Electric Vehicle sales, otherwise known as EVs, have exploded over the past few years. As more and more automakers add EVs to their lineups it is important that drivers are not only aware of how to charge their vehicles, but also which charging options are available and which one charges the fastest.

What Is The Difference Between Alternating Current (AC) and Direct Current (DC)?

Alternating Current and Direct Current are the two forms of electricity used to power Electric Vehicles.

Alternating Current (AC): receives power from the grid and converts it to Direct Current (DC) by the Electric vehicle’s onboard charger. Once the power is converted, it is then fed into the battery of the vehicle.

Direct Current (DC): is fed directly into the battery of the vehicle as there is no need to use the vehicle’s onboard converter.

What Are The 3 levels Of Charging and How Do They Work?

There are 3 different levels of charging used to power an EV. Each one serves a distinct purpose depending on the driver’s setup and available resources.

Level 1 (L1) – This is when you plug the EV into a standard 120-volt wall outlet. Just like you would when charging your cellphone or plugging in a TV. Level 1 charging provides roughly 2-5 miles of range per hour of charging. So most EVs would need to be plugged in overnight to get around 40 miles of distance. Or be plugged in for 24 hours to get 120 miles of range. Level one charging is the slowest of the 3 options.

Level 2 (L2) – Provides twice the voltage of a L1 charger and needs a 220-volt or 240-volt outlet. Depending on the vehicle and charger available, the Level 2 charger provides around 10-25 miles of charging per hour. This means that if the vehicle is charging at the max of 25 miles per hour, most drivers will be able to get a full charge in just 8 hours. Drivers can have a Level 2 charger professionally installed at their home to make charging their new Hyundai fast and easy.

Level 3 (L3) – This refers to the use of specialized high-power commercial chargers that are typically available at public charging stations. These stations can vary in power but often can charge an EV at the rate of around 20 miles per minute. The fully Electric Hyundai IONIQ 5 for example can charge from 10% to 80% battery in just 18 minutes using the 800V DC charging station.

What Parts Do I Need To Charge My electric Vehicle?

Below are the items you need to charge your vehicle, otherwise known as Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE). The main components are:

Charging Cables

1. Mode 1 – allows you to charge your EV directly from a standard outlet. This method is not advised due to the lack of shock protection against DC currents.
2. Mode 2 – usually provided standard with most EVs. They are designed with an in-cable control and protection device to protect both the wall plug and vehicle from potential damage.
3. Mode 3 – these cables connect your EV to a dedicated charging point like the level 2 chargers that can be installed at home.
4. Mode 4 – These are used specifically for DC charging

Charging Plugs

This is the connector you insert into the socket of your electric vehicle and varies depending on the brand of the vehicle.

Charging Stations

These refer to the Level 2 chargers that can be installed at home or at the office. Or Level 3 commercial chargers that are designated to public charging stations.

Interested In an Electric Vehicle?

There are many benefits that come with driving an Electric Vehicle, but there are even more benefits with driving a new Hyundai IONIQ 5. Drivers of the all-new IONIQ 5 will also receive 2 years of unlimited 30-minute complimentary charging. This is in addition to up to a $7,500 potential federal tax credit.

Fill out the form below to receive more information on the IONIQ 5 and start your journey to driving an all-electric vehicle.