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Charging Guide

Car Charging Basics

EVSE, as Easy as 1,2,3: “Refuel” while you sleep!

Most charging (over 85%, according to EV driver polling) happens at home, overnight, while the driver sleeps. Just plug in your car when you get home (like you would a cell phone!) and it’s typically re-charged back to full before you even wake up the next morning. 

There are three levels of charging rate to choose from, depending upon your needs and lifestyle.

LEVEL 1 CHARGING
"REGULAR" Speed

Examples: Home, Overnight

LEVEL 2 CHARGING
"PLUS" Speed

Examples: Home, Workplace, Destination

LEVEL 3 CHARGING
"PREMIUM" Speed

Examples: Highway Rest Stop, Community Hub

  • Uses a standard outlet (the same type of outlet you charge your phone with!)
  • No “charging station” needed! Take a few seconds to plug your car in each night. By the next morning you’re ready to go!
  • Works best for plug-in hybrid electrics (PHEVs) with small batteries, and/or people who do not drive much each day.
  • Adds a range of between 3 and 6 miles per hour of charging, or up to around 50 miles overnight.
  • Uses a round outlet called a NEMA 14-50 (like the outlet you’d plug an electric stove or clothes dryer into).
  • Wired to an electrical panel or hard-wired to a wall-mounted EV charging station.
  • Most common type of charging (private and public) and adds up to 70 miles of range per hour. Get a full charge overnight!
  • Level 2 charging equipment can be purchased for as little as $200. The installation may only require minor work by an electrician or may require some upgrades to your panel or wiring.

Check out our Home Installation Help section and FAQS to learn more.

  • Also known as public DC Fast Charging, Quick charging, and Supercharging.
  • Level 3 adds hundreds of miles of range per hour of charging. Charge in around 30 minutes (or less with upcoming Level 3 stations!), or while you grab some lunch on a fun road-trip!
  • Many new fast charging sites are being added every year.
    • To get a handy online map and mobile app to find charging station near you, visit PlugShare or install their mobile app.

Levels of Charging

Which option is right for you?

Our EV Specialists discuss EV levels of charging and how to determine which option is right for you.

About Public Charging Equipment and Networks​

Charging in public can be a positive experience with a little bit of research and preparation in advance. There are many brands and models of public charging units, as well many different charging networks both nationally and regionally. 

There are two main types of stations:

Smart Charging Stations.

Also known as networked charging stations or connected stations. Typically require either membership, a card, or an app to access. They may or may not have a fee.

Non-Networked Charging Stations.

These do not require any membership to activate, and usually are free and just connect when you plug in, or may require an access code.

MGED's Public Charging Equipment and Networks

Where Are There Public EV Chargers in MGED Territory?

Learn more about where you can find local public charging.

What’s the Cost to Charge in MGED Territory?

Learn more about charging costs and how much you can save.

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