What is a Level 3 EV Charger? Everything You Need to Know About DC Fast Chargers

Here’s what you should know about DC fast chargers:

• Ultra-fast Charging: Most EVs can be charged up to 80% in just 20–40 minutes, depending on the vehicle and charger capacity.
• High Power Output: These chargers typically range from 60kW to 180kW, with some ultra-fast models reaching over 350kW.
• Connector Types: Level 3 chargers are multi-standard, meaning they support multiple charging connectors, covering a wider range of electric vehicles.
• NEMA 3R Enclosure: The charging port is designed to be installed outdoors with protection from harsh Canadian weather (Ex. Rain, snow, external ice formation)
• Power Management: Advanced load management features allow site operators to distribute power efficiently across multiple chargers, avoiding expensive utility upgrades or peak demand charges.
• OCPP Compliant: Modern DC fast chargers are OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol) compliant, enabling compatibility with non-proprietary software platforms for flexibility and scalability.

How much does installing a Level 3 charger cost?

Level 3 EV chargers offer powerful performance, but they also come with higher upfront and ongoing costs compared to Level 1 and 2 chargers. These costs can vary significantly based on site conditions, available electrical infrastructure, and the charging capacity you choose.

Typical Level 3 EV Charger Cost Ranges:

• Level 3 Charger Hardware: $25,000 to $120,000+ per unit, depending on the kW rating, connector types, cable types (ex. liquid-cooled vs. air-cooled cables), and other specifications.
  
  
• Electrical Infrastructure: Level 3 chargers require 480V, which means most buildings will need to install a transformer to convert existing voltage. You may also need to upgrade panels, breakers, and other components to handle the higher load. Transformer and electrical prep work typically cost between $20,000 and $50,000, depending on the existing electrical capacity at your site.
  
  
• Excavation and Trenching: If power needs to be run over a distance, especially between electrical rooms and outdoor charger locations, trenching or excavation may be required. Indoor vs. outdoor placement, concrete vs. asphalt, and site layout all factor into this cost.
  
  
• Installation: Installation costs are highly variable and depend heavily on existing site conditions such as available power, distance to electrical rooms, trenching requirements, and panel capacity. A site assessment is typically required to determine a realistic estimate. Installation costs generally range from $20,000 to $80,000.
  
  
• Utility Upgrades: In some cases, the site’s existing power supply may be insufficient for fast charging. This may require new service lines from the utility provider, which can add significant cost and extend project timelines.
  
  
• Ongoing Costs: After installation, there are ongoing expenses such as electricity usage, utility demand charges (based on peak load), annual maintenance, software licensing, and networking fees.

Depending on site conditions and charger specifications, the total cost of a Level 3 charger installation can range from $50,000 to over $200,000.

Fortunately, many provinces in Canada offer rebates and incentives that can cover a significant portion of eligible costs. Learn more about EV charger rebates in Canada to see if there are any Level 3 EV charger rebates available in your area.

Use cases for Level 3 EV chargers

• Public charging stations and highway rest stops
• Commercial parking lots and shopping malls
• Fleet depots and logistics hubs
• Gas stations and convenience stores
• Municipal or government facilities

These are all environments where EV drivers need to get back on the road quickly when charging overnight is not an option.

Can I install a Level 3 charger in my home?

Level 3 EV chargers are typically not used in residential settings due to their high power requirements and installation costs. Level 3 chargers are generally used in commercial and public settings where fast turnover and accessibility are essential.

Can any EV use a Level 3 / DC fast charger?

Not all EVs are compatible with DC fast charging. While most modern electric vehicles support Level 3 charging, some plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and older EV models may not.

Most BEVs (Battery Electric Vehicles) like the Tesla Model 3, Hyundai IONIQ 5, and Ford Mustang Mach-E support DC fast charging. Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) such as the Toyota Prius Prime or Honda Clarity typically do not support Level 3 charging due to smaller battery sizes.

Before installing or using a DC fast charger, always check whether your vehicle, or the vehicles expected to use the charger, support Level 3 charging and which connector type they require.

Level 3 EV Charger Connector Types

There are two types of Level 3 EV charger connectors that are widely used:

Modern DC fast chargers are typically equipped with either just CCS, or both CCS and NACS connectors, as newer models are increasingly including the NACS connector.

Cable Technology for DC Fast Charging

As EV charging speeds increase, so does the amount of heat generated, especially with Level 3 chargers delivering 150kW to 350kW+ of power. Managing this heat is critical for safety, performance, and usability. That’s where cable cooling technology comes in. To support ultra-fast charging while maintaining safety and usability, many modern Level 3 chargers use liquid-cooled cables.