Cost is the first thing that influences buyers' purchase decisions regarding EVs or EV chargers. EV Charger is what fuels up the EV (Electric Vehicle). For a Level 3 charger, you need to set up an infrastructure, and for that purpose, the insights on the actual cost are critical. Exploring with PIWIN will help you get the most from your investment.
This article aims to provide effective information on factors affecting the cost, Level 3 Charger costs of various brands, etc. Sounds intriguing? Just stick to this article to discover more!
The Level 3 Charger also refers to the DC fast charger as it uses DC (Direct Current) to charge your vehicle. This charger stands out from the Level 2 and Level 1 chargers in that it offers high-speed charging. Just within 15 to 45 minutes, you can fully charge up your vehicle. Level 3 charger caters to longer-distance travel at ease. You can find these chargers in public areas or on highways.
Clear your concept in the table below, representing the differences between the Level 1, Level 2, or Level 3 chargers.
Sr. No. | Feature | Home Charger/ Level 1 Charger | Business/ Level 2 Charger | Commercial/ Level 3 Charger |
1 | Output Power | Up to 1.4 kW | 3.3 up to 19.2 kW | 50 up to 350 kW |
2 | Speed of Charging | 5 miles of range per hour | 25 up to 50 miles of range per hour | Up to 200 miles of range in 30 minutes |
3 | Type of Connection | Common 120-volt household outlet | Dedicated 240-volt outlet | CCS OR MORE |
4 | Cost of Installation | Low | Medium | High |
5 | Applications | Supports Overnight charging at home | Business/ Workplace charging | Longer-distance road trips |
6 | Availability | Most widely available | Less common than Level 1 chargers | Increasingly available, but still not as common as Level 1 or 2 chargers |
The cost of the DC Fast charger varies from brand to brand. Uncover the information on DC fast charger costs from various brands right in the table below:
Sr. No. | Name of Company | DC Fast Charger (Level 3 Charger) | Output Power | Charging Time | Leve of Compatibility | Purchasing Cost |
1 | ChargePoint | Express Plus | 250 kW | 10 up to 30 minutes | CCS vehicles and Other All | $15,000 - $25,000 |
2 | ABB | Terra 350 kW | 350 kW | 5 up to 15 minutes | CCS vehicles and Other All | $25,000 up to $35,000 |
3 | Siemens | Sicharge CC200kW | 200 kW | 10 up to 20 minutes | CCS vehicles and Other All | $15,000 up to $25,000 |
4 | Tritium | RT500 | 500 kW | 5 up to 10 minutes | CCS vehicles and Other All | $30,000 up to $40,000 |
5 | ENGINE | EVBox Troniq 50 | 50 kW | 30 minutes | CCS vehicles and Other All | $7,000 up to $10,000 |
6 | Enel X Way | JuiceBox Pro 40 | 40 kW | 30 minutes | CCS vehicles and Other All | $5,000 up to $7,000 |
7 | Fortescue Future Industries | EVgo 350 kW | 350 kW | 10 up to 15 minutes | CCS vehicles and Other All | $25,000 up to $35,000 |
8 | Tesla | Supercharger V3 | 250 kW | 10 up to 20 minutes | Tesla vehicles | $15,000 up to $25,000 |
9 | Electrify America | 350 kW DC Fast Charger | 350 kW | 10 up to 15 minutes | CCS vehicles and Other All | $25,000 up to $35,000 |
10 | Lucid Motors | DC Fast Charging Station | 350 kW | 10 up to 15 minutes | CCS vehicles and Other All | $25,000 up to $35,000 |
Multiple things greatly influence the total cost of the DC Fast charger. Some of the notable factors are:
The speed with which the charger caters to the full charging matters. High charging speed contributes to the higher-end cost of the charger. To cater to higher speeds, a Level 3 Charger requires state-of-the-art technology.
This is true in terms of the latest in tech cooling systems, efficient and effective power systems, etc. Incorporation of these technologies in the Level 3 Charger raises the total cost of the charger.
The output power of the level 3 charger varies from charger to charger. As you have seen in the table above, the power outputs can be 50 kW, 250 kW, 300 kW, and even 500 kW. The higher output power of the charger requires the use of robust components.
These components include the power converters, transformers, etc. The use of these components leads to the inclusion of higher charger manufacturing expenses and total charger costs.
The term compatibility here refers to the possibility that you can charge any vehicle with it. If the level 3 charger supports charging for a broad range of vehicles, then the cost will be higher. For instance, some vehicles support the J1772 connector, while some support CCS, etc. Suppose the charger that you purchase supports a large number of connectors. Then, the total cost of the charger will be higher.
The infrastructure that you possess greatly influences the cost of the level 3 charger. If there is any modification you need, then it will lead to higher expenses. For instance, if you need to upgrade the infrastructure to fulfill electrical requirements. Then, you need to install the switchgear, transformers, and other components. This will ultimately help in a seamless connection to the grid.
Determine if you need to prepare the site for the installation of the specific Level 3 charger. You may need to excavate or construct the infrastructure. You need to make sure there is a proper drain for water and sufficient space availability for vehicles and chargers.
This will help prevent the charger from excessive temperatures and direct sunlight exposure. Besides, you can protect your charger from direct water or rain. This way, you can also cater your audience to the seamless experience during charging.
At the same time, you can click to learn about ev charger power requirements and installation.
You need to get approval from local authorities before deploying the level 3 charger. For this, you need to spend money on periodic inspections to gain a permit for installation. You need to ensure that your system completely adheres to the unmatchable safety standards.
The brand or manufacturer that you are going to select also emphasizes the cost of the level 3 charger. Suppose you choose the level 3 charger from a reputable brand with a proven track record and history.
You may need to pay a high cost to acquire the charger. In contrast, if you select a new brand with no history of offering reliable or durable products, then you can experience lower total costs. But it is your luck to experience the reliability or reputability.
The cost of a level 3 charger greatly depends on the level of user-friendliness and controls it offers. Some chargers offer a digital screen and control functions that will allow you to optimize the power output, time, and charge speed.
Such chargers give a feel of complete automation. You can enjoy safety and security this way. At the same time, some variations of the level 3 charger do not allow you to do so. Such level 3 chargers feature lower cost.
Down in the table, there is the cost of the charger from DC fast charger per kWh and the total cost for specific miles.
Sr. No. | States | Average Cost of Charging Cost per kWh | Estimated Time of Charging for 200 Miles | Average Total Cost for 200 Miles |
1 | California | 0.25 $ | Up to 20 minutes | 50 $ |
2 | Colorado | 0.28 $ | Up to 15 minutes | 42 $ |
3 | Florida | 0.32 $ | Up to 20 minutes | 64 $ |
4 | Georgia | 0.26 $ | Up to 15 minutes | 39 $ |
5 | Illinois | 0.30 $ | Up to 20 minutes | 60 $ |
6 | Massachusetts | 0.35 $ | Up to 20 minutes | 70 $ |
7 | New Jersey | 0.34 $ | Up to 15 minutes | 41 $ |
8 | New York | 0.33 $ | Up to 20 minutes | 66 $ |
9 | Oregon | 0.26 $ | Up to 15 minutes | 39 $ |
10 | Texas | 0.27 $ | Up to 20 minutes | 54 $ |
This cost for other countries or states varies depending on the tax regulations and the cost of electricity.
Here is the key thing that you need to consider before deploying a Level 3 charger as it influences your expenses and revenue:
All these factors help you make a wise charger selection. You can experience a better ROI in the long run.
Related reading: How to become a certified ev safe charge installation specialist