How Do Electric Car Charging Stations Work?

There’s been quite a conversation in Henrico and across the country regarding electric vehicles. When you turn on the game or the local news, you see tons of advertisements for them. If you’re intrigued by their environmental benefits or their immense performance, you’re probably asking, “How do electric car charging stations work?” 

Switching to electric requires a lifestyle change; this includes moving from the pump to the charging station. If you’re looking for a home solution, the cost of an electric car charging station is something to consider carefully. Thankfully, Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Buick GMC Richmond is here to help! We’ll tell you everything we need to know to make switching to something like the Sierra EV a breeze.

The Types of Electric Car Charging Station

One way to understand how electric car charging stations work is by discerning the different charging levels. First off, there’s Level 1, which is exclusively found at home. It uses a regular electrical outlet, but it will take several days for you to fully charge your vehicle.

Next up is Level 2, which can be found both at home and on the go. If you’re looking through electric car charging station costs, you’re considering a Level 2 charger. When installing a charger like this, consulting an electrician to gauge your household’s electricity needs is critical. You can get a full charge overnight, but if you’re just looking to go around Glen Allen running errands, an hour’s charging will accommodate you.

The best of the three is Level 3 DC Fast Charging. You’ll only find this outside your home, and more and more places are installing fast chargers every day. You can get 200-300 miles of charge in 45 minutes with one of these chargers, meaning you can get an entire week’s worth of charge during a trip to the grocery store.

Electric Car Charging Station Costs: At Home vs. Public Stations

You should know that it’s almost always cheaper to charge at home. When you charge at home, you’re paying the same price per kilowatt-hour that you pay to keep the lights on in Goochland. When you’re on the go, you can expect to pay $15 to $25 to charge an electric car fully when using a Level 2 charger. If you prefer a Level 3 charger, you will likely pay between $30 and $45 to get a full charge.

How About Road Trips?

People often have doubts when they take an electric car on a road trip. How do you get charged on the way to your destination? New fast chargers are rolling out all around the country, meaning with each passing month, a road trip in an EV gets easier. That being said, you’ll need to take more short breaks throughout your road trip for a meal, a bathroom break, or supplies.

Get the EV for You with Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Buick GMC Richmond

We’ve told you how electric car charging stations work. However, if you haven’t experienced how an EV drives, now’s the time to dip your toes in. Rick Hendrick Chevrolet Buick GMC Richmond has electric car experts ready to put your mind at ease as you shop. Our new vehicle specials are waiting for you, as is our finance application. We can’t wait to make your day as you switch to an electric vehicle near Richmond!