Unlike gasoline pumps, not all EV chargers are created equal. They are generally split into two categories: Level 2 charging and DC Fast charging. Level 2 is AC, or alternating current, and depends on an onboard charger inside the vehicle to convert the electricity from AC to DC so it can charge the battery.

DC Fast charging is DC, or direct current, so when you plug in an EV, it connects directly to the battery; bypassing the onboard charger so it can achieve higher power outputs and faster charging speeds. The problem with installing a bunch of DC Fast chargers is the cost. 

Not only are these units expensive themselves, but the cost of the actual installation can be massive, which leads to many sites installing level 2 chargers instead. The problem with Level 2 charging is it is extremely slow. Compared to DC Fast chargers that can add capacity to a vehicle's battery at a rate of hundreds or even close to 1,000 miles of range per hour, Level 2 charging tops out at around 50 miles added per hour. 

In my Model 3 for example, a typical level 2 charger only adds around 25 miles of range per hour. So, if I have driven a far distance to a location hours away and used a majority of my battery life to do so, I’m going to spend multiple hours plugged in before I’ll have enough range to drive any significant distance again. If I’m starting from near zero on my battery, it will take around eight full hours to charge back up to near full.  

So where does Level 2 charging make sense? Well, the good thing is, our cars spend a lot of time parked, and there are plenty of opportunities to charge.

Residential

Residential charging is easily the most common level 2 charging location, and for good reason. If you own a car, it’s likely parked near your place of living most of its life. Over two thirds of all housing units in the United States have access to a garage or carport, which means electricity is generally close by as well. This makes level 2 charging the number one way most EV owners charge their cars. The ideal routine for EV owners is to plug in every night and wake up with a full charge every morning. 

Generally, eight to ten plus hours overnight is more than enough to fully charge an EV. As a bonus, many automotive companies include a portable level 2 charger with the purchase of the vehicle that can be used on a higher-powered outlet, so getting your car set up to charge can be as simple as installing what amounts to a dryer outlet near your car’s parking spot.

For apartment or condo renters like me, this can be a bit trickier. Most multi-unit dwellings are controlled by the owner, so as a tenant, it can be difficult to get approval for installing something like an EV charger. These also need to be a bit more permanent and set up for commercial use, which can end up costing more than a garage or carport installation, like at home. However, like a pool or workout facility, this can be an excellent amenity to add to a property and attract new tenants. Owning an EV is significantly easier with home charging, and EV owners looking for rentals will also be looking for properties with charging options.

Workplace

After home charging, the second place your car spends most of the time is parked at work. This again provides an excellent opportunity for level 2 charging since most workdays are at least 8 hours long. This is plenty of time to charge up a typical electric car. Just like residential properties, adding an amenity like EV charging can attract new employees. It is not as necessary as residential charging, but it is a unique way to set workplaces apart from others.

Hotels

When traveling, much of the conversation around charging is focused on high-powered DC charging. While this is an important piece of the charging infrastructure, hotel charging is certainly overlooked. The beauty of home charging is the ability to wake up every morning with a near-full charge on your electric vehicle. Mimicking this on a road trip can save time on the road and reduce the number of stops along a route. In some cases, charging at your destination can remove the need for any DC fast charging along a route.

Let's compare a couple scenarios. I live in Columbus and want to drive to Indianapolis for a wedding, spend the night, and return in the morning. My car has 300 miles of range, and I use 200 of those miles driving to Indianapolis, or 400 miles round trip, so I'll need to charge at some point.

Scenario A, with fast charging: Since I charge at home overnight, I start the first day with 300 miles. I use 200 miles driving to Indianapolis and arrive with 100 miles remaining. I attend the wedding, and when I head back to the hotel for the night, my car stays parked in the hotel parking lot like any other hotel stay. The following day, I drive to the nearest fast charger, which may be out of my way, and plug in for 20-30 minutes before I have enough range to continue driving home.

Scenario B, with hotel charging: Again, I start the day with 300 miles since I charge overnight. I drive 200 miles to Indianapolis, attend the wedding, and before heading to my room, I plug in my car at the complimentary hotel charger. While I sleep, my car charges, and I am ready to drive home in the morning with a full charge - no charging stop necessary.

As you can see, building in charging where you will be parking already is a powerful tool. This was a simplified example, but on longer, multi-day trips, hotel charging is a necessity for saving time on the road. In a trip I took in February, hotel charging could have saved me over 2 hours parked at fast chargers, waiting to get back on the road.

Like residential or workplace charging, hotel charging can be a great tool for attracting guests. Any EV driver on an extended road trip is almost certainly going to be looking for places to stay that offer charging.

Destinations

Finally, there are "destinations" - this is a catch for all other places where level 2 EV charging installs make sense. Just like the name says, these are "destinations", meaning somewhere you are traveling to spend a significant amount of time, not just a stop along a larger route. The locations where this makes the most sense are places you are likely to spend multiple hours, if not the whole day. 

Some examples include amusement parks, large malls or shopping centers, national parks, and tourist areas with walkable routes. Basically, anywhere you are likely to drive and park your car for the day without the need for more driving. Being an EV driver, I'm certainly for any new plugs in the ground, but I feel these four situations are where level 2 chargers make the most sense. Funds are limited for just about every project, so prioritizing installations that will give the most benefit to EV drivers is crucial.