Discover the types of EV chargers. Compare speed, cost, connectors and use cases

Aldona is a Content Manager whose ultimate goal is to tell you a good story, not compromising on the knowledge-sharing part.

Aldona Krysiak-Adamczyk

The three types of EV chargers are Level 1 AC, Level 2 AC, and DC fast charging.

 uses a standard 120V outlet and delivers 1.4–2.3 kW, adding ~6–12 km of range per hour: ideal for overnight home charging.

 operates at 208–240V and delivers 3.7–22 kW, adding ~15–120 km/hour: suitable for homes, 

 provides 50–400 kW and adds 120–800 km/hour, typically charging from 10% to 80% in 15–45 minutes: best for highways and fleets.

Not all charging units are created equal, and if you plan to develop infrastructure, the types of EV chargers you choose will define the user experience.

Between power levels, plug types, regional standards, and charging speeds, the differences will influence your operations. This guide categorizes EV chargers by level and connector type, enabling you to make informed decisions for home, public, or fleet deployments.

Level 1 EV charging: Low-speed, low-cost, and sometimes enough

Level 1 charging utilizes a standard 120V household outlet to deliver 1.4 to 2.3 kW, adding approximately 6–12 km of range per hour. While slow, it requires no installation and can be useful in settings where dwell times are long and grid upgrades aren’t practical.

For light EV use or plug-in hybrids, Level 1 may be enough. It also provides a universal fallback for emergencies or locations where Level 2 just isn’t viable, such as legacy apartment buildings or remote depots.

 Electric vehicle overnight charging, low-mileage users, PHEVs, long-dwell parking

 EV owners need >50 km/day or expect convenience

 None beyond the included electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) cable

 Adds ~6–12 km (2–5 miles) of range per hour of charging

 Overnight charging at homes or small offices

 Minimal: standard cable, no extra hardware

 Very slow; not suitable for daily long-distance driving

Level 2 EV charging: The daily driver of EV infrastructure

Level 2 is where real-world electric vehicle charging begins. Running on 208–240V, it delivers between 3.7 and 22 kW (7–11 kW is most common). That translates to ~15–120 km of range per hour, enough to fully charge most electric vehicles overnight or during a work shift.

It’s the go-to option for homes, commercial properties, office parks, hotels, and destinations. Level 2 chargers support AC power and a wide range of plug types (Type 1/J1772, Type 2/IEC), making them compatible with virtually all EV models.

 Homes, workplaces, commercial parking, depots

 ~$500–$2,000 per unit, plus installation

🟩 Wrap up: Level 2 AC charging stations

 3.7–22 kW (typically 7–11 kW for residential)

 Adds ~15–120 km (10–75 miles) per hour of charging

 Homes, workplaces, public parking, commercial sites

 Most EV drivers rely on Level 2 for daily use

DC fast charging: High-speed, high-cost, high-impact

Rapid DC chargers deliver power directly to the battery, bypassing the vehicle’s onboard charger. With power outputs from 50 to 400 kW, they can bring an EV from 10% to 80% in 15–45 minutes. That makes them essential for highway corridors, logistics fleets, and high-traffic locations.

But speed comes at a price. DC chargers require high-voltage infrastructure, advanced cooling, and 

. They're also connector-specific, CCS, NACS, or CHAdeMO, so compatibility matters.

 Highways, fleet yards, fast-turnover locations

 You have limited grid capacity or low utilization

🟩 Wrap up: DC fast charging (Level 3 / HPC)

 50–400 kW (High Power Charging or HPC >150 kW)

 Direct current, high-voltage installation

 $10,000+ per charging unit plus major electrical upgrades

 Not all electric vehicles support high-speed DC charging; tapering applies

Home vs. Public vs. Fleet charging: One size doesn’t fit all

Where a charger is installed matters just as much as what type it is. Home, public, and fleet charging all come with different constraints and different expectations.

It's the most straightforward way of electric vehicle charging. It’s usually a Level 2 wallbox installed in a garage or driveway, used overnight when energy is cheapest and demand is low. 

For most EV owners, this covers 80–90% of their needs.

 It’s simple, convenient, and relatively low-cost to install, if the property allows it.

Mostly level 2 EV chargers, sometimes level 1

Controlled by the EV owner; peak usage is overnight

Minimal installation cost for single-family homes

Increasingly supported by smart charging apps and utility incentives

Public charging is more complex. Here, you’re dealing with unpredictable users, short dwell times, and the need for reliability. Some locations, like hotels or retail lots, work well with Level 2 unit speed. Others, such as highway corridors or high-traffic areas, require ultra-rapid chargers to make sense. Visibility, access, uptime, and payment handling all matter.

