Level 2 vs. DCFC: How To Choose the Right EV Charger for Your Property

Okay, so you’re the owner of a business or multifamily property who has finally decided it’s time to install EV chargers. It will satisfy the demand of customers and residents, boost property values, increase revenue and demonstrate your commitment to environmental stewardship. But wait, how do you decide between Level 2 EV chargers and DC fast chargers? What’s the difference and why does it matter? In fact, there are several key differences between these charger types, including cost, speed and installation requirements, and choosing the wrong one can mean infrastructure mismatch that wastes money and leads to disgruntled users. Epic Charging wants to ensure site hosts have a positive experience, and the good news is the differences between these charger types are stark, so once you understand them and your own needs, the decision becomes much easier. Let’s take a deeper look at these differences.

Charging Speed

A core difference is how each charger delivers power to the battery, which affects the speed of the charge. Level 2 EV chargers convert AC power (alternating current) to DC power (direct current) within the vehicle, with the conversion process leading to a slower charge. DCFCs skip this conversion by delivering power directly to the battery, resulting in a more rapid charge. Faster charging often leads to greater turnover, indicating higher utilization and thus better profitability. But faster isn’t always better. Property owners should consider factors like dwell time and user expectations as well. Dwell time is the duration someone stays at an establishment, and retailers who want to increase revenues often benefit from increased dwell time. A study from Pathintelligence determined that a 1% increase in dwell time actually resulted in a 1.3% increase in sales. Additionally, residents and employees who expect to leave their vehicle charging all day or all night don’t necessarily need or expect rapid charging. Without considering these factors first, you could be wasting large sums on the wrong hardware. So, in the simplest terms, DCFCs are best for shorter dwell times and Level 2s are best for longer ones.

Installation Requirements

The variance in power output generated by each type of charger translates to critical differences in installation considerations. A typical Level 2 charger puts out between three and 19 kilowatts of power (kW) while a typical DCFC puts out 50 to 350 kW. This means Level 2 chargers can operate from a 240-volt, single-phase AC power source, which is common to most American homes and small businesses. Such units are often small, unobtrusive and can be mounted on walls. A DCFC, on the other hand, requires a 480-volt or higher, three-phase power source that can convert AC power to DC, which is usually reserved for properties with weighty energy demands such as commercial spaces, offices, multifamily buildings and industrial facilities. Four hundred eighty-volt systems ultimately deliver more power with less current than their 240-volt cousins, leading to less energy loss, but also occupy significantly more physical space and entail more complex permitting. Moreover, on properties equipped for just 240 volts, upgrades can be costly and time-consuming, so understanding your property’s power capabilities, which Epic can assist you with, will be key to making an informed decision.

Cost Differences

DCFCs are vastly more expensive than Level 2s, with the former ranging from $20,000 to $100,000 per port, while the latter averages just $1,500 to $5,000 per port. The cost difference is due to the DCFC’s more complex internal components, including its power conversion system, as well as the increased permitting, installation and operating expenses. However, a greater upfront outlay on a DCFC may bring about break-even quicker than a Level 2 depending on the charger’s sessions per day and kilowatt-hour (kWh) throughput. Fast chargers in busy corridors may see double the daily charging sessions their Level 2 counterparts see while also generating four to five kWh per day more during windows of high utilization, meaning greater profitability on electricity sales. On the flip side, demand charges can be costly for DCFC operators because of their high, short-duration power draw. The National Association of State Energy Officials (NASEO) notes that demand charges can account for nearly 74% of the average DCFC electric bill.

Property Type Best Practices

The end user and the kind of vehicles that will be charging should always be a factor in the equation. Some traditional hybrids and battery electric vehicles (BEVs) won’t even work with DCFCs, meaning Level 2 chargers are ideal for office workers and residential tenants who may own such vehicles and don’t need a fast turnaround. Fleet hubs often fare better with Level 2s as well due to the low cost and long dwell times between operation. On the other hand, high-traffic areas that bank on rapid turnover like highway rest stops and travel plazas, gas stations, convenience stores and retail locations with short dwell times are prime spots for DCFCs. Ditto for rideshare and taxi staging areas or intermediary delivery depots where drivers may need a quick recharge mid-shift. Certain high-performance luxury EVs that have an 800-volt architecture also charge more efficiently on DCFCs, so luxury apartment and condo complexes may want to seriously consider fast-charging to appease their affluent tenant base.

Future-Proofing

EV technology is constantly evolving, with Epic right at the forefront, and site hosts should similarly do everything they can to evolve with it. Assuring your Level 2 chargers are ready for the long game include installing amperages high enough to accommodate future vehicles, leveraging grid friendliness to keep operating costs low and preparing for quick scaling through EV-capable spaces with pre-installed conduits. For DCFC, be discreet in your site selection, ensuring you have the space and infrastructure to accommodate the needs of more complex hardware as you grow. Choose chargers with higher power outputs and dual-standard capability (i.e., NACS and CCS). And make sure appropriate financial resources can be allocated to support the more robust operational and maintenance requirements. For both types of chargers, future-proofing entails working with a network provider like Epic who employs open charge point protocol (OCPP), remote monitoring and control, AI-powered smart insights, round-the-clock support and a history of migrating chargers at scale to grow with your business.

The Bottom Line

When choosing which charger type is right for you, here are five simple questions to ask yourself:

1) How fast do drivers at my property need to charge?

2) Does my property have the existing infrastructure to meet installation requirements?

3) What price am I willing to pay for the installation or upgrade, and what option affords me a quicker path to break-even?

4) What are industry best practices for the type of property I own?

5) Which option best allows me to future-proof my investment?

The good news: Our team of experienced professionals are highly adept at helping site hosts make the best decision for their situation.

Still have questions? Contact us for a free, no-obligation assessment.