EV Charging 101
EV Charging Stations in Punta Gorda, FL
At Gettel Chevrolet Buick GMC, we’re proud to offer an excellent selection of electric vehicles ideal for any lifestyle. If you’ve been considering upgrading to a brand-new electric vehicle, knowing how and where you can charge your new model is important. Making the switch from a regular gas-powered car to an EV may seem daunting, but it’s actually much simpler than you’d expect.
EVs are quickly becoming a popular choice among drivers. Plus, with the added bonus of reduced emissions and lower maintenance costs over time, there has never been a better time to make the switch. One of the perks of upgrading to an EV is that you no longer have to make regular trips to the gas station! Instead, simply plugging in your car at home or a public charging station will ensure it has enough power for your next journey.
The number of charging stations across the United States is constantly growing, making it easier than ever to find a convenient spot to recharge your EV. To make the transition to an electric vehicle even simpler, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to EV charging. This guide covers all you need to know about powering your car and locating public charging stations.
What is an EV Charging Station?
EV charging stations provide a convenient and efficient way to recharge electric vehicles. These stations are widely available in public locations and can also be installed in homes or businesses for private use. While there are free EV charging stations, others may require a credit or debit card. Once the payment is processed, all that remains is to plug your electric vehicle into the EV charging station and wait for it to recharge. To help, there are EV charging apps available so that drivers can check for nearby stations and pricing and reserve a spot in advance.
Charging Options
There are three different charging options: Level 1, Level 2 and DC Fast Charging. Let’s break down each type of charging option, so you can select the best one for your needs.
Level 1 Charger
Level 1 charging is the slowest and least powerful method of recharging an electric vehicle. This type of charging simply involves connecting an electric vehicle to a standard residential outlet, which is a 120-volt AC outlet. This type of charger provides a steady flow of current that slowly increases the battery charge level. It takes a Level 1 charger 40-50+ hours to recharge an electric vehicle from zero percent to 80 percent of its full capacity.*
Level 2 Charger
Level 2 charging stations can be found in a variety of public areas and residential homes. This type of charger is great for daily use because it can charge a car much faster than the standard Level 1 chargers. Drivers can have a Level 2 wallbox charger installed in their home, which can be highly convenient and is relatively straightforward with the help of an experienced electrician. Level 2 charging stations can typically recharge an electric vehicle from empty to 80 percent in a matter of four to 10 hours.*
DC Fast Chargers
DC Fast Chargers, or Level 3 chargers, are a type of public charging station that can provide an extremely powerful charge. This type of charger can charge an electric vehicle’s battery from empty to 80 percent in as little as 20 minutes or up to an hour. DC Fast Chargers make it easy to quickly top off the battery on your electric vehicle, allowing you to get back on the road as soon as possible.*
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in Punta Gorda, FL
Looking for a charging station near you? This link can be a great resource. Simply enter your location and you’ll be able to locate the closest public charging stations.
Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular, and Chevrolet, Buick and GMC vehicles have emerged as popular options for drivers who want an environmentally-friendly, dependable and powerful car. Browse our selection now and start your journey towards a greener tomorrow!
If you have additional questions about EV charging stations or a new Chevrolet, Buick or GMC EV on our lot, contact us today or stop by our dealership at 1901 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda, FL 33950 . We look forward to serving our customers near Port Charlotte, North Port, Venice and Fort Myers.
*Find more information on charging EVs at the U.S. Department of Transportation’s website here.