Search
-
or select -
Understanding “How Long Does it Take to Charge an Electric Car” is crucial for potential EV owners. At #1 Cochran, our EV Specialists provide comprehensive information and guidance. We focus on the fact that electric car charging time varies based on several factors, including the charger type and the specific EV model. Discover our range of new vehicles tailored to meet your needs.
● Level 1 Charging: Domestic 110V/120V Outlet
When considering how long it takes to charge an electric car using a Level 1 charger, the typical rate is about four miles of range per hour. This standard charger, included with most EVs, works well as a backup.
● Installed Brand-Approved Level 2 Domestic Charging
Level 2 chargers can significantly reduce your electric car charging time, offering around 24 miles of range per hour. These chargers, operating at 240V+, need professional installation.
● Level 2 Public Charging
Over the past few years, Level 2 public charging stations have become increasingly common. These stations provide a similar electric car charging time to the Level 2 home chargers, offering a convenient option while on the go.
● Level 3 Rapid Charging
For those asking, “How long does it take to charge an electric car?” Level 3 chargers are the fastest, offering 60–100 miles of range in approximately 20 minutes. However, they are typically found along major highways and are less prevalent in homes because they require so much power.
Due to their dual power sources, plug-in hybrids generally have a shorter electric car charging time, ranging from 1–4 hours.
You’ll find that the electric car charging time can vary by comparing different public charging options. From standard 22 kW chargers to 150 kW rapid chargers, reaching a full charge can range from an hour to several hours, depending on your vehicle’s compatibility.
With a #1 Cochran Specialist assisting you every step of the way, you’ll enjoy the process of picking your perfect match from the largest EV selection in the Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia tri-state area. Plus, you’ll have accesss to the region’s largest dealer-owned network of charging stations, with free charging for 6 months following your lease or purchase. Apply for financing today and step into the future of driving.
While many automakers and drivers have fully invested in electric vehicles (EVs), the technology is still emerging, and innovations are rapid. With that in mind, it’s easy to understand why some drivers may be nervous about switching over to an EV. After all, the traditional combustion engine, while comparatively inefficient and costly, is much more…
Whether you’re looking to trade in a traditional gas-powered vehicle for a more eco-friendly option or are deciding between a hybrid and an electric car, there’s plenty to consider. In your quest for the ideal vehicle for your lifestyle, #1 Cochran is here to guide you through the comparison of hybrid vs. electric car options…
Electric Vehicle Costs Explained Modern electric car technology has rapidly grown over the last decade. Electric vehicles are often more expensive than gasoline cars, but as advances continue, they’ll become more affordable. Plus, when you factor in no longer needing gas and many of the maintenance costs associated with gas cars, like oil changes, the…
If you’re new to EVs, you may wonder how to compare the different types of chargers. While they all dispense electricity, they do so at different rates: generally, drivers will find three different charging levels at charging stations. Additionally, chargers and cars use different outlets and connectors that may be incompatible.
Learn more about the different types of electric car chargers with #1 Cochran. Then, visit any of our locations to check out our electric and hybrid vehicle inventory.
Currently, chargers are classified into three different charging levels. It’s important to understand that while two chargers may be rated at the same level, their electricity dispense rate may not be the same.
Likewise, each EV has a different maximum charging rate that may prevent drivers from using specific chargers. For example, a charger may charge an EV at 350 kilowatts at a time, but a car with a maximum charging rate of 200 kilowatts will not be able to utilize the charger fully. Let’s take a closer look at the different charger levels:
Level 1 chargers charge at three to five miles per hour. All EVs, especially plug-in hybrid vehicles, can be charged simply by plugging the charging equipment into a wall outlet. Because Level 1 charging is the slowest of the levels, it is often used to charge an EV overnight at home or in an emergency.
Consider installing a Level 2 charging station in your garage to improve your EV’s charging capabilities. Level 2 charging can add anywhere from 12 to 80 miles to your EV per hour, keeping it charged for the day ahead on errands around town. Level 2 charging systems are also found in workplaces and other public areas. These are typically the chargers you will use most of the time for your vehicle.
Our partner Emporia Energy offers fast, affordable home charging installation. Or, you can stop by your local #1 Cochran location. We have the region’s largest dealer-owned network of charging stations, which is open to both the customers and the public.
