Are All Electric Car Chargers the Same?

If you’re considering an electric vehicle, you probably already know that you’ll have the option to charge up at home or in public, but are all electric car chargers the same? Not quite. We’ve laid out everything you need to know before you change the way you drive through Cary and Raleigh.

Different Types of Charging Stations: The Basics

Before we get into the differences between the various ports and cables on the market today, we want to point out that there are essentially three different ways to charge an EV:

• Level 1 charging is performed with a standard, grounded, 120V household outlet. This method adds just 3 to 5 miles of range per hour.
• Level 2 charging is available at most public charging stations, or via a home-installed charging station with a 240V port. Generally speaking, Level 2 charging can fully recharge an EV overnight, or over the course of several hours.
• Level 3 charging is the rapid refueling on the road. Some EVs can use Level 3 charging to refuel completely in 30 minutes to an hour.

Different Types of Charging Stations: Level 2 Charging

• Virtually all of the Level 2 Charging Stations in the U.S.—including those that you can install at your own home—are required to use a SAE J1772 charging port, also known as a J-plug. ALL Kia EVs are fully compatible with SAE J1772 charging.
• Tesla models use their own Level 2 charging stations, but most come with adapters that allow them to connect to the “universal” J-plug.

Different Types of Charging Stations: Level 3 Charging

• At Level 3/DC Fast Charging stations, you will encounter several different types of electric car chargers. Once we set aside the Tesla Superchargers, you’ll still be left with a choice between CHAdeMO and SAE Combo CCS DC charging ports.
• Electrified Kia vehicles—including the Niro and the EV6—can access Level 3 charging at any station that offers a SAE Combined Charging Connector (CCS) port.
• Most EVs are only compatible with either CHAdeMO and SAE Combo CCS, so you should always check your owner’s manual to be certain.

Learn More About EVs with Hendrick Kia of Cary

Now that you’ve had a chance to get familiar with the different types of charging stations that you’ll encounter in Durham and Apex, you might be convinced that an EV really is the right choice for your needs! Start exploring our inventory of new hybrids and EVs today—or continue your research with our other model feature guides. We’re here to help with any questions that arise along the way.