The incredible power, capability, and style of the new GMC Sierra EV has a lot of car buyers contemplating the merits of finally leaving the gas pump in their rearview mirror. Of course, doing so would mean switching to electric charging, a process many prospective EV owners don’t know much about. If you’re among the shoppers searching for more information about electric charging you’ve come to the right place. Here are answers to new EV owners' most common questions about keeping their vehicles charged and ready to go.
Charging an electric vehicle is as simple as charging your mobile device. Using a normal home outlet, a Level 2 charging station, or a DC fast charging station, simply follow these steps:
Your vehicle will let you know when the battery has been fully replenished with a dashboard notification, or if you have one, a charging app on your mobile device.
How long it takes to charge your vehicle depends on the battery capacity, how depleted the battery is, and the charging method you use. Smaller batteries such as those found in PHEVs, or partially charged batteries will take less time to reach full capacity. Vehicles with larger batteries or batteries that have been fully depleted will take longer to recharge.
The charging level you use will have an even greater effect on the time it takes to recharge your vehicle. Below you’ll find details about the benefits and drawbacks of each method.
Level 1 Charging – Charging methods are ranked from the lowest to highest voltage starting with Level 1 home charging. Level 1 charging uses a normal 120-volt outlet that you will typically find in a U.S. home. Level 1 charging will take the longest amount of time. Fully charging a depleted battery will take 40 to 50 hours. However, if you plan to charge at home, you can recharge every night to keep the battery topped off and wake up to a vehicle that is just as refreshed as you are.
Level 2 Charging – If you own your home, consider installing a Level 2 charging port. If that is not possible, you can use public Level 2 charging stations. Although Level 2 charging is a lot faster than Level 2, it can still take four to ten hours to fully recharge a battery. Luckily, you’ll find that most Level 2 charging stations are conveniently located near grocery stores, restaurants, or other places you’re likely to frequent.
Level 3 DC Charging – Although they can’t be installed in your home, DC fast charging stations can replenish a battery from 20 to 80 percent in as little as 30 minutes.
The exact cost of recharging your vehicle depends on your location and the charging station in your area. On average though, using a public charging station to replenish your battery will cost roughly $0.05 per mile. For comparison, as of this writing, refueling with gas currently costs roughly $0.13 per mile, over double the cost of electric charging.
Thinking about making the leap to owning an electric vehicle? Explore the newest EV models at Weld County Garage GMC. Our knowledgeable team is ready to assist you in finding an electric vehicle that suits your needs. Embrace the future with confidence and discover the many advantages of driving electric. Let Weld County Garage GMC be your partner.
