EV Charging Connectors Guide

Date: August 30th, 2023

bmw ev home charging
When shopping for a new vehicle to put in your Miami garage, you’ve probably considered an EV (electric vehicle). EVs are fantastic in that they can lower your overall costs of ownership considerably due to less maintenance due to fewer moving parts found in these vehicles. Plus, the cost of electricity is much lower than gasoline in many states, including FL, even with DC Fast Charging at public stations.You’ll need to know about the different types of EV charging connectors to help you determine what you need to do in order to have the best driving experience. Read our EV charging connector guide to learn more!

Three Types of EV Charging: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3

First, you need to understand the three different EV charging levels as we start our EV charging connector guide. Each level of charging offers a different type of EV charging connector when you need to recharge your BMW near Hollywood.

  1. Domestic Outlet Home Charging (Regular Outlet, Level 1): A standard grounded (three-prong) 110V/120V charging outlet (LBMW i4el 1 Charging) is the slowest type of charging. You could charge an EV in 24 to 48 hours with this method.
  1. Installed Brand-Approved Domestic Charging (Level 2): Level 2 Charging needs a professionally installed charging device in your garage. This can charge your EV in 8 to 12 hours, depending on the vehicle you choose.
  1. Public Charging (Level 3): Also known as DC Fast Charging, this specialized system delivers electricity to get 80% capacity in as little as 30 minutes.

Home EV Charging Connector

To get the most out of your home charging, you’ll need to have an electrician install a specialized EV charging connector in your garage or carport. This type of EV charging connector has five pins (instead of prongs) designed to charge your EV at home overnight. It allows higher amounts of electricity to flow, and it is completely safe.

Combined Charging System (CCS) EV Charging Connector

A CCS connection is the type you’ll see at DC Fast Public Charging stations. These types of EV charging connectors are compatible with many types of EVs, including BMW. You can find locations with these chargers using your vehicle’s GPS or apps on your smartphone. A CCS station offers two additional pins (seven pins total) to manage the additional electrical load going into your EV.

How to Choose the Right Types of EV Charging Connectors

Your EV manufacturer will determine the correct types of EV charging connectors you require. Some brands have specialized DC Public Charging stations that can’t be used with other vehicles. Other brands offer free public charging for a year or two as an incentive to purchase. Others will pay for your home charger, too (but they won’t cover the labor costs from the electrician).

You’ll want a safe and reliable system that is compatible with future standards. Think about how you’ll drive. Are you on the road and out of town a lot, or do you expect to stay within a few miles of your Coconut Creek home? Remember that DC Fast Charging will likely be more expensive than home charging, but it’s still less expensive than gasoline.

Test Drive a New EV at BMW of Fort Lauderdale!

Ready to explore your EV options? Now that you’ve read our EV charging connector guide, contact us, call , or schedule a test drive with our team. We’ve got several EVs on our lot, including the BMW iX, i4, and i7. One of these vehicles will fit into your Fort Lauderdale lifestyle perfectly!

Dealership Info

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BMW of Fort Lauderdale 26.1051997, -80.1371954.