Summary:
There are 3 EV charging levels currently available. Level 3 Charging (also known as DC Fast Charging) uses direct current to supply electricity directly to the battery, making it faster than Level 2 and 1 which use Alternative Current (AC). The most common charging system for public stations and installed in homes is Level 2 charging. In 2025 and beyond, Tesla Superchargers will open up to specific automakers and more vehicles with wireless charging will debut.
Understanding the 3 EV Charging Systems
Here at Cartelligent we often have clients interested in learning more about electric cars. To help those interested in learning more, we’ve put together this guide to help you understand the 3 EV charging levels. Let’s take a look at what topics we’ll dive into.
- Difference Between AC and DC Charging
- Level 1 Charging
- Level 2 Charging
- Level 3 Charging (DC Fast Charging)
- How Wireless EV Charging Works
- Vehicles Compatible with Tesla Superchargers
- How to Find Charging Stations in California
- Electric Vehicles with Free Charging
The difference between AC and DC Charging
When learning about the various charging options for EVs, you may hear the terms AC and DC thrown around. AC (alternating current) is the electricity you use daily from wall outlets. This type of charging is similar to plugging your phone into a computer’s USB port. The computer (AC) supplies the electricity but the phone has to convert the AC to DC for battery charging.
Compared to DC (direct current), AC takes longer to charge since conversion is needed. DC on the other hand delivers electricity directly to the battery. This makes DC charging faster because instead of taking time to convert the electricity, it can supply it directly to the battery.
Level 1 (AC) Charging:
Between 1.4 kW to 2 kW, Level 1 charging is the most convenient and slowest. No extra installation is required, it plugs directly into a standard wall outlet. This charging level is a good
in-between solution for first-time EV owners planning on upgrading to a Level 2 charger, those with short commutes, or for charging off-street parking.
Cost: $185-220 with no installation. Some may need minimal installation if extending an existing outlet or installing one.
Charging time for PHEV: 5-6 hours*
Charging time for EV: 20+ hours*
Use cases: Home charging, plug-in hybrids, or those who travel 40 miles or less a day
Level 2 (AC) Charging:
Level 2 Charging is typically installed in private homes, workplaces, and public infrastructure. The power output is between 6 kW to 19.2 kW, making it ideal for overnight charging at home or public charging stations when grocery shopping or grabbing lunch.
Cost: $500-$2,000 depending on if a basic set-up or complex installation is required
Charging time for PHEV: 1-2 hours*
Charging time for EV: 4-10 hours*
Use cases: public charging and overnight at home
Check out our guide on ‘How to Prepare for an EV Home Charger.’
Level 3 (DC Fast) Charging:
Level 3 charging, also known as DC Fast Charging, is the fastest charging type currently on the market. With a power output between 50 kW to 350+ kW, it’s faster than other charging types because it supplies currents (DC) straight to the battery.
Charging time for PHEV: N/A
Charging time for EV: Around 20-1 hour*
Use cases: Public charging
Tesla Superchargers fall into this category.
*All charging times listed are estimated averages, actual time will vary based on engine size, vehicle age, temperature, and additional factors.
What is wireless EV charging?
Say good-bye to bulky annoying cables, they might soon be a thing of the past when it comes to EV charging. Major companies have started to build wireless charging prototypes for EVs.
Wireless EV charging works similar to how it works for mobile phones. A conduit runs from a power box to a charging pad on the floor. When an EV parks over the pad, it starts to charge. Energy flows through a magnetic field, enabling a wireless power transfer between the pad and vehicle receiver. Unlike phone charging, you’d have more freedom with positioning since wireless EV charging can transfer power over a large area safely.
According to WiTricity, engineers plan on integrating their technology with the OEM’s to make it easier for drivers to tell when you’re parked over the mat by triggering the front facing camera. But bad news for current EV owners, it appears adding this technology could require a serious retrofit.
Continuously improving technology is one of the reasons why Cartelligent often recommends leasing over buying for EVs. Understanding if you qualify for the Federal Tax Credit and the EV leasing loophole will give you a better pictures of what option fits your lifestyle.
For expert advice, schedule a free consultation with an expert advisor here.
Are Tesla Superchargers compatible with other electric vehicles?
As of right now, there are 3 types of Tesla Superchargers. Tesla-only Superchargers, All EVs superchargers using a Magic Dock adapter, or NACS (North American Charging Standard) Superchargers. As early as Q4 2024 select electric cars, like Ford’s 2025 Mustange Mach-E and 2025 F-150 Lightning, will be equipped with NACS charge ports.
Want to know when NACS-equipped new cars hit the market? Join over 30,000 subscribers who use Cartelligent’s newsletter to stay up to date on all things automotive.
Other automakers joining the list to access Tesla Superchargers include Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Fiat, Ford, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar, Kia, Lexus, Lucid, Mercedes, Mini Cooper, Nissan, Polestar, Porsche, Rivian, Rolls Royce, Subaru, Toyota, Volkswagen, and Volvo.
Most automakers are currently experiencing delays due to Tesla organizational changes, software compatibility, and supply chain issues. When all the issues are ironed out and most automakers adopt the NACS (North American Charging Standard), payment may become more streamlined.
How to easily find charging stations near you
California has over 100,000 public or shared private electric vehicle chargers installed. With a $1.9 billion plan to build a more robust charging network, Californians can expect to see even more stations in the coming years. Apps like PlugShare, ChargeHub, and manufacturers offer an easy way of locating EV charging stations near you.
If you are live or work in San Francisco, check out our guide to EV Charging in San Francisco.
What electric vehicles have free charging?
The electric cars that come with free charging for 2024 include select makes and models from Acura, Audi, BMW, Cadillac, Ford, Genesis, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Toyota, and Volkswagen.
Out of these brands, the best 2024 free charging programs are from Audi, BMW, Cadillac, and Genesis.
Most brands haven’t released 2025 free charging programs yet. One of the ones who have a confirmed free charging for 2025 is BMW. These select models are eligible for up to 1,000 kWh of complimentary charging with Electrify America.
- 2025 BMW i4
- 2025 BMW i5
- 2025 BMW iX
See the full list of vehicles that come with free charging here.
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