The Basics

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN VEHICLES

Plug-in Electric Vehicle (PEV) – operates 100% on electric battery power

Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle (PHV or PHEV) – has both an electric motor and a gasoline engine, but electricity is the main source of power. The battery pack can be recharged by plugging into an electrical source, allowing it to operate like an electric vehicle until the battery is depleted, then the backup engine kicks in to extend the range. It also uses regenerative breaking to recapture energy in the batteries for efficiency, but plugging into an outlet is the main way to recharge the battery.

Hybrid Vehicle – has both an electric motor and a gasoline engine, but gasoline is the main source of power. At low speeds, the car will use the electric motor for efficiency, but at high speeds, it will shift to the gasoline engine for more power. Regenerative breaking captures the electricity needed to replenish the batteries and provide power to the electric motor.

CHARGING AT HOME

Level 1 – Use the charge adapter that comes with your car to plug into any into any standard 120V outlet. This is considered slow charging, but it may suit your driving habits just fine if you can charge overnight.

Level 2 – You will need to purchase a separate charge adapter and use a 240V outlet (you may need an electrician to wire an outlet for you). While this may add a bit more expense, it will allow you to charge much faster and get full usage out of your electric car. The most common connector for Level 2 charging is the J1772 EV plug (see below).

CHARGING IN PUBLIC

PlugShare is a great app that allows you to find places to charge in public.

Level 2 – The J1772 EV plug is standard for the U.S. These stations are what you commonly see at parking ramps and businesses and can be used by both hybrid plug-in vehicles (like the Volt) or all-electric vehicles (like the Bolt). These may be free, or you may be charged for access or use.

Level 3 – This is often referred to as "DC fast charging" and your vehicle must have one of the following connectors to be able to charge at one of these stations. (Usually only found on 100% electric vehicles, not hybrids.)

There are three common Level 3 connectors based on car manufacturer:

SAE Combo CCS – standard on American and European makes: Chevrolet, BMW, Volkswagen, etc.

CHAdeMO – standard on Japanese makes: Nissan, Mitsubishi, Toyota, etc.

Tesla Superchargers – Telsa uses its own connector standard.