Key takeaways:
- Level 2 charging comes with a lower upfront cost. It’s ideal for businesses with long dwell time.
- DC Fast charging allows for faster EV charging and can turn your EV charging infrastructure into a destination for drivers who value speed.
- EVPlugz can help you review your needs and current infrastructure to decide on the best technology.
If you’re planning a commercial EV charging project, one of the first things you’ll have to figure out is whether Level 2 or DC Fast charging makes the most sense for your property.
Both technologies address different charging needs and come with different infrastructure requirements, which translates into a cost difference.
Here is how Level 2 and DC Fast charging compare for commercial spaces.
Level 2 Charging: A Cost-Effective Fit for Longer Parking Times
Level 2 is the most common type of EV charging station. These stations are suitable for residential and commercial use because they run on dedicated 240V circuits that can often be added to existing electrical panels.
Even when electrical upgrades are required, they’re usually limited to replacing an old panel with a 200-amp or 400-amp model to comfortably power several stations while other systems are running.
This technology isn’t the fastest way to charge an EV since it takes anywhere from 4 to 10 hours to get a full charge. Note that this number can vary based on the kW rating of the charging equipment and the make and model of the EV being charged.
These longer charging times make Level 2 EV charging ideal for:
- Businesses looking to use EV charging to increase dwell time, like retail stores.
- Commercial properties looking to offer top-off charging as a perk without making significant investments in an EV charging infrastructure.
- Places where tenants, employees, or customers are already parking for long hours, like offices, apartment buildings, or parking garages.
In short, Level 2 charging is a smart choice when vehicles have time to charge, while DC fast charging may be better suited to sites where speed is the primary priority.
When DC Fast Charging Makes the Most Sense
DC Fast charging, sometimes called Level 3 EV charging, uses direct current (DC) to deliver electricity directly to an EV’s battery at a much higher voltage. This allows EVs to charge much faster than with a Level 2 station, with some models getting a full charge in as little as 20 minutes.
With charging speed being the top factor EV drivers consider when picking a charging location, there is a strong demand for this kind of fast charging experience, and it can be a great match if you’re looking to implement a for-profit revenue model for your EV charging infrastructure.
However, DC Fast charging comes with higher upfront costs:
- The charging equipment itself costs more.
- These charging stations require three-phase commercial power, which represents a significant infrastructure upgrade if your property doesn’t have three-phase power.
- Your property may need additional upgrades, such as upgraded transformers, switchgear, or panels.
- Planning for DC Fast charging is more complex and requires coordinating with your local utility.
DC Fast charging is an investment that can create a lot of value for businesses located near highways or places where EV drivers will value fast charging, like convenience stores, quick-service restaurants, or high-turnover retail locations.
Level 2 VS. DC Fast Charging: Which Technology Is Best for Your Business?
| Factor | Level 2 Charging | DC Fast Charging |
|---|---|---|
| Charging speed | Adds meaningful range over several hours; well suited to top-off charging and longer stays. | Adds substantial range much more quickly; designed for drivers who need to charge and continue their trip. |
| Best parking duration | Extended visits, such as workdays, overnight parking, hotel stays, events, or longer shopping trips. | Short stops, urgent charging needs, and locations with frequent vehicle turnover. |
| Typical investment | Lower equipment, installation, and electrical-infrastructure costs. | Higher equipment costs and a greater likelihood of electrical-service, transformer, switchgear, or utility upgrades. |
| Electrical requirements | Often can be supported by existing commercial electrical capacity, though panel or circuit upgrades may be needed. | Typically requires much more electrical capacity and may require three-phase power, dedicated equipment, or utility coordination. |
| Ideal commercial locations | Offices, workplaces, apartments, condominiums, hotels, parking garages, airports, hospitals, retail centers, and entertainment venues. | Highway-adjacent businesses, convenience stores, quick-service restaurants, travel centers, high-turnover retail sites, public charging locations, and commercial hubs. |
| Primary business value | Provides a convenient amenity for employees, tenants, guests, and customers while encouraging longer visits. | Creates convenience for drivers who value speed, can support paid charging, and may help attract traffic from EV drivers. |
Plan Your Commercial EV Charging Project With EVPlugz
Deciding between Level 2 and DC Fast charging is an important decision. EVPlugz can help you review your needs and assess your current power infrastructure to help you determine which charging technology makes the most sense for your project.
Contact us today at +1 (321) 549 7002 or fill out our online form to get help planning your commercial EV charging project.
FAQ
What is the difference between Level 2 and DC fast charging?
Level 2 charging uses 240-volt power and is designed for vehicles that will remain parked for several hours. DC fast charging delivers much more power directly to the vehicle’s battery, making it a better fit for drivers who need to charge quickly and get back on the road.
Is Level 2 or DC fast charging better for commercial properties?
The right option depends on how long people typically park at your property and what your goals are for EV charging. Level 2 is often the better fit for offices, apartments, hotels, parking garages, and other locations with long dwell times. DC fast charging may be a better investment for convenience stores, highway-adjacent businesses, quick-service restaurants, and high-turnover retail locations.
Does DC fast charging require electrical upgrades?
In most cases, yes. DC fast charging typically requires three-phase commercial power and significantly more electrical capacity than Level 2 charging. Some properties may need upgrades to their electrical service, transformer, switchgear, panels, or utility connection before a DC fast charger can be installed.