Often a combined charging system: Level 2 and DC chargers

Found at malls, city centers, hotels, or rest stops

Compared to private charging stations, usage is less predictable; high turnover matters

Requires payment systems, signage, and regular maintenance

Usually tied into larger charging networks for visibility and access

Fleet and depot charging is its own category. These sites need a balance between overnight slow charging and rapid turnaround during the day. Charging schedules, energy loads, downtime risk—it all needs to be managed. That’s where things like 

, power management, and software integration come in.

Different users. Different needs. Different infrastructure. Planning around those differences is what makes an EV charging strategy scalable.

Combined charging system depending on duty cycle: overnight Level 2, daytime fast charging stations

Installed in controlled environments (logistics yards, bus depots, company HQs)

Requires load balancing, scheduling, and often energy management systems (EMS)

Costs are higher, but so is ROI through operational uptime

The way you design a charging station depends heavily on which EV chargers you decide to install. A residential garage with a wallbox looks nothing like a highway rest stop with 350 kW rapid units, and neither should the planning.

Level 1 sites are the simplest. Think apartment blocks, workplaces, or long-stay parking where cars sit all day. Here, design is about convenience and cost: making sure outlets are available, safe, and paired with spaces where drivers don’t mind leaving their car overnight.

Level 2 stations are where most of the real planning happens.

 These fit best in offices, hotels, shopping centers, and fleet depots. Layout matters: enough bays to serve demand, tethered cable reach for different vehicle sizes, and the right balance between the number of chargers and available grid capacity.

 Software for load management is no longer a “nice-to-have.”

 need space for larger vehicles, heavy cables, and cooling systems. Grid capacity often requires coordination with utilities or even on-site energy storage. Drivers expect a quick in-and-out experience, so design has to allow easy access, drive-through bays for trucks, and clear payment systems that work.

In short, Level 1 is about keeping costs low, Level 2 is about serving the daily majority, and rapid DC chargers are about speed and scale. The most successful sites don’t pick one; they combine them, so every driver finds what they need.

When customers or drivers ask how long charging takes, the answer isn’t always simple. Speed depends on more than just the charger’s headline number.

Kilowatts (kW) describe charging power, while kilowatt-hours (kWh) measure the energy stored in the battery. A 7 kW charger adds 7 kWh every hour. How far that gets you depends on the vehicle’s efficiency.

Electric vehicles charge fastest between about 10% and 60–70%. As the battery fills, charging slows down, a process called tapering.

Batteries charge more slowly when it is too cold or too hot. That’s why thermal management and preconditioning matter.

Some cars can only accept 7 kW AC, others 11 or 22 kW. The same applies to DC: if a car maxes out at 150 kW, plugging into a 350 kW charger won’t make it faster.

 → Full charge in 20–40 hours (mostly impractical).

 → 4–10 hours for a full battery, overnight or during a shift.

 → 10–80% in 15–45 minutes, depending on charger power and battery capacity.

The bottom line: “fast” is always relative to the vehicle, the charger, and the use case.

The price of an EV charger goes beyond the hardware. Installation, grid upgrades, and software integration all drive the total cost of ownership. Choosing the right level is about matching cost to expected usage.

 $0–$200 (cable included with most vehicles)

 Private garages, light PHEV use, or as a fallback option.

 Too slow for daily all-EV reliance, not scalable commercially.

Discover the types of EV chargers: Level 1, Level 2 and DC fast. Compare speeds, costs, connectors and use cases for home, public and fleet charging.

Different Types of EV Chargers by Level and Plug: How To Choose the Right Setup

Learn about the plug and charge technology and see how it simplifies the charging experience.

Grzegorz is the Head of Development in Solidstudio and he has spent quite a few years here. He’s a skilled software developer that had a chance to work on numerous eMobility-related projects for clients from many different countries.

Grzegorz Bar

No matter if you build charging infrastructure, run an eMobility platform, or manage a fleet, the biggest friction point is usually the charging process. Complexity, fragmented systems, and clunky user experiences frustrate drivers and can slow down growth.

This evolving standard makes charging electric vehicles as simple as plugging in and walking away. No apps. No RFID cards. Just a secure, automated exchange between the vehicle, the charger, and the backend systems.

