The level 2 charging station is there to allow your car to be charged daily at home. Using 240V, it offers 6 to 10 times more charging power than level 1 charging stations.
There are several charging stations and the purchase price of the station varies depending on the brand and its features. The different models available are offered at a price between $800 and $1600.
On average, the cost of installing a Level 2 charging station is about $800 for a relatively simple installation done by a certified electrician. The cost of installing a charging station can vary greatly depending on the type of installation chosen, the distance between the station and the electrical panel, as well as the modifications needed to your existing installation.
The charging time depends on several factors, including the capacity of the vehicle's battery. In general, a Level 2 charging station can provide a power of 7.2 kilowatts to 12 kilowatts. Charging an electric car with a Level 2 charging station can take between 4 and 9 hours depending on the battery capacity.
All charging stations are equipped with a Type SACJ1772 connector that is compatible with all electric vehicles in North America.
This is a common question that can elicit different answers. If you want to extend your battery life as much as possible, you can limit the charge to 80% if you usually drive very few kilometers per week. Still, it's important to charge the battery to 100% every once in a while, as that's often when cell balancing occurs. However, if you don't want to complicate your life, charge your electric car to 100%. The battery management system will do the job for you. In the end, you're unlikely to notice a significant difference in your battery life. The important thing is not to leave your electric car 100% charged for too long. If you want to charge your electric vehicle to 100% every day, try scheduling charging to end shortly before your regular departure time. If you drive very few kilometres, it is obvious that charging your car every day is not necessary.
Talking about the lifespan of a charging station seems relatively tricky given that no manufacturer communicates this information enough, if we see the many studies, an electrical device reaches the end of its life after 10 years provided that it is well maintained and that it has been designed with quality components.
If you're thinking of buying a second electric vehicle, buying a smart charging station now could save you money. Smart charging stations make it possible to share electrical power between two vehicles, which is impossible with a charging station without intelligence. Thus, if both vehicles are not used simultaneously, the smart charging station can distribute the electrical power optimally, which can lead to electricity and thus money savings. Therefore, if you own two electric cars or plan to buy a second one in the future, it may be a good idea to invest in a smart charging station now.
