Valley Chevrolet of Hastings

Aug 20, 2022

Switching from a car with a combustion engine to one that runs on electricity is a big change for any driver that takes getting used to, so familiarizing yourself with EV charging stations is a good idea. Our Cottage Grove car dealers get a lot of questions from new EV owners at our dealership wondering about the nuances of charging plug-in vehicles, and they’re here to answer them!

What is AC vs. DC Electricity?

There are two major methods for charging your EV, each converting electric current in a different way. You’ll either use an AC charger which converts AC current to usable DC current from within the vehicle, or a DC charger which is much faster since it converts the energy before it reaches your car.

What’s the Difference Between Level 1 and Level 2 Charging?

The main difference between these two charging methods is the speed at which your battery recharges. Level 1 chargers can be plugged directly into a standard wall outlet, but you’ll only regain a few miles of range per hour. Level 2 chargers require installation from the experts at our service center, but you’ll get drastically better charging speeds.

How Much Better is DC Fast Charging?

DC fast chargers will give you the best charging speeds currently available, but they’re often not efficient enough to make home usage worth it. You’ll be able to access public DC charging stations across the country.

Visit Valley Chevrolet of Hastings to Learn More

If you’re curious about the Chevy Silverado EV or any of our other EVs, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the charging process and make a plan for home charging. At our Chevy dealership in Hastings,MN, our team of experts can help you install a Level 2 charger at home or answer any questions about charging you may have. Stop by today to discover more!