EV Driver 101

Electric vehicle (EV) charging is the process of supplying electricity to an electric car’s battery through a dedicated outlet, charging station, or portable EV charger. In simple terms, EV charging is like refueling—but with electricity instead of gasoline. 

For new EV owners, the first question often is, “What is EV charging and how does it work?” At its core, EV charging transfers energy from the grid into your vehicle through an electric vehicle plug. The time it takes depends on the type of EV charger you use—Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3—ranging from several hours to just minutes. 

When you connect your vehicle to a charging station for electric cars, electricity flows through an EV charger plug into your car’s electric car charging port. The vehicle’s onboard system then automatically regulates charging speed, safety, and the amount of energy the battery can accept. 

• At home: Many drivers begin with a standard household outlet for electric car charging at home, but upgrading to a Level 2 wall charger makes charging much faster and more convenient. 

• On the go: Public Level 3 charging stations —also known as DC fast chargers—transfer energy at high speed, adding hundreds of miles of driving range in less than an hour. 

For most drivers, charging electric cars at home is the most convenient and cost-effective option. If you’re wondering how to charge an electric car at home, here are the main options: 

• Use a standard outlet (Level 1): Plugging into a regular 120-volt household outlet is the simplest way to get started. While slow, it works well for overnight charging or for drivers with shorter daily commutes. 

• Upgrade to a Level 2 wall charger: A 240-volt wall unit dramatically reduces charging time, delivering 3–7 times faster results. This is the preferred choice for most EV owners. 

• Consider portable EV chargers: for added flexibility, portable EV chargers let you charge at different locations, so you’re not limited to one charging point. 

Cost considerations:

• How much is an electric car charging station? Residential units typically range between $500–$1,500, plus installation.

• Looking for professional setup? Check out Blink’s turnkey installation services. 

When you’re on the road, Blink’s network of of public EV charging stations for electric vehicles provides reliability and speed to keep you moving. 

• Level 2 chargers are commonly found in shopping centers, office buildings, and parking garages. 

• Level 3 charging stations (DC Fast Chargers) offer fast charging for long-distance charging, helping you get back on the road quickly. 

• Blink integrates advanced EV charger software for seamless payments, usage tracking, and remote station management. 

Are Electric Car Chargers Universal — and Can You Charge at Any Public Station? 

Most public charging stations support the major connector types, but not all chargers are universal: 

• Most EVs use the J1772 plug for Level 2 charging, which is widely supported across public networks. 

• Level 3 chargers often support CCS or CHAdeMO connectors, with adapters typically available. 

• Tesla vehicles use proprietary connectors but can access other networks using adapters. 

So yes, most EVs can charge at public stations, as long as the connector matches, or an adapter is available. 

Want to estimate your EV’s charging time? Follow these steps:

1. Note your battery’s capacity in kWh.

2. Check your charger’s power output (usually listed in kW).

3. Use this formula: Battery Capacity (kWh) ÷ Charger Power (kW) = Estimated Charging Time 

Or find out how long it takes to charge your EV using our easy-to-use Blink EV Charging Time Calculator.

How much does a charging station cost? 

• Home units: $500–$1,500 (plus installation). 

• Public charging: Pay-per-use or subscription. 

How much are Tesla charging stations? 

• Tesla home chargers usually cost between $400–$600. 

How much is an EV charging station for businesses? 

• Commercial setups vary widely. Blink offers solutions for fleets and municipalities. 

Installing the right charger optimally ensures safety and efficiency. 

• Search for EV charger installation near me—Blink provides turnkey installation.

• Learn best practices via Blink’s construction resources for EVSE installation.

• Advanced EV charger software enables features like energy monitoring and fleet management