What is the difference between Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 Charger?

Level 1

chargers are typically included with the purchase of an EV.  It plugs into a standard 120 (v) AC outlet with a power output of 1.3kW to 2.4 k.W.  This power outlet is equivalent to 3-4 KM of EV range per hour in ideal situations. This is the slowest charging rate outlet available. A 10 hour over night charge will add 30KM to 40KM of distance. A full charger for an empty EV battery can take over 24 hours using a level 1 charger.  

Level 2

Level 2 Charger: A Level 2 charger will operate between 208Volt -240 Volt. It is either hard wired or plugged in. There are a variety of different scenarios depending on your circuit breaker, and whether you use a plug or wall box. As each wall box from each car manufacture varies on power output this is just an approximate calculation and will vary based on your wall box. The Power output has been reduced to take into account impedance (the opposition to electrical flow) and length of wire.

• 20 amp circuit breaker plug: Power output is on average 3.5kW
• 20 amp circuit breaker wall charger: Power output is on average 4kW
• 40 amp circuit breaker plug: Power output is on average 7kW.
• 40 amp circuit breaker wall charger: Power output is 8kW
• 50 amp circuit breaker plug: Power output is on average 9kW
• 50 amp circuit breaker wall charger: Power output is 10kW
• 60 amp circuit breaker wall box (can only be on a wall charger): Power output is 11.5kW

Some wall connectors like the tesla are directly wired, some wall connectors like Hyundai can be directly wired or plugged into a Nema 14 (stove plug) or Nema 6 (similar to stove plug but different connection points) receptacle

If you are using a wall chargers box you may not need a Nema Plug, it can be hardwired directly into the wall charger.

A Level 2 charger will operate between 208Volt -240 Volt. This requires a Nema

You cannot rate a stove plug at a stove value. It cannot use stove wiring as it is not de-rated like a stove is. De-rated means that the amperage value expected on the wire is less then the maximum allowed amount.

Level 3

Level 3 Charger: Is 347 volts – 900 volts and uses Direct Current (DC), this is only practical for commercial use. You will find these at dealerships or dc fast charging stations. This is NOT a residential application. A Level 3 charger is typically not possible because the amount of utility work and installation required for a residential location could cost upwards to a million dollars.