In this article, we’ll break down what Plug and Charge really is, how ISO 15118 powers it, and what it means for operators, EMPs, CPOs, and developers building EV services that actually scale.

) is a secure EV charging technology that lets drivers start a charging session simply by plugging in their vehicle without cards, apps, or manual authorization.

Everything happens automatically. The vehicle and the charging station recognize each other through a secure exchange of certificates. The system verifies the user, authenticates the charging contract, and initiates the session, all in a few seconds.

If you manage EV fleets, operate charge points, or offer mobility services, it’s a step forward in making the charging process easier, reducing support tickets, and delivering a frictionless experience at scale.

 between EVs, charge points, and platforms

It’s a smarter, faster way to handle the entire charging session, and it’s quickly becoming a standard across modern charging networks.

At a glance, Plug and Charge looks simple: you plug in the vehicle, and the charging starts automatically. But a lot is happening behind the scenes to make that seamless experience possible.

The whole process is built on the ISO 15118 standard, which handles secure communication between the EV and the charging station. Here's what happens during a typical Plug and Charge charging session:

As soon as the cable is plugged in, the car and charger start a secure data exchange.

The car holds a contract certificate tied to the driver’s charging provider (eMSP), and the station has its own EVSE certificate. These are used to verify identity and permissions without any manual action.

If the certificates check out, the charging process begins. The vehicle draws power, and the session is linked to the correct user for billing.

From start to finish, the system protects the integrity of the data; there are no exposed credentials or third-party interference.

What makes this powerful is how it connects every part of the EV charging ecosystem: vehicles, charging networks, and backend platforms, without adding complexity for the user. Drivers don’t have to do anything beyond plugging in, and you can trust that authentication, session tracking, and billing are handled securely in the background.

 relies on the ISO 15118 plug and charge standard, which enables secure, automated communication between electric vehicles and charging stations.

It lays the groundwork for encrypted data exchange, seamless driver authentication, and full interoperability across hardware and networks. 

, shaping much of what’s possible in modern EV infrastructure.

Plug and Charge is a secure identity system built around 

Each vehicle stores a contract certificate issued by the driver’s eMobility Service Provider (eMSP). When the car connects to a charging station, the charger verifies this certificate against its own credentials, typically an EVSE certificate. If everything checks out, the charging session begins without the driver doing a thing.

This exchange is handled using Public Key Infrastructure (PKI), ensuring that:

Only authorized users can start a session

Billing is accurate and tied to the correct account

All communication remains encrypted and tamper-proof

The result? Trust between the EV, the charge point, and the backend system without manual input or additional hardware.

For operators, this means fewer failed sessions and better data integrity across the entire charging process.

, introduced by Hubject, helps standardize how Plug and Charge is implemented across the industry.

By defining open interfaces for certificate exchange, OPCP improves interoperability between EVs, charge points, and service providers, making it easier to roll out Plug and Charge at scale.

It supports key features like multi-contract handling, role-based authentication, and compatibility with ISO 15118-20, all while reducing vendor lock-in.

Plug and Charge helps solve real problems for EV businesses. Drivers don’t need to fumble with cards or apps, and backend systems don’t have to manage as many moving parts.

 It reduces failed sessions, lowers support load, and makes billing more reliable, all without changing the physical setup.

 The user is automatically identified at the plug-in, which means fewer identification issues and smoother session tracking.

 It simplifies charging by tying everything to the vehicle itself; no need to issue RFID tags or manage multiple accounts per driver.

In short, it cuts complexity for everyone involved, from the car to the backend platform.

Bring Plug and Charge into your EV operations

As more networks and vehicles adopt ISO 15118, Plug and Charge is quickly shifting from a nice-to-have to a baseline expectation. If you're building out charging infrastructure, managing roaming partnerships, or scaling an eMobility platform, now’s the time to start thinking about long-term compatibility.

Solidstudio’s platforms already support Plug and Charge capabilities built around secure certificate handling, session automation, and ISO 15118 compliance. If you're exploring how to integrate this into your setup or want to see how it works in practice, we're happy to show you around.

 to see how it all fits together in real environments.

Discover how Plug and Charge simplifies EV charging. Learn how ISO 15118 ensures secure, seamless sessions across networks, charge points, and vehicles

Plug and Charge for CPOs & EMPs: What You Should Know

Learn about demand-responsive transport and see how it impacts the passengers and commute.

Experienced content writer with over 6 years of experience in the energy sector and many industry-related publications released.

