Why Level 2 Chargers Are the Key to a Convenient EV Future

As the government focuses heavily on deploying Level 3 chargers (DC fast chargers) across the nation, EVmode believes it’s time to rethink the narrative. While Level 3 chargers are necessary for specific use cases, they address the needs of less than 1% of EV drivers. For the other 99%, Level 2 chargers are the real game-changer, offering a practical, convenient, and efficient solution that fits seamlessly into everyday life.

Data shows that 99% of EV drivers travel within a 40-mile radius of their homes. These are not long-haul road warriors but everyday commuters heading to work, school, grocery stores, or local eateries. For these drivers, the rapid charging capabilities of Level 3 chargers are overkill.

Level 2 chargers, on the other hand, provide the perfect balance of speed and convenience. They offer 10–20 miles of range per hour of charging, which is more than enough to top up an EV battery while parked at a workplace, shopping center, or other destination.

Despite their speed, Level 3 chargers introduce significant inconveniences for most drivers:

• Time Drain: Using a Level 3 charger can take up to two hours of a driver’s day. By the time you locate a charger, wait in line, and spend 30 minutes charging, you’ve already lost considerable time. Add in the travel back to your destination, and the process becomes a major disruption.
• Limited Need: With such a small percentage of drivers requiring Level 3 chargers for long-distance travel, prioritizing their deployment doesn’t solve the broader infrastructure challenge.
• Cost and Maintenance: Level 3 chargers are expensive to install and maintain, making them a less scalable option for widespread public infrastructure.

EVmode champions the concept of the “lifestyle charger”—a Level 2 charger strategically placed where people already spend their time. Instead of carving out hours to find and use a Level 3 charger, EV drivers can seamlessly charge while they:

• Shop for groceries
• Grab a meal
• Work at the office
• Attend a fitness class

This approach integrates EV charging into daily routines, removing the inconvenience and stress associated with finding time to charge.

In addition to convenience, Level 2 chargers offer several benefits that make them a superior option for communities:

• Affordability: Installing Level 2 chargers is significantly cheaper than Level 3 chargers, allowing for broader deployment.
• Scalability: Their lower cost and power requirements make it easier to install multiple units, ensuring more availability for drivers.
• Sustainability: Level 2 chargers place less strain on the electrical grid, making them a greener option compared to high-powered Level 3 units.

The fixation on Level 3 chargers stems from a highway-focused mentality, but the reality is that most EV charging happens close to home. By shifting the focus to Level 2 chargers, we can create a more practical and accessible charging network that supports the needs of 99% of drivers.

EVmode is leading the charge (pun intended) in this movement, advocating for lifestyle-friendly charging solutions that make EV ownership as seamless as possible. With a reliable network of Level 2 chargers, drivers can ditch the stress of range anxiety and enjoy a charging experience that fits their lives—not the other way around.

The success of EV adoption hinges on the convenience and accessibility of charging infrastructure. Level 3 chargers may grab headlines for their speed, but Level 2 chargers are the unsung heroes that quietly power the everyday journeys of millions of drivers.

By investing in Level 2 infrastructure, we can create a sustainable, efficient, and driver-friendly charging network that supports the EV revolution—one charge at a time.