As an EV owner, it is important to understand how charging stations work and where to find them. Cavalier Ford Greenbrier has experts who can help you with all your queries related to electric vehicle charging. They can guide you through the different types of charging stations, charging times, and what to expect when you arrive at a charging station.
Keep reading to discover everything you need about EV charging as a driver near Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Chesapeake, VA.
Charging stations operate with various access and payment methods. Some stations may offer free charging, while others operate on a credit card payment system. It’s also usual that they require a key FOB or access device for authorization. Usually, every station has usage instructions on the charging device and posted notices to make charging easier.
Ford hybrids and plug-in hybrids can take advantage of two years of complimentary access to the FordPass Charging Network, which consists of 12,000 stations and over 35,000 plugs. Owners still need to pay for the energy they use, though. They can do this through the FordPass app or the car's in-dash screen.
There are three types of EV chargers. Usually, in charging stations, you'll find either Level 2 or Lever 3 Chargers, as Level 1 usually plugs into a typical household 120V outlet and takes longer to charge. The most common chargers you’ll find in charging stations are Level 2. These provide quicker charging speeds of around 20 to 25 miles of range. These stations are easy to find, too, with approximately 22,816 Level 2 public stations in the country.
Level 3 or DC Fast-Charging is the quickest, which makes them useful during long trips. These range around 100 to 250 miles in 30 to 45 minutes. Unlike Level 1 and Level 2 charging, Level 3 setups connect to the vehicle through a socket with additional pins for handling the higher voltage.
Typically, electric vehicles use the same type of connector and are compatible with standard Level 2 chargers. However, Level 3 chargers need a fast-charger hookup called SAE Combo or CCS. This employs the same J1772 socket of Level 1 and Level 2 charging plus two extra pins that enable DC fast charging.
The choice between which charger to use depends on how fast you want your car to be charged. For instance, if you are in a hurry and need your car to be charged quickly, you can use a fast charger, which can charge your car in a matter of minutes. Just make sure you have the right setups to connect a Level 3 charger.
If you have further questions about how electric charging stations work or need to maintain your EV, please contact us at Cavalier Ford Greenbrier. We are committed to providing you with all the information needed to hit the roads of Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Chesapeake, Virginia, in no time. Contact us for more information.
| Monday | 9:00AM - 8:00PM |
| Tuesday | 9:00AM - 8:00PM |
| Wednesday | 9:00AM - 8:00PM |
| Thursday | 9:00AM - 8:00PM |
| Friday | 9:00AM - 8:00PM |
| Saturday | 9:00AM - 7:00PM |
| Sunday | 12:00PM - 5:00PM |
| *Open 12PM - 5PM the last two Sundays of every month. | |
| Monday | 7:30AM - 7:00PM |
| Tuesday | 7:30AM - 7:00PM |
| Wednesday | 7:30AM - 7:00PM |
| Thursday | 7:30AM - 7:00PM |
| Friday | 7:30AM - 7:00PM |
| Saturday | 8:00AM - 1:00PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | 7:30AM - 5:00PM |
| Tuesday | 7:30AM - 5:00PM |
| Wednesday | 7:30AM - 5:00PM |
| Thursday | 7:30AM - 5:00PM |
| Friday | 7:30AM - 5:00PM |
| Saturday | 8:00AM - 1:00PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
