charging time.
Moreover, potential buyers and current owners of EVs need to know the significance of level 3 EV chargers. Thus, in this article, we will discuss Level 3 EV Charging, its benefits, limitations, cost of installation, level 3 charger at home, and the future of EV level 3 chargers.
What is Level 3 Chargers or DC Fast Chargers?
Electric car manufacturers divided the charging categories into three types level, level 2 and level 3. But, what made the clear distinction between DC fast chargers from level 1 and level 2 is charging speed. Level 3 chargers are the devices that supply AC by converting it from the grid directly to DC.
In other words, at this level charger bypasses the slowest onboarding charger and DC directly reaches the vehicles. DC fast chargers use different charging plugs, the J-plug is not compatible with DC charging. It uses the high voltage of electricity somewhere around 50-500 kilowatts.
Level 3 chargers are mostly beneficial for long trips destinations. At one single charge, the EV goes up to approximately 180-295 miles. You are surprised to know that it takes only 45 to 60 minutes of charging time to fully charge. Another name for an EV level 3 charger is DCFC (Direct current fast charger).
Level 3 Charger at Home
Installing level 3 chargers is not practically possible at home. At-home power supply ranging is 240 Volts but a DC fast charger requires 400 Volts and more to supply charge to electric vehicles.
However, a level 3 charger at home is not feasible but you can use the alternatives for Level 3 chargers at home.
Best Alternatives to EV Charger Level 3 at Home
There are mainly two best alternatives for level 3 chargers at home. The first one is a Level 1 charger and the second one is a Level 2 charger at home.
Level 1 Charger for Home
Level 1 chargers are used in homes because whatever the charging infrastructure facilities are required for the level 1 charger is available at home. Hence you can use a level 1 charger for home but it’s slow, economical and it is useful for fewer commuters people. For detailed information, you can check out the Level 1 EV Charger blog post on our website ChargeEco.
Level 2 Charger for Home
Level 2 chargers are used in public places like any parking hall, outside of supermarkets, college campuses, and apartment complexes they work on 240 Volts of AC. Therefore, you can use a level 2 charger at home with proper safety and set up it with certified technicians. For detailed information, you can check out the Level 2 EV Charger blog post on our website.
How much does a DC Fast charger Cost to Install
With the increasing use of electric vehicles by consumers and the business world the requirement for EV charging infrastructure is increased dramatically. Installation of DC fast chargers and maintenance is too costly a process.
According to Sparkcharge installing Level 3 EVSE costs near about $100000 commercially, and for the mobile charging station it takes around $200000.
The installation of DC fast chargers from planning, getting permits, selecting locations, cables, transformers, technicians costs, and testing is an ongoing process thus it involves a lot of costs and time as well. Its installation is a complex process in itself.
What are the benefits of using level 3 chargers?
There are several advantages of using level 3 chargers or DC fast chargers. The following are the main advantages of using level 3 chargers:
Time-Saving
DC fast charger charges a car’s 80-90% battery in nearly 30-45 minutes. It gives a sense of relaxation with short stops at highways for EV owners and taxi drivers saves enormous time and proves efficient.
Ease in Long trips on Highways
While driving your electric vehicle on the highways sometimes you encounter the problem of recharging your battery vehicle but in the case of level 1 and level 2 chargers, it is a frustrating task to wait long hours so where Level 3 comes into play and proves convenient.
Incorporation with Charging Networks
The integration of giant charging networks in DC fast-charging fields like Tesla superchargers, Electrify America, and EVgo uses the level 3 chargers for fast-charging of electric vehicles.
EV Charger Level 3 Limitations and Compatibility
Where there are numerous benefits of DC fast chargers there are some disadvantages and potential risks for level 3 chargers as well in the EV charging infrastructure space like fast charging is bad for EV battery’s health, high cost of installation, enormous power consumption, and existing into few locations.
DC Fast Charging is Bad for Battery
This question arises because the major disadvantage of level 3 charging is the battery health issue. In DC charging power output is high and vehicles that frequently charge their battery with DC chargers face battery degradation issues in the long term.
To be more precise, EV owners encounter battery degradation issues because of overcharging and overheating of batteries. In addition, potential risks are also associated with level 3 EV charging or DC fast charging like faulty wiring and other safety hazards.
Level 3 Charger High Cost of Installation
Level 3 charging comes with a high cost of installation and maintenance costs because level 3 chargers use high-powered electrical systems, special kinds of hardwired are used and also special equipment is required.
Hence, it has higher installation and maintenance costs as compared to Level 1 and Level 2 chargers. Individuals who do not have substantial resources cannot afford its installation and maintenance costs.
In addition, there are also potential risks as well like its wiring and other infrastructure in some areas and its technology is not accessible and is so complex that it uses a high power supply system.
Enormous Power Consumption
Level 3 EV charging requires enormous power consumption which puts more pressure on the electric grid and it also demands huge power consumption. Apart from this it also requires more charging, cables, and installation of transformers.
As a result of this, voltage fluctuation is seen in some areas as well, and due to overheating electric vehicles sometimes burn with fire. This is the potential risk associated with excessive power consumption and penetrating funds involved in the transformers installation and cables costs etc.
Level 3 EVSE Compatibility
Level 3 EV Charging is compatible with these types of connectors such as the Tesla Supercharger, CHAdeMO and CCS(Combined charging system), and J1772 with extra pins.
Tesla Supercharger
Tesla Supercharger is used in level 3 charging but for especially Tesla brand cars only. Any other type of charger is not compatible with the Tesla cars.
JI772
All the electric cars run in the United States of America are compatible with JI772 connectors charged with the level 3 charger.
CHAdeMO
CHAdeMO is used by the Asia-based manufacturing Enterprises which is compatible with Level 3 chargers.
CCS
CCS types of connectors are mostly used by the charging stations which are compatible with Level 3 Charging.
Future of EV Charger Level 3
Despite having high installation cost issues, high service, and maintenance costs, and complex mechanisms future of level 3 chargers or DC fast chargers would be brighter. Several states and federal governments took various initiatives to help level 3 charger installation costs.
In other words, research is ongoing, and with government-subsidized help, upcoming innovations whatever the issues related to the contemporary days existed in the EV level 3 chargers would be overcome.
Bottom Line
EV charger level 3 or DC fast chargers are mostly used in charging stations and there are several benefits and limitations of level 3 charging. Due to high installation, maintenance, and complex mechanisms, it is not feasible to use it at home.
Although, state and federal governments are providing subsidies and benefits to the installation of level 3 chargers. In the end, ongoing research and innovation bring advancements in level 3 charging in the upcoming future.
FAQ
What is level 3 EV charging?
Level 3 EV charging is the DC fast charger which charges the car 50-500 Kilowhats charging rate and it is used with the extra pins in the sockets.
How does DC Fast Charging Work?
DC fast charging is a method of charging an EV in this method AC is directly converted from the grid to the charger and then supply it in the EV battery.
Is DC fast charging bad for EV batteries?
Yes, DC fast charging has several negative issues on battery health if the EV is charged frequently chances of battery degradation and other potential risks like short circuits in the wire and overheating may be seen.
Can we use the J1772 as a DC fast charger?
Yes, you can use the J1772 CCS Combo coupler model of EV charger for DC fast charging.
Why is DC Charging Faster than AC?
DC charging is faster than AC charging because it provides direct current to the car battery instead of converting by a converter.
Does Tesla use a DC Fast Charger?
Yes, Tesla uses its own DC fast charger for charging the car but Tesla also uses adapters to charge Tesla from other types of chargers.
