A switch to an electric vehicle (EV) is fun. You just took the keys to your new car and drove home. It is a super-quiet, environmentally friendlier, and laden with futuristic technologies. And then reality kicks in: how is it actually charged? Unlike gas cars, there is no one-size-fits-all playbook for EVs; they can be charged by understanding outlets, connectors, speeds, and networks. Do not worry, however. This step by step guide will take you through all you need to know.
Step 1: Get Familiar with Your EV’s Charging Port
Every EV may have a charging port; however, not all ports might look similar. Level 1 and Level 2 charging in North America uses the J1772 socket as standard and DC fast charging is performed by CCS (Combined Charging System). Tesla owners have their own proprietary plug, but these days, a lot of the newer models are CCS-compatible.
Of the charging port, think about the charging slot of your smart phone, it also specifies what cables and charging station you can utilize. The good nugget? Virtually all charging stations come with the appropriate cable installed, so you should have to bring little more than your adapter (assuming you require one).
Step 2: Charging at Home – The Easiest Starting Point
Most new EV owners charge at home because it’s convenient and usually the cheapest option. You have two main methods:
Level 1 Charging (Standard Outlet)
- What it is: Plugging into a normal household 120-volt outlet.
- How fast: Adds about 3–5 miles of range per hour.
- Best for: Drivers with short daily commutes or those who prefer overnight charging.
Level 1 is the “slow but steady” approach. It won’t work if you need to replenish your battery quickly, but for many people, plugging in every night works just fine.
Ready to make home charging effortless? Explore our residential Level 2 EV chargers for faster, safer charging right in your garage.
Level 2 Charging (240-Volt Outlet)
- What it is: A dedicated 240-volt outlet or home charging station installed by an electrician.
- How fast: Adds 20–40 miles of range per hour.
- Best for: Daily drivers who want faster overnight charging.
Most EV owners eventually upgrade to a Level 2 setup—it’s the sweet spot between speed, convenience, and affordability.
Pro Tip: Some utilities offer rebates or discounted rates for installing a home charger. Check with your local power company before buying equipment.
Step 3: Public Charging – Power on the Go
When you are out of the home, public charging will keep you on the road. Such stations differ in terms of speed and their existence, which is useful to know:
Level 2 Public Charging
Occurs at working places, parking garages, commercial malls, and hotels.
- It is good to top up when on a job, shopping, or eating out.
- Charging time: Several hours to get a slurp.
DC Fast Charging
- Located near highways and over large metropolitan areas.
- Gives you 60-100+ miles in 20-30 min, depending on what EV you are driving.
Used most when on a trip or when you start to run out of range.
DC fast charging is the car equivalent of gas stations in the EV world, only it takes you 20-40 minutes instead of 5, as long as you give it a full charge based on your battery capacity and how fast it can charge you.
Step 4: Apps and Networks You’ll Rely On
Unlike gas stations, EV chargers are spread across multiple networks. Some of the most popular include:
- ChargePoint
- Electrify America
- EVgo
- Tesla Supercharger network (now increasingly open to non-Tesla drivers)
Download their apps to:
- Find nearby charging stations.
- Check availability before driving there.
- Start and stop sessions with your phone.
- Track costs and charging history.
Many EVs also integrate charging station maps right into their infotainment systems, making it even easier to plan trips.
Planning longer trips and want the convenience of rapid charging? Check out our DC fast charging solutions designed for drivers on the go.
Step 5: Understanding Charging Costs
Charging costs depend on where and how you charge:
- Charging at home is often the most inexpensive. At a cost of 0.13 dollars per kWh (which is the average in the USA), a 60 kWh battery is charged at less than 8 dollars.
- The fees for Public Level 2 charging are frequently charged per kWh or per hour.
DC fast charging is more expensive, as fast charging, consider it as a convenience premium.
Step 6: What If Something Goes Wrong?
Sometimes you’ll pull up to a charger that’s offline or already in use. Here’s how to handle it:
- Always have a backup charging location saved in your app.
- Carry your Level 1 charger in the trunk for emergencies.
- Don’t wait until the last 10 miles of range to start hunting for a charger.
EV ownership is about planning ahead, and soon it’ll become second nature.
Final Thoughts
The purchase of your first EV is no small matter, and the whole charging thing is not always immediately clear. However, it is easy to master it after knowing the fundamentals: home charging, publicly available networks, and battery maintenance. Indeed, numerous EV owners report that it is more convenient to charge than to get gas because they fall into the pattern of charging at home.
Well, the next time you yell, or shriek, or call, Help! I already purchased an EV, and I am not sure how to charge it. Remember: you are not alone, and you are just at the beginning of the curve of how to master it. Once a person learns a few things, a whole world of EV driving opens up, and, very soon, charging will become as natural as charging your phone.
Still unsure which charger is best for your EV? Contact our team today for expert advice and installation support.