EV Charging 101 | Consumers Energy

As of: 3:31 PM, 12/20/24

EV Chargers: 3 Different Types & How They Work

Level 1 Charger

A Level 1 Charger uses 120 volts of power and is the slowest way to charge. It comes with most EVs for free as a basic charger for standard outlets. Depending on the EV, it can take more than 24 hours to reach full charge from empty.

More About Level 1 Chargers

Level 2 Charger

A Level 2 charger uses 240 volts of power and charges an EV from empty to full in around 8 hours. Level 2 chargers are available for private home charging and are also found as public charging stations.

More About Level 2 Chargers

Level 3 Charger (DC Fast Charger)

A DC Fast Charger uses between 200 and 600 volts of power and is the fastest way to charge an EV. This charger is only for public charging — not for the home. DC Fast Chargers can typically charge a car from 20% to 80% in around 20-40 minutes.

More About Level 3 Chargers

Find Charging Stations Near You: 2 Go-to Ways

1. Find a Charging Station Online

Want to see what charging stations are in your area? Try our online charger finder, where you can find public Level 2 and DC fast charging stations near you.

Find a Charging Station Near Me

2. Use an App to Find a Charging Station

Need a fast, easy way to find a charger on your phone? We recommend the Plugshare app, which is available for both Android and iOS.

Get the Plugshare App

3 Tips for Making Your Range Last

1. Fast Acceleration Uses More Battery

Just like how maintaining a constant speed can help you get the best mpg for gas-powered cars, the same can be said for an EV. When driving, try to keep a constant speed and avoid quick acceleration.

2. Keep Weather Conditions in Mind

When the weather is hot or cold and you have the heat or AC on, you're using the battery. Try to use your HVAC system as little as possible. EV batteries can also be affected by cold weather, which could cause you to lose up to 12% of your full range.

3. Regenerative Braking Charges Your EV

Here’s the good news: Braking and keeping off the pedal can help charge your battery. As current is created from braking, it generates as electricity to charge your EV. That means the more you brake, the more you will charge your EV.

More Charging Resources

Learn about Charging at Home and on the Road

There’s a difference between how charging works at home and how it works on the road. We’ve broken down everything you should know below.

How Charging at Home Works How Charging on the Road Works

Learn about Charging at Home and on the Road

There’s a difference between how charging works at home and how it works on the road. We’ve broken down everything you should know below.

How Charging at Home Works How Charging on the Road Works

Charging and Road Trip Planning

If you’re planning on doing a road trip with your EV here are two resources you can use for smooth sailing – or should we say smooth driving!

4 Things to Know When Planning for a Road Trip

Charging and Road Trip Planning

If you’re planning on doing a road trip with your EV here are two resources you can use for smooth sailing – or should we say smooth driving!

4 Things to Know When Planning for a Road Trip

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How to Charge at Home

See what home chargers are available and how they work.

About Home Charging

Contact an EV Specialist

Our EV specialists are more than happy to answer your questions.