Summary
- Level 1 charging capacity is sufficient for most electric vehicle charging needs and is much cheaper than superfast chargers
- Research shows that most drivers only need Level 1 charging except on rare occasions
- Providing access to Level 1 charging in places where people park can increase EV adoption
- Plugging an electric car into a normal electricity outlet is sufficient for charging
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Article
In a recent podcast discussion, Phillip Kobernick, Associate Director of Energy Programs at Peninsula Clean Energy, made a case for installing more Level 1 charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. He argued that Level 1 charging is often more cost-effective and efficient than Level 2 or superfast chargers. Kobernick pointed out that for the same cost, you can get 4-7 times more charging capability with Level 1 charging, which can adequately charge electric vehicles overnight for most users. This aligns with the idea that providing access to Level 1 charging in common parking areas can help increase adoption of electric vehicles.
University of Calgary economics associate professor, Blake Shaffer, conducted research that found most electric vehicle drivers only needed Level 1 charging except for rare occasions. Many drivers had the misconception that they needed a Level 2 charger at home, but Shaffer’s study revealed that a majority of drivers could rely on Level 1 charging for their daily needs. The research was based on data from 129 electric vehicles in Calgary, concluding that a Level 1 charger met the needs of 29% of cars in the study, while an additional 53% only needed to visit a public rapid charging station once per month. Providing access to Level 1 charging in common parking areas and raising awareness about this option could help make electric vehicles more accessible to a wider audience.
The key takeaway is that the majority of electric vehicle owners can meet their charging needs with Level 1 charging, rather than requiring expensive Level 2 or superfast chargers. By simply plugging into a normal electricity outlet, electric vehicle owners can charge their cars overnight and cover their daily driving needs. Making Level 1 charging more accessible and raising awareness about its affordability and simplicity can help accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles and reduce the need for costly charging infrastructure upgrades.
Research conducted by Shaffer and his colleagues, in partnership with Enmax, highlighted the importance of understanding daily driving habits and parking behaviors of electric vehicle owners. By analyzing the data, they found that most electric vehicles traveled short distances each day and were parked for extended periods, making Level 1 charging a viable option for the majority of drivers. This research underscores the potential for Level 1 charging to meet the needs of electric vehicle owners and reduce the perception that expensive charging infrastructure is necessary for home charging.
Overall, the focus on installing more Level 1 charging infrastructure and promoting its benefits can help make electric vehicles more accessible and convenient for a broader range of drivers. By leveraging existing electrical outlets and parking areas, electric vehicle owners can rely on Level 1 charging for their daily needs, reducing the need for costly upgrades and installations of Level 2 or superfast chargers. Continued research and awareness efforts in this area can drive the transition to electric vehicles and contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable transportation future.
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