Guide To Electric Charging

Electric Charging 101 at Bob Brady Buick GMC

At Bob Brady Buick GMC, we want your EV charging and overall ownership experience to be easy. Whether you’re making plans for the purchase of a new GMC Sierra 1500 EV or maintaining your current Hummer EV, we offer all the information you need to make it simple and convenient. We’re answering all of the most pressing questions EV owners and prospective buyers have about charging their vehicles in Forsyth, IL.

Where Can I Charge My EV?

As of this writing, EV owners can install easy-to-use Level 2 charging stations in their homes and enjoy overnight charging, ensuring their vehicle is at full capacity before their morning commute. For those out-of-town trips, travelers can rely on the ever-expanding network of over 174,000 charging stations across the U.S.

How Do You Charge an Electric Vehicle?

Charging an electric vehicle works in much the same way as charging a mobile phone or tablet. Whether you are using a Level 1 home outlet or a charging station, you can follow this easy three-step process.

1. Park your car near an exterior home outlet, home-installed charging station, or the charging bay at a public station.
2. Open your vehicle’s charging port.
3. Plug the correct connector into the outlet and/or your car. If you’re using a public charging station, you will only need to connect your vehicle.
4. Your vehicle will automatically start the charging process if you are charging at home. If you are using a public charging station, you will need to start the process using an app or the pay screen near the charging port.

How Long Does EV Charging Take?

The time it takes to charge an EV depends on the size of the battery, its charge level, and the charging method you use. A smaller battery or a battery that is partially charged already will take less time to recharge than a larger battery or one that is depleted. The charging level you use will have the most effect on how long the charging process takes. There are three charging levels:

Level 1 Charging – Level 1 charging is the slowest charging method and uses the 120-volt outlets typically found in a U.S. home. Although it takes the longest amount of time, Level 1 charging is likely the most convenient. It doesn’t require and modifications to your home and you can recharge your vehicle overnight once or twice a week to maintain a charge.
Level 2 Charging – If you own your home, you can have a Level 2 charging station installed in your home. Otherwise, you can use one of the many public Level 2 charging stations. Although they will charge your vehicle much faster than Level 1 charging it will still take between four and 10 hours to fully recharge.
Level 3 DC Charging – As of this writing DC fast charging is the fastest charging method and can replenish a battery for 10 to 80 percent in as little as 30 minutes.

How Much Does EV Charging Cost?

The cost of EV charging depends on electricity rates in your area. In general, recharging at a public station will cost roughly $0.05 per mile, which is less than half the current cost of gas ($0.13 per mile)

If you’re considering making your next vehicle an EV, visit us at Bob Brady Buick GMC to test drive the latest GMC Sierra 1500 EV, Hummer EV, or any of the quality pre-owned electric vehicles in our inventory.