Level 3 charging has a charging speed of 3 to 20 miles per minute. Unlike the first two levels, Level 3 chargers utilize a direct, rather than alternating, current. Since this requires a higher voltage, you will typically not find Level 3 Charging in homes. Expect to see these charging stations around shopping complexes and other high-traffic areas.
The current state of electric vehicle charging outlets and charging station connectors is similar to the “format wars” of VHS vs. Betamax or Blu-Ray vs. HD DVD. The good news is it’s becoming easier and more accessible for any modern EV to use any charging station.
All EVs can plug directly into a standard 120-volt wall outlet with the equipment that comes with your vehicle. Beyond that, four different connector plugs are commonly in use:
● J-Plug: A round plug with circular holes, the J-Plug was the first agreed-upon standard plug for Level 1 and Level 2 Charging. Almost every EV sold today in the United States can accept a J-Plug connector.
● CCS: A CCS plug resembles the J-Plug but has two DC pins underneath to enable Level 3 fast charging. CCS is the agreed-upon standard for most North American and European manufacturers, although that may change thanks to Tesla (see below). This “combo plug” will also work with J-Plug-only vehicles and generally has a plastic piece that covers the two DC pins when not in use for Level 1 and 2 charging.
● CHAdeMo: Many Japanese manufacturers adopted this fast-charging plug standard, and their models would have both the J-Plug and CHAdeMo. Thanks to the introduction of CSS, this plug type has been rapidly phased out, and only a few models, like the Nissan LEAF, still use it.
● NACS: While many automakers adopted CSS, Tesla adopted its NACS plug standard to deliver Level 1-3 charging. Though only Tesla models currently have a built-in NACS outlet, other EVs can use the Tesla charging stations with an adaptor. So, J-Plug and CSS vehicles can use NACS and vice versa. Many non-Tesla automakers are considering changing their future vehicles from CSS to NACS. There’s a strong chance NACS may become the future standard in a few years.
As we’ve explored, all chargers are built differently with different charging levels, power outputs and charging connectors that work with different vehicles. Fortunately, most vehicles can use most chargers with the appropriate equipment.
If you still have questions about charging, contact a #1 Cochran Specialist. You can also find current offers and incentives for our electric vehicle stock and schedule service for your electric vehicle maintenance.
The electric vehicle market is booming, and more drivers are considering ditching their traditional combustion engines for a sleek, innovative EV like the Chevy Bolt or the Volkswagen ID.4. The one factor stopping most drivers’ transitions is charging infrastructure. Though public charging infrastructure is expanding, many new EV drivers fear becoming stranded on the side of the road with a dead battery. That’s where the most popular method of EV charging comes in: in-home EV charging stations. Learn how to charge an electric car at home and what the process of having an EV home charger includes with the team at #1 Cochran.
Learning how to charge electric cars at home is simple. There are two main types of charging available: Level 1 and Level 2 charging. Most EVs come with a charging cord compatible with both types of charging, allowing you to access whichever method of electric car charging at home makes the most sense for your lifestyle. Explore the different types of EV home charger options here:
● Level 1 Charging: Level 1 charging is the slowest but most accessible method of electric car charging at home. Simply plug your EV charging cord into a standard household three-pronged outlet and receive slow, but reliable charging. Level 1 charging can take more than 24 hours to charge a modern EV fully.
● Level 2 Charging: Need faster charging than Level 1 can supply? Level 2 charging can be accessed through a home industrial outlet (the types used for laundry machines) or by having a home EV charging station professionally installed. Level 2 charging stations can fully charge modern EVs in 12 to 16 hours.
For most drivers, having a Level 2 charging station professionally installed at home allows them greater control over their EV’s range and performance. So, what’s involved in electric home charger installation? Get the details below:
Altogether, buying a Level 2 charger and hiring professional assistance tends to cost about $2,000. This cost can be higher or lower depending on your home’s electrical capacity, panel and charger placement, and type of charger.
#1 Cochran also offers special discounts when you purchase a charger through us. You can shop and compare trusted name brands, plus OEM solutions. If you’re buying or leasing an EV, you may also roll the cost of a home charger into your loan.X
When you need help planning your EV home charger installation, contact #1 Cochran. Our team will guide you through selecting, installing and using your new EV home charger so you can enjoy the fuelless power of a new electric model.
XLabor extra. See dealer for additional details.
