What Does a Level 3 Charger Cost?
The cost factor is the primary reason behind the purchase of EV chargers. The EV Charger is the same as the petrol tank used in the traditional car. You can refuel your EV through it. The Level 3 charger needs to set up infrastructure, so knowing the exact cost is vital for the insight. This will ensure that you get the greatest returns on your investment.
This article will take you through learning the factors of these Level 3 Chargers costs and brands. Don’t you think it is fascinating? Simply stick to this article to see more!
Short Overview on Level 3 Charger
A level 3 charger or a fast charger is also known as a DC Fast Charger and it utilizes DC (Direct Current) to charge your vehicle. Unlike Level 2 and Level 1 chargers, this charger offers super-speed charging. It takes only 15 minutes to 45 minutes to completely charge your vehicle. Level 3 charger is suitable particularly for long-distance travelers. These chargers can be found in public places and on highways.
Let us clear your doubts in the table below, which describes the differences between the Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 chargers.
| Sr. No. | Feature | Level 1 Charger | Level 2 Charger | Level 3 Charger (DC Fast Charging) |
| 1 | Output Power | 1.3 kW – 2.4 kW AC | 3 kW – 19.2 kW AC | 50 kW – 350 kW DC |
| 2 | Speed of Charging | Slowest (adds 3-5 miles per hour) | Moderate (adds 20-30 miles per hour) | Fastest (adds up to 20 miles per minute) |
| 3 | Type of Connection | 120V standard household outlet | 240V outlet (dryer outlet or similar) | Requires special DC fast charging station |
| 4 | Cost of Installation | Included with most EVs, minimal cost if new outlet not needed | $200 – $1000 depending on electrical work | Not applicable (use existing station) |
| 5 | Applications | Overnight charging at home for short commutes | Home charging, workplace charging, and public charging for longer commutes | Long trips, adding range quickly on the road |
| 6 | Availability | Very high (standard household outlet) | Moderate (requires compatible outlet or installation) | Low (limited number of stations) |
Level 3 Charger Costs From Different Companies
The price range of the DC Fast charger is yet different from brand to brand. Uncover the information on DC fast charger costs from various brands right in the table below:
| Sr. No. | Company | Output Power (kW) | Charging Time (for 80% charge) | Level of Compatibility | Purchasing Cost (USD est.) |
| 1 | ChargePoint** | 150-350 | 15-30 minutes | CCS/SAE Combo, CHAdeMO | $30,000-$75,000 |
| 2 | ABB | 150-350 | 15-30 minutes | CCS/SAE Combo, CHAdeMO | $30,000-$75,000 |
| 3 | Siemens | 150-300 | 15-30 minutes | CCS/SAE Combo, CHAdeMO | $30,000-$75,000 |
| 4 | Tritium | 350-600 | 10-20 minutes | CCS/SAE Combo, CHAdeMO | $60,000-$100,000 |
| 5 | ENGINE | 175-350 | 15-30 minutes | CCS/SAE Combo, CHAdeMO | $30,000-$75,000 |
| 6 | Enel X Way | CCS/SAE Combo | Not publicly available | ||
| 7 | Fortescue Future Industries | Not yet available | Not yet available | CCS/SAE Combo (planned) | Not yet available |
| 8 | Tesla (Supercharger) | 250-350 | 15-30 minutes | Tesla proprietary | Not available for purchase |
| 9 | Electrify America | 150-350 | 15-30 minutes | CCS/SAE Combo | Not available for purchase |
| 10 | Lucid Motors (Air Charger) | Not yet available | Not yet available | CCS/SAE Combo (planned) | Not available for purchase |
Level 3 Charger Charging Costs
The table below shows the kWh cost of a DC fast charger 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 $ |
The cost of this for other nations or states varies according to the specific tax law and the price of electricity.
Things That Influence Level 3 Charger Cost
Many factors determine the overall price of the DC Fast charger.
1. Speed of Charging
The time that the charger spends in fully charging the vehicle is significant. The higher the speed of charging implies the higher-end cost of the charger. To provide high speed, the Level 3 Charging requires advanced technology. This is evident using the latest power systems, cooling technology, and other functionalities. Installing these systems increases the cost of the Charger Level 3.
2. Output Power
A level 3 charger has output power that depends on the specific charger. As the table above shows, the power amounts can be 50 kW, 250 kW, 300 kW, and even 500 kW. The high output power of the charger asks for strong components. This involves the power converters, transformers, etc. Therefore, production costs are increased while the total cost of the charger increases.
3. Level of Compatibility
This word indicates that you can charge any vehicle with the machine. The cost will be high if the level 3 charger can charge for a wide range of vehicles. For example, some vehicles support the J1772 connector while others support CCS. At the same time, this implies that the charger you choose can support multiple connector types. Then, the price of the charger is higher.
4. Infrastructure for Electrical Requirements
The type of infrastructure you need to set up heavily influences the cost of the level 3 charger. Then, any modification you need will result in higher expenses being incurred. For instance, if you have to enhance the infrastructure to match the power demand. Then, you have to install the switchgear, transformers, and other accessories. This way, the connection to the grid will be much easier and smoother.
5. Installation Site Preparation
Ascertain the site preparation for the installation of your special Level 3 charger. You may need to dig or build infrastructure. You have to ensure the drainage and space availability for both vehicles and chargers.
This step protects the charger from excessive temperature and direct sunlight exposure. Moreover, you can save your charger from getting wet under direct water or rain. In this manner, you can also create your audience for ease through the charging process.
6. Standards Compliance
You must obtain the local authorities’ consent before installing the level 3 charger. For this, you have to invest in periodic inspections to obtain a permit for installation. The system must provide a safe environment unmatched by any other system on the market.
7. Brand Reliability and Reputability
The vendor or manufacturer that you are planning to procure the level 3 charger will also highlight the device’s price. For example, if you buy the level 3 charger from a trusted brand with a good reputation and history. It may be that you need to pay for a charger at a high price.
On the contrary, if you select a new brand with no past of providing top-quality and durable services, you can save on maintenance costs. However, it is your chance to face credibility or truthfulness.
8. Level of User-friendly and Controls
The cost for a level 3 charger varies depending on how much user-friendliness and controls the user wants. Certain chargers have digital screens and control functions to adjust the power output, time duration, and charging speed.
Such chargers provide an effect of whole automation. This can offer you safety and security. On the other hand, some versions of the level 3 charger do not allow you to do that. The lower pricing is one of the advantages of this type of level 3 charger.
Things to Consider Before Installing Level 3 Charger
Before installing the level 3 charger, you need to pay attention to the following factors:
- Decide whether the particular chargers have a high adoption rate among the people or access the local DC charger stations to get the feel.
- Estimate your charging fees and rates for that certain area or community.
- First, determine the electric vehicles in your area and then select charger stations that will meet their needs.
- Frequently and Periodically, What Is the Best Time for Maintenance Needs?
- Decide on the charger that allows for an upgrade.
Eventually, these details guide you to the right choice.
Final Thoughts
Now that you know the price of a Level 3 charger, you are in a position to do a comparative analysis. Level 3 chargers might cost more at the beginning, but their efficiency and speed can overcome the primary expense. An investment in a L3 charger gives you a faster charging time, which means less waiting for your vehicle to charge.
Besides, take into account the savings and convenience it brings. The Level 3 charger entails a future-proofing of charging needs which is a guarantee of compatibility with upcoming electric vehicle models. In sum, note the efficiency, speed, and long-term advantages that are associated with it.
Learn how the 3 Types of EV Chargers differ and how they deliver efficiency, speed and long-term benefits, ensuring your charging solution is future-proof.
