EV Chargers Types: Difference Between Level 1, 2 and 3 Charging

With electric vehicles (EVs) gaining popularity across Canada, understanding the different EV charger types is more important than ever. Whether you're a homeowner, property manager, or business owner, choosing the right electric vehicle charging solution means knowing how EV charger types work and which one suits your needs.

Unlike gas stations that are always nearby, EV drivers need access to reliable charging infrastructure, whether at home, at work, or on the road. So what’s the solution and what EV charger types should you be looking into for your installation?

What Are the EV Charger Types?

There are three main EV charger types used in Canada today: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 (DC Fast Charging). Each EV charger type offers different charging speeds, voltage requirements, and has ideal use cases.

Level 1 Chargers: Single-family Homes

Level 1 EV chargers use a standard 120V outlet and are typically included with the purchase of an EV. These chargers add around 8 km of range per hour, making them the slowest option.

While convenient for overnight charging in single-family homes, Level 1 chargers are considered outdated for most modern EV drivers, especially those with longer commutes or busy schedules.

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How to Charge Your EV Faster

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Level 2: Condos, Multi-Unit Residences, Commercial, and Industrial Properties

Level 2 EV chargers are the most versatile and widely adopted EV charger type for both residential and commercial use. Operating on a 240V connection, Level 2 chargers deliver 30–50 km of range per hour, depending on the vehicle and system.

Level 2 chargers are ideally for locations where EV users require a faster charge during shorter periods of parking, making them an excellent solution for businesses and residential properties.

They are ideal for:

• Multi-unit residential buildings

• Workplace parking lots

• Businesses, retail and public parking charging stations

• Fleet depots and commercial properties

Level 2 EV charger types strike the best balance between speed, affordability, and scalability.

Related articles:

Installing EV Chargers in Multi-Unit Residential Buildings

Guide to EV Charging Solutions for Ontario Condos and Multi-Unit Residential Buildings

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Level 3 Chargers (DC Fast Chargers): Ultra-fast Commercial Charging 

Level 3 EV chargers, also known as DC fast chargers, are designed for ultra-fast charging and are best suited for locations where quick and efficient charging is essential. These chargers operate on a higher voltage (typically 480 volts or higher) and can provide a significant amount of power. 

Level 3 chargers significantly reduce charging time, making them ideal for long-distance travelers, fleet vehicles, and businesses requiring fast turnaround times.

DC fast chargers typically operate at 480V or higher, making them suitable for:

• Commercial fleets

• Highway rest stops

• Urban service stations

• Logistics and delivery hubs

Due to their ability to deliver a substantial amount of energy in a short time, Level 3 chargers are ideal for locations where quick turnarounds are crucial, such as commercial fleets, highway rest stops, or service stations, logistics and delivery hubs.

While powerful, Level 3 EV charger types also require advanced electrical infrastructure and are significantly more expensive to install, making them best suited for high-traffic or time-sensitive operations.

Related articles:

EV Charging Solutions for Commercial Buildings and Businesses

EV Charging for Commercial Fleets

AC vs. DC Charging: What’s the Difference?

Most EV chargers fall into one of two categories:

AC Charging (Level 1 and Level 2): Alternating current is converted by the car’s onboard charger into DC to charge the battery. This process limits charging speed.

DC Fast Charging (Level 3): Sends power directly to the battery, bypassing the car’s onboard conversion system and enabling ultra-fast charging.

Level 1 and Level 2 chargers use alternating current (AC) charging, which must be converted by the vehicle’s onboard charger into direct current (DC) before it can be stored in the battery. This built-in conversion slows down the process and limits how quickly the car can charge, typically adding just 30 to 50 km of range per hour.

A Level 3 EV charger, or DC fast charger, skips this step entirely by delivering direct current (DC) straight to the battery. The AC to DC conversion happens inside the Level 3 charger, not the car, which makes charging significantly faster. DC charging can add hundreds of kilometres of range in under an hour.

EV Charger Types In General:

• Level 1 is best for light home use (with minimal needs)

• Level 2 is the most practical and scalable option for most homes and businesses

• Level 3 is best for high-volume or time-sensitive commercial operations

Quick Comparison: Level 2 vs. Level 3 Chargers

Fast Charging Connectors and Compatibility

Fast charging connectors are an efficient option for EV charging, designed to significantly reduce the time it takes to recharge an electric vehicle’s battery. The fast charging process involves a specialized connector that interfaces with the EV's charging port, enabling a rapid charge. The connectors and charging stations need to adhere to industry standards, ensuring compatibility with various electric vehicle models and contributing to the widespread adoption of fast charging as a convenient and time-saving option for EV owners.

Fast charging connectors vary by vehicle and region, but standards like CCS, CHAdeMO, and Tesla Superchargers are the most common. When choosing EV charger types for installation, ensure compatibility with a wide range of vehicles for long-term flexibility.

Need Help Choosing the Right EV Charger Type?

metroEV offers turnkey EV charging solutions tailored to your building or business needs. From site assessments to installation and support, we guide you through every step to ensure your EV charging project is smooth, compliant, and future-ready.

Get a quote and find out which EV charger type is right for your property's needs.

Contact metroEV today to speak to an EV expert and get started today.