In recent years, the automotive industry has undergone a remarkable transformation with the widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs). With concerns about climate change and the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, EVs have emerged as a promising solution to combat pollution and dependence on fossil fuels. However, despite their environmental benefits and technological advancements, one challenge continues to linger in the minds of potential EV adopters: range anxiety.
Below, we’ll cover many of the common questions and concerns car shoppers have before taking home an EV like the Bolt EV and Niro EV, including charging networks for electric cars. And if you have any questions about how to overcome range anxiety, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
Range anxiety refers to the fear or concern that an electric vehicle driver may have about running out of battery power before reaching their destination or a charging station. It’s a significant barrier to widespread EV adoption, as consumers worry about being stranded without a charging option. Fortunately, the electric vehicle charging infrastructure has seen rapid development in recent years, aiming to address and mitigate range anxiety effectively.
Below is a short list of things you can do to help you learn how to overcome range anxiety:
Electric vehicle charging networks around Pittsburgh play a crucial role in alleviating range anxiety by providing drivers with convenient and accessible charging options. These networks consist of various types of charging stations strategically located in urban areas, along highways, and at commercial establishments such as shopping malls, restaurants, and hotels. There are three primary types of EV charging stations:
In the United States, the terminology surrounding EV charging facilities can be confusing, as terms like charging stations, ports, points, and stalls are often used interchangeably. To clarify, a “charging station” refers to the location itself, while each station typically houses multiple Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) ports or stalls.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center, there are approximately 50,000 public EV charging stations nationwide, totaling nearly 130,000 individual EVSE charging ports. Of these, around 44,000 are Level 2 stations, offering over 100,000 charging ports. However, there are only about 6,600 DC Fast Charging stations, providing approximately 28,000 charging ports. While the U.S. has a growing number of public EV charging facilities, the majority are Level 2 stations, with a limited number of fast-charging options.
You can also use websites like PlugShare, ChargeHub, or the Department of Energy’s map to find charging stations and plan routes and beyond.
To further enhance the EV charging experience and mitigate range anxiety, below we’ll cover some of the different EV Charging networks:
#1 Cochran Charging Network
Tesla Supercharger Network
Electrify America
EVgo
ChargePoint
Greenlots (Now Shell Recharge Solutions)
Francis Energy
Other Notable Networks
President Biden, in collaboration with the U.S. Departments of Transportation and Energy, has allocated $5 billion over five years to establish a national EV charging network. The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program, with over $1.5 billion in funding, supports states in expanding electric car charging networks. Recently, all 50 states, along with Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico, submitted and had their plans approved, making reimbursement funds accessible to all U.S. states and territories.
Once completed, this network will cover approximately 75,000 miles of highway across the country. While it’s hoped that most states will prioritize deploying DC Fast Charging stations, it’s not obligatory, and the funds can be utilized for various charging-related projects and options. Therefore, the outcome remains to be seen as states implement their plans.
While range anxiety remains a concern for some potential EV buyers, significant progress has been made in mitigating this issue through the expansion of electric vehicle charging networks and the implementation of innovative technologies. With continued investments in infrastructure, advancements in battery technology, and collaborative efforts across the industry, the future looks promising for electric vehicles, driving us towards a cleaner, more sustainable transportation system.
So, if you’re considering switching to an electric vehicle, rest assured that the charging infrastructure is rapidly evolving to support your journey towards a greener future. You can learn more about EVs available with the EV experts at #1 Cochran. Don’t forget—you can save even more money by taking advantage of new vehicle specials, and be sure to get started on the car buying process by applying for financing online.
Charging at home is one of the most convenient perks of owning an EV. At #1 Cochran, we believe the charger installation process should be just as convenient. That’s why we’ve partnered with Treehouse, one of the nation’s top electrical contractors. Treehouse will make sure you get the perfect charger for your vehicle and provide efficient, no-hassle installation.
You’ll receive a secure link from Treehouse to upload photos of your electrical panel and a video of the spot where you’d like the charger installed.
Treehouse takes care of everything and ensures all work complies with the National Electric Code and local regulations.
Enjoy a guaranteed installation price with no hidden fees.
Only licensed and vetted installers perform the work, so you can have confidence that the job will be done right.
Absolutely! If you lease or finance an EV through #1 Cochran, you can also roll the price of the charger into your auto loan. Treehouse also offers finance options through Wisetack.
Sales Hours
