Level 1 Charging: The Unsung Hero of Everyday EV Use

Picture this: You’ve just brought home your shiny new electric vehicle, a symbol of your commitment to a greener future. Excitement turns into anxiety as you hear a common myth repeated over and over: “You need a Level 2 charger, or else your EV life will be inconvenient and impractical.” But what if this wasn’t the whole truth? What if the humble Level 1 charger, often dismissed as impractical and useless, could actually meet the daily needs of many EV owners?

The Myth of Level 2 Necessity

Many new EV owners are led to believe that a Level 2 charger, capable of delivering 25-30 miles of range per hour, is essential for daily driving. Advertisements, forums, and even dealerships often promote the idea that Level 1 chargers, which deliver about 4-5 miles of range per hour, are inadequate for real-world use. This belief has led to a surge in demand for public Level 2 and DC fast charging stations, often resulting in congested and frustrating charging experiences.

Survey Insights: A Closer Look at EV Usage

To challenge these myths, we conducted a survey within a popular Electric Vehicles Facebook group with over 62,000 members. The results were eye-opening: out of 69 respondents, the average EV was parked for approximately 19.36 hours per day. This means that, on average, EVs are only driven for a small fraction of the day. Given this, even the modest charging rate of a Level 1 charger could provide sufficient range for many drivers.

Real Stories from Real Drivers

Link to Original Survey on the Electric Vehicles Facebook Group

These responses paint a picture of EVs spending most of their time parked. For many, the daily driving distance is modest enough that overnight Level 1 charging would easily cover their needs.

The Practicality of Level 1 Charging

Let’s break it down: with a Level 1 charger providing 4-5 miles of range per hour, an EV parked for 19.36 hours would gain approximately 77-96 miles of range over the course of each day. This is more than enough for the average daily commute and typical errands, which studies show to be around 30-40 miles per day.

Moreover, by utilizing Level 1 charging at home, EV owners can significantly reduce their reliance on public charging infrastructure. This, in turn, can help alleviate congestion at public Level 2 and DC fast chargers, making them more accessible for those who truly need them for long-distance travel or quick top-ups.

Debunking the Myths

Myth #1: “Level 1 charging is too slow to be practical.” Reality: For the average driver, who parks their EV for around 19 hours a day, Level 1 charging can easily meet daily driving needs.

Myth #2: “You need a Level 2 charger to avoid inconvenience.” Reality: Many EV owners can fully top up their vehicles overnight with Level 1 charging, eliminating the need for more expensive and complex Level 2 installations.

Myth #3: “Public charging stations are always necessary.” Reality: By adopting Level 1 charging at home, many EV owners can reduce their dependence on public chargers, easing congestion for everyone.

Embracing the Even Steven Concept

At EVnSteven, we are inspired by the concept of “Even Steven,” which signifies balance and fairness. This principle underpins our approach to promoting Level 1 charging. By making use of the existing infrastructure and balancing the load on public charging stations, we aim to create an equitable and sustainable EV charging ecosystem.

Balance and Fairness: Just as “Even Steven” suggests a fair and balanced outcome, our mission is to ensure that every EV owner can access convenient and affordable charging solutions. Level 1 charging epitomizes this balance, offering a practical solution that meets daily needs without the complexities and costs of Level 2 installations.

Sustainability: Utilizing Level 1 chargers at home not only balances the demand on public charging infrastructure but also supports sustainable practices. This reduces the strain on the grid during peak hours and promotes a more even distribution of energy consumption.

Equitable Access: By encouraging the use of Level 1 charging, we strive to make EV ownership accessible to a broader audience, including those living in apartments, condos, and multi-unit residential buildings (MURBs) who might not have easy access to Level 2 chargers.

Conclusion: Embracing Level 1 Charging

It’s time to reconsider the role of Level 1 charging in the EV ecosystem. By promoting its practicality and benefits, we can help new EV owners make informed decisions that suit their lifestyles while also contributing to a more efficient and less congested public charging network.

Level 1 charging isn’t a step backward; it’s a smart, practical choice for many. So next time you plug in your EV at home, take a moment to appreciate the unsung hero that is Level 1 charging. It might just be the key to a smoother, more convenient electric driving experience for everyone.