Gabriela Stawiarska

Running transport in today’s cities and rural regions is a balancing act. Operators struggle with low ridership on fixed routes, municipalities face pressure to deliver accessible services without ballooning budgets, and passengers increasingly expect on-demand convenience.

 comes in. By matching vehicles to real-time passenger demand, it shifts transport from rigid schedules to flexible, data-driven mobility.

For operators, DRT means fewer empty miles and more efficient use of fleets. For municipalities, it offers scalable coverage in both dense urban zones and sparsely populated rural areas. And for passengers, it delivers a sustainable 

, one that adapts to their needs rather than forcing them into a fixed timetable.

Demand responsive transport (DRT), sometimes called 

, is a mobility model where vehicles adjust their routes and schedules based on real-time passenger demand. Unlike fixed-route services such as regular bus lines that run on a set timetable, DRT services operate flexibly: vehicles pick up and drop off passengers where and when they’re needed.

Booking or request platforms (apps, call centers, or online portals).

Dynamic routing technology that identifies the most efficient route.

Flexible fleets typically include minibuses, vans, or shared vehicles that can operate economically in both urban and rural areas.

This flexibility makes DRT particularly valuable in situations where traditional public transport struggles:

Rural communities with low demand and dispersed populations.

Urban areas during off-peak hours or outside main bus lines.

Specialized use cases, such as non-emergency medical transport or community transport schemes.

Demand-responsive transport sits between fixed-route public transport and private vehicles, offering a sustainable middle ground that adapts to passenger demand in real time.

How eMobility fits into demand-responsive transport

Demand-responsive transport is increasingly powered by electric vehicles, and that changes how the system needs to be managed. Unlike diesel fleets, electric DRT fleets must account for charging, energy costs, and availability in real time.

This is where CPOs, EMPs, and CPMS platforms become essential:

 ensure vehicles have access to charging infrastructure along flexible routes.

 manage payments, tariffs, and roaming, enabling operators to scale services across cities or regions.

By combining demand-responsive algorithms with eMobility platforms, operators gain a holistic view:

Fleet efficiency → vehicles are dispatched based on demand 

Cost optimization → dynamic tariffs and energy management reduce operational costs.

Sustainability impact → fewer empty miles and lower emissions, supporting municipal climate goals.

DRT and eMobility together form a software-driven mobility model that adapts to passenger and energy demand, as well as charging availability. This creates a scalable and sustainable alternative to traditional fixed-route services.

DRT replaces fixed timetables with real-time coordination. Instead of sending out half-empty buses on predetermined routes, vehicles are dispatched only when and where passengers request them.

The model relies on interconnected layers:

Riders book trips via apps, call centers, or online portals.

Requests are logged instantly, giving operators visibility into passenger demand.

Algorithms calculate the most efficient route, pooling trips where possible.

Vehicles adapt routes mid-journey, picking up and dropping off passengers at designated points or even door-to-door.

This digital backbone transforms DRT into a scalable mobility service:

Operators can balance fleet size against demand.

Municipalities can provide coverage in both dense urban areas and sparsely populated rural regions without overspending.

Passengers experience reliable, flexible mobility without needing a personal vehicle.

DRT works by combining real-time passenger demand data with software-enabled fleet management, ensuring that vehicles operate efficiently while staying aligned with both transport and energy infrastructures.

The DRT is already operational in many cities and regions worldwide. While models vary, the common thread is flexible routing matched to passenger demand.

 allows passengers to book trips by phone or app. Vehicles then pool requests and adapt routes in real time. These schemes are particularly useful in peri-urban areas and rural communities, where fixed routes are often underused.

In many regions, community transport services supplement regular bus lines. They are designed for older users, low-mobility groups, or areas with low demand, and often integrate with municipal CPMS/EMP platforms to ensure ticketing and payments align with the wider transport system.

3. Non-Emergency Medical Transport (NEMT)

Healthcare providers and municipalities increasingly turn to DRT to manage NEMT. Patients can book trips in advance, vehicles optimize routes for multiple pick-ups and drop-offs, and integration with operator dashboards ensures compliance, safety, and billing transparency.

In many cities, DRT schemes are deployed as feeder services to traditional bus or metro lines. During rush hours, they help distribute passenger demand more evenly; outside peak hours, they provide coverage without running empty vehicles.

Some DRT providers offer door-to-door or corporate shuttle-style services. By integrating with EMP platforms, these can operate across borders, connect to eRoaming networks, and leverage dynamic tariffs for cost optimization.

