Terms & Technologies

Battery Charging Modes (Battery Electric Vehicles)

Definition

There are different types of charging modes for battery electric vehicles. The three most prevalent are Level 1, Level 2 and DC fast charging.

  • Level 1 charging uses the regular 120-volt alternating current (AC) found in homes. While this may be the most readily accessible system to use, it takes a significant length of time to recharge a low battery. AC-based systems require the current to be converted to direct current (DC) in order to charge the battery.
  • Level 2 charging uses 240-volt AC current that is available to most homes to power energy-intensive appliances. Having a Level 2 system installed in one’s garage enables overnight recharging in most cases.
  • DC fast charging is available at select charging stations. Using high voltage—and without the need to convert the current from AC—these systems can provide substantial savings in time to obtain the desired charge level.