Adapter Types

Adapter Types

Name	Voltage
NEMA 5-15	120v
NEMA 14-50	240v
NEMA 14-30	240v

Unfortunately, because of how electric vehicles continue to evolve, there are a few different ways to charge an electric vehicle. Fortunately, one of the easiest ways is the common household plug NEMA 5-15, 120 volt. All electric cars can use it, but you will need an adapter for it (based on car manufacturer). This type is also called Level 1 charging. 

While the standard 120 volt outlet is usable, it’s also slow to charge a vehicle. It can be 2-5 miles per hour. In the early days of modern all electric vehicles, this maybe enough because the range of electric cars were small. Ford, Honda, and Toyota had an all electric car that ranged 50-100 miles. 

Today, cars like Audi, Hyundai, and Tesla have pushed car ranges into 200+ miles. Tesla has pushed this even further with ranges from 240-600 miles. (May move this information to electric cars or to pros and cons)

One of the better ways of charging is through Level 2 charging, which is 240 volts. This is the same as the standard home laundry plug. Most public charging stations are Level 2 and use a SAE J1772 plug. Finally I’d like to cover the standard of CCS. Large automakers agreed to have a standard plugs on their electric vehicles. With hybrids, the gasoline will charge the battery so there’s no need for an adapter.