Do DRT services work? Evaluating effectiveness

The short answer: yes, but context matters. Demand-responsive transport is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Its effectiveness depends on where it’s deployed, how it’s integrated, and whether operators leverage technology to optimize it.

Where the demand-responsive transport system works well

Urban areas → as a supplement to fixed-route bus and metro lines, especially during off-peak hours or in zones underserved by regular public transport.

Rural communities → providing mobility in sparsely populated areas where running traditional bus services is inefficient.

Specialized use cases → including non-emergency medical transport, school routes, and community schemes.

A good example comes from Wales, where fixed bus routes in rural areas were often running nearly empty and draining local budgets. To address this, Transport for Wales launched Fflecsi, a demand-responsive transport service where passengers book trips by app or phone, and minibuses adjust routes in real time.

In Ruthin, the program introduced an electric 16-seat minibus, which cut costs compared to diesel services and supported local sustainability goals. Within its first year, Fflecsi delivered over 50,000 trips and attracted higher ridership, especially among younger passengers.

Quoting David Carnero, Head of International Business at Padam (DRT tech across Europe, Asia, and North America), “DRT is not the holy grail at all, but it is a component within an integrated transport policy or network offering that allows you to deliver against things like social exclusion.” [

Operators: Lower costs per passenger by matching fleet size to demand, plus real-time data for route optimization.

Municipalities: More efficient coverage without funding underutilized fixed routes, contributing to sustainable mobility goals.

Passengers: Flexible routing, shorter waits, and in many cases, door-to-door or designated pick-up point service.

Low demand areas: DRT may struggle if passenger numbers are too low to pool trips effectively.

Fleet management: Requires software-enabled coordination — without platforms like CPMS/EMP systems, operations can become fragmented.

Safety and accessibility: Ensuring reliability for older users and vulnerable groups requires oversight and standards.

Funding models: Municipalities need to balance subsidies with realistic fare structures.

Traditional public transport runs on fixed timetables and fixed routes, an efficient model when demand is high and predictable. But in rural or peri-urban areas, this often leads to half-empty buses, high operating costs, and limited flexibility.

In contrast, demand-responsive transport adapts to real-time passenger demand. Vehicles alter routes dynamically, pooling multiple requests into the most efficient journey. This means operators can right-size fleet deployment and municipalities can maintain coverage without subsidizing underutilized bus lines.

For decades, the main alternative to public transport has been the private vehicle. But car ownership is costly for individuals, contributes to congestion, and undermines sustainability goals.

DRT services offer a middle ground: more flexible than fixed-route buses, but far more efficient than everyone driving their own car. In many cities, DRT schemes have shown they can reduce reliance on private cars, particularly when integrated with first/last-mile feeder services to major transit hubs. For municipalities, this translates into lower emissions and fewer cars on the road.

The most successful DRT schemes don’t operate in isolation — they work as part of the wider public transport system. In this role, DRT often acts as a feeder service: connecting passengers from sparsely populated areas or peri-urban zones to major bus lines or metro stations.

For operators, this integration relies heavily on technology. EMP/eMSP platforms manage booking and payments, while CPMS and CPO platforms help coordinate charging for electric DRT fleets. Together, these ensure DRT is not just an add-on, but a seamless layer in a multimodal network, bridging the gap between traditional public transport and private mobility.

Comparison of demand-responsiveness by type

In urban areas, DRT supplements traditional transit. It’s most effective during off-peak hours or in underserved districts, providing feeder services to metro lines or bus corridors. The challenge lies in competing with taxis and ride-hailing apps, so integration with public transport systems is critical.

In rural areas, DRT often replaces underused fixed bus routes altogether. Here, the value is clear: fewer empty miles, sustainable coverage for sparsely populated areas, and essential access for older users or those without private cars. Rural DRT is typically subsidized but can still reduce overall costs compared to maintaining fixed timetables.

Journey-based DRT: Offers true door-to-door service, common in community transport and medical transport. It maximizes convenience but can be harder to scale.

Stop-based DRT: Uses designated pick-up points to streamline routing and pooling efficiency. This hybrid model is more scalable and reduces detours, striking a balance between convenience and cost.

The very nature of DRT requires smart fleet management.

Manual planning: Often seen in smaller-scale community schemes, but it limits efficiency and scalability.

Demand responsive transport (DRT) cuts costs, scales services, and enables sustainable mobility. Learn how operators and cities benefit from this flexible model.

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