Three EV Charging Levels for Hamilton Township and Beyond
New MINI owners have a choice among three different charging levels for their travels, which we’ll discuss first in our EV charging connector guide. Each level requires a different type of EV charging connector.
Level 1: Domestic Outlet Home Charging
A standard, grounded (three-prong) 110V/120V charging outlet is the slowest type of charging at home. You could charge an EV in 24 to 48 hours using Level 1. It’s great for topping off your EV or PHEV battery if it’s not very low.
Level 2: Installed Brand-Approved Domestic Charging in a Garage
Level 2 charging is much faster than Level 1. You’ll need a licensed electrician to professionally install the charging box in your Mount Laurel garage or carport. This type of charging can bring your MINI to a full charge in 8 to 12 hours overnight. Your EV’s exact charge time depends on the battery size. PHEVs will have a shorter charging time.
Level 3: Public Charging
Also known as DC Fast Charging, you can get 80% of a full charge in as little as 30 minutes away from home. This is great for weekend getaways to the Catskills or on cross-country road trips.
Investing in a Home EV Charging Connector
Our team highly recommends having a home EV charging box installed. This type of EV charging connector has five pins (instead of three prongs). It allows for a heavier current to pass through the wires compared to ordinary electrical cords, making the charging process safe, efficient, and quick.
Find a reputable, licensed electrician to install this type of charging connector. Some manufacturers may offer incentives to install this charger at home by refunding the price of the charging box. Installing these is well worth the investment compared to the money you’ll spend on gasoline.
Combined Charging System (CCS) EV Charging Connector
A CCS connection is found at public DC Fast Charging stations. These types of EV charging connectors work with many makes of EVs. You can find public stations with CCS chargers using your vehicle’s onboard GPS or apps on your smartphone, perfect for managing daily routes. A CCS public charging station offers two additional pins (seven pins total) to manage the higher electrical load flowing into your vehicle’s battery pack
How to Choose the Right Types of EV Charging Connectors
The automaker will determine the correct types of EV charging connectors needed for optimal charging and the longest battery life. Some brands have specialized public DC Fast Charging stations that can’t be used with other vehicles. A few manufacturers may offer free public charging for a year or two as an incentive to purchase an EV from their car lot.
Many automakers have relationships with home charging station manufacturers to ensure you get the best one for your vehicle. We highly recommend having one installed for your everyday drives and road trips.
Consider how and where you’ll drive with your new MINI. Will you utilize public chargers on frequent out-of-town trips? Are you going to commute every day and run weekly errands? DC Fast Charging will likely be more expensive than home charging because there is a fee, but public charging stations are still less expensive than full tanks of gasoline around NJ.
Test Drive a New MINI EV at MINI of Mount Laurel!
Our EV charging connector guide offers a way to help you decide if a MINI EV is right for you. Contact us or call (856) 394-5575 to schedule a test drive if you’re interested in one of these beautiful new vehicles.
