Where Can I Charge My Electric Car?

Electric vehicles are more popular than ever in the Huntersville area, with all the most popular automakers offering a hybrid or electric model in their inventory! EVs used to be niche and hard to find, but these days you can find fully-electric sedans, SUVs, trucks, and even commercial buses. If you’ve bought an EV–or if you’re just looking–you might be wondering about your charging options. Luckily, charging an electric car is easy whether you’re at home or on the go! The team at Modern Nissan of Lake Norman has more details on electric car charging stations in the guide below.

Electric Car Charger Options

Electric car charging stations can roughly be divided into three categories: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3. Levels 1 and 2 are home chargers, while Level 3 (for now) can only be found in public. Each level of charging works a little bit differently, so we’ve outlined everything you need to know below:

1. Domestic Outlet Home Charging (Regular Outlet) (Level 1 Charging):The first and most convenient level of charging can be done using an everyday three-prong outlet! Most new EVs ship with a complimentary Level 1 charger that you can plug into a standard outlet. However, since those outlets are usually powering something much smaller than a car, Level 1 is also the slowest method of charging.
2. Installed Brand-Approved Domestic Charging (Level 2 Charging):Level 2 chargers are the most common type of home electric car charger used around Charlotte. They have to be professionally installed by an electrician, but they offer much faster charging speeds than Level 1. You can typically plug your EV in after dinner and have a full battery ready to go the next morning for your commute!
3. Public Charging/DC Fast Charging (Level 3 Charging): DC fast charging is currently only available in public since they require too much power for a home electric grid. Level 3 fast chargers can often bring your battery up to 80% in as little as half an hour, making it ideal for topping off your vehicle when you’re on the go!

Are Electric Car Charging Stations Free?

The short answer is: it depends. Some public charging stations are free as long as you download a compatible app or become a member–most charging stations are part of larger networks like PlugShare, Electrify America, or Chargeway. Other stations charge you based on the time it takes to charge the vehicle or the number of kilowatt-hours you use to top the battery off. The cost varies depending on a few different factors, like the network and the cost of electricity in your city.

Charge Your Electric Car in Cornelius

If you have any questions about charging your electric car, don’t hesitate to contact our office! You can also stop by our dealership to talk to a member of our team in person – we’re conveniently located near Mooresville.