If you have an electric vehicle of any kind, then you are probably interested in the frequent developments there have been surrounding the pace of battery charging and which companies can provide the quickest recharge.
You have probably also heard about Tesla’s Superchargers and the fact that they are now offering their charging services to other types of electric vehicles.
But are Superchargers the only kind of level 3 chargers available? What are another level 3 chargers like in comparison to Tesla Superchargers? Find out here.
What Are the Different Charger Levels?
You may already know about the various types of chargers and the three main levels if you are an electric vehicle enthusiast.
For those who don’t yet know, level 1 electric vehicle chargers are home chargers that offer the slowest recharging speeds.
Level 2 chargers are more practical for drivers who want to save money since they are far more energy efficient, which is why many people opt for an electric vehicle in the first place.
They also offer quicker charging speeds compared to home outlet level 1 charger, making them a preferred choice among electric vehicle owners.
What is the Difference Between AC and DC Charging?
Unlike levels 1 and 2, chargers at level 3 make use of direct current (DC) instead of alternating current (AC). These names describe the ways in which the electrical current travels.
In a direct current, the electricity flows in only one direction, whereas in an alternating current, it changes direction periodically.
How Do Tesla Superchargers Work?
A Supercharger uses direct current so that the charger module of an electric car can instantly accept the electricity rather than convert it to DC after receiving it from a level 1 or level 2 charger type.
In alternating current chargers, the charger module of the car must convert the current, which uses time and energy.
By using DC instead, Tesla’s Superchargers convert AC to DC before the current reaches the car’s charger module, meaning it charges at a much quicker rate.
How Do Other Level 3 DC Chargers Compare?
For people who are fans of the Tesla name, it can be difficult to imagine that anything other than Tesla-branded goods could compare.
However, other specialist companies have designed effective charging methods that provide as much of a recharge as the Superchargers and use the same type of technology.
Tesla charging stations have been designed to offer drivers a rapid boost of energy so that they can continue on their journey without worrying about an empty battery. The direct current is the key to quicker charging.
If you were unclear about the different kinds of electric vehicle chargers and how they worked, hopefully, you have gained more of an understanding of what your car needs and what options are the best for you.
This should provide you with all the information you need to decide for yourself whether Superchargers or other kinds of level 3 DC chargers are superior or which type you will choose next time you need to recharge in a hurry.
