How Do Electric Car Charging Stations Work?

More and more, you’re probably seeing electric vehicles like the Vollkswagen ID.4 and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles on Indianapolis and Avon streets, along with an influx of public charging stations. How do electric car charging stations work? It’s one of the first questions drivers who are interested in making the shift to an EV want to know. Like gas stations, EV charging stations have a variety of owners, which can also mean a variety of electric vehicle charging station costs. Find out everything you need to know about how electric car charging stations work with Lafayette Volkswagen.

Electric Car Charging Station Types

There are three types of electric car charging stations, and they’re differentiated by how quickly they charge a vehicle’s battery. They are:

Level 1 Charging

Level 1 charging is the slowest method of charging. It requires a cable and a three-prong 120-volt home outlet. Just plug it in and you EV battery will start charging, albeit very slowly. It can take a couple of days to give an EV battery a full charge with this method. You’ll see the impact of the electric car charging station cost on your utility bill.

Level 2 Charging

This is the charging level that most home charging stations provide. You can plug in your EV or PHEV before going to bed and you’ll wake up to a fully-charged battery. These charging stations can generally provide 60-120 miles of charge per 45-minute session. Public Level 2 charging stations are also popping up at workplaces, apartment complexes, and businesses, and are perfect for topping off a battery while you’re out and about in Lafayette.

Level 3 DC Fast Charging

Offered exclusively at public stations, DC Fast Charging stations can generate 200-300 miles of driving from a 30-40 minute charging sessions. These stations are usually in high-traffic areas like shopping centers and restaurants so you can get a full battery while doing your grocery shopping or grabbing lunch.

Electric Car Charging Station Cost

Electric car charging station costs can vary greatly, but two things are generally true: they’re more affordable than buying gasoline, and home charging is the most cost-effective method for recharging an EV battery. At home you’ll pay for refueling on your utility bill.

Most companies that own pubic chargers offer monthly payment plans where you can have a flat rate deducted from your bank account for unlimited charging. Or, you can pay at the charging station with a credit card or payment apps. If you don’t opt for a monthly plan, you can anticipate paying $15-$25 per public Level 2 charging session, or $30-$45 for a full charge on a Level 3 charging station.

Electrify America owns many Level 3 DC Fast Charging stations around the country. When you buy an electric Volkswagen, you get three years of complimentary 30-minute charging sessions at Electrify America charging stations.

What About Road Trips?

The EV charging station infrastructure is still in its infancy, but slated to grow exponentially in the next few years. That means more charging stations on just about every route you take. You can easily plan your road trips with access to charging stations when you need them by using the VW EV Check app.

Learn More About Volkswagen EVs with Lafayette Volkswagen

The Volkswagen EV lineup continues to grow! Are you ready to join the EV lifestyle? Learn about the benefits of electric cars with Lafayette Volkswagen, then visit our VW information hub. We’ll be updating with more article and information about VW EVs as we learn more!