A standard 120V connection typically delivers around 1.4 to 1.9 kilowatts (kW) of power to an electric vehicle, depending on the specific outlet and the EV’s internal charger. For many EVs, using a 120V connection can take anywhere from 10 to 20 hours for a full charge, depending on the battery capacity.
In contrast, a Level 2 charger operating at 240V can deliver power in the range of 3.3 to 19.2 kW, significantly reducing charging times. Most Level 2 chargers provide between 6 to 7.2 kW, allowing for a full charge in approximately 4 to 8 hours, depending on the EV’s battery capacity.
2: The various active control modules, fans, circulation pumps etc in the vehicle take the same power whether charging at 120V or 240V. Since the total charging time will be less when charging from 240V the amount of energy consumed by these parasitic loads will be less when charging at the higher power levels that 240V allows.
There are (at least) a couple of places where charging from 240V provides higher efficiency. Some reasons are because of the higher voltage others because of the higher power available from a 240V source. 120V sources are usually limited to about 1.4kW (120V @ 12A) where 240V sources can commonly supply up to 7.2kW or even 11kW.
Many can output various voltages, from 5V USB to 120V AC. For outdoor activities, 12V battery systems are popular in camping gear. They can run lights, small fridges, and charge devices. Portable solar panels often pair with these 12V systems for off-grid power.
A 12V battery doesn’t always measure exactly 12 volts. Its voltage changes based on its charge level and use. You can check battery voltage with a voltmeter. For a 12V battery, a reading of 12.6V or higher means it’s fully charged. As the battery discharges, its voltage drops. Different battery types have different voltage ranges.