As electric vehicles (EVs) continue to rise in popularity, the demand for fast, reliable, and accessible EV charging stations is accelerating across the country — especially here in Kentucky and Southern Indiana. Whether you’re a homeowner looking for convenient overnight charging or a dealership needing to keep EVs ready to drive, understanding the different types of EV chargers is key.
In this guide, we break down the types of EV chargers, recent innovations, and what to consider before installing a charging station — whether it’s for your home, commercial property, or fleet.
The Growing Need for EV Chargers
With EV sales projected to grow globally each year, infrastructure must grow with it. Public charging stations are popping up in urban areas, along highways, and in rural communities — but for many drivers, home charging is still the preferred option. Likewise, dealerships and commercial businesses are investing in charging stations to support their customers and inventory.
At Laswell, we’re proud to help Kentuckiana homes and businesses prepare for the future with professional EV charger installation services.
What Are the Different Levels of EV Chargers?
EV chargers are divided into three categories — Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 — each with its own speed, power, and best use case.
Level 1 Chargers (Basic Charging for Light Use)
- Power Source: Standard 120V outlet
- Charging Speed: 3–5 miles of range per hour
- Best For: Low-mileage drivers, overnight charging
These plug-and-play chargers are the slowest option and can take over 40 hours to reach an 80% charge on a fully electric vehicle (BEV). They’re typically used as a backup or by those with minimal daily driving.
Level 2 Chargers (The Sweet Spot for Home & Business)
- Power Source: 240V (residential) or 208V (commercial)
- Charging Speed: 20–30 miles of range per hour
- Charge Time: 4–10 hours to reach 80%
- Best For: Homeowners, businesses, apartment complexes
Level 2 chargers strike the right balance of power and practicality. Many come with smart features like scheduling, remote monitoring, and energy usage tracking — perfect for optimizing off-peak charging.
Laswell Tip: We install most of our home EV chargers at Level 2, especially for clients in Louisville and surrounding counties who drive daily.
Level 3 Chargers (DC Fast Chargers for Rapid Charging)
- Power Source: Direct current (DC), 480V+
- Charging Speed: 60–100+ miles of range in 20–30 minutes
- Best For: Dealerships, commercial properties, public use
These superchargers are designed for fast, high-volume charging, often found at highway rest stops or commercial hubs. Most plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) do not support Level 3, but they charge faster on Level 2 anyway.
New tech: Ultra-fast chargers can deliver up to 350 kW, bringing BEVs to 80% in under 20 minutes.
Where Are EV Chargers Being Installed?
Home Installations:
Homeowners appreciate the convenience of waking up to a fully charged vehicle. Laswell handles permits, panel upgrades, and installation.
Dealerships & Commercial Locations:
Car lots, office buildings, and retail centers are now installing multiple chargers to support staff, customers, or EV fleet vehicles.
Public Charging Stations:
For apartment dwellers or commuters, public EV charging networks continue to grow, often paired with retail and food locations to make charging easy during errands or lunch breaks.
The Future of EV Charging
As the EV industry evolves, here’s what’s next in charging innovation:
- Faster Charge Times: Newer Level 3 chargers continue to reduce charge time dramatically.
- Smart Home Integration: EV chargers will connect with smart panels and solar systems to reduce energy costs and manage schedules.
Battery-to-Grid (V2G) Tech: Future chargers may allow EVs to power your home or send excess energy back to the grid.
Why Choose Laswell for EV Charger Installation?
We’ve been Kentuckiana’s trusted electrician for over 30 years, and we stay on the cutting edge of modern technologies — from EV charging to smart home solutions.
- Licensed and insured
- Local experts in home and business installs
- Permitting and code-compliant work
- Clean, professional service
Ready to Install Your EV Charger?
Whether you’re in Louisville, Southern Indiana, or anywhere in the 50-mile radius we serve, Laswell is your go-to team for expert EV charger installation.
Call or text us at 502-231-6326
Contact Us Online for a free consultation.
Let’s plug you into the future — the smart, reliable way.
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