Cadillac EV Charging FAQs near Naperville, IL

Making the switch to a fully electric vehicle - or EV for short - may seem daunting after years of using gas-powered rides. But we at Heritage Cadillac are here to make that transition easier by answering some frequently asked questions about EV charging.

How Do I Charge My EV?

When you purchase an EV, it also comes with what is essentially an extension cord that has one end for your vehicle and one for a standard wall outlet. These are considered Level 1 chargers, and require quite a while to get your battery back to full power, typically needing to be plugged in overnight. If you want something faster, many fully-electric owners also choose to have a Level 2 charger installed. This is a stand-alone port that typically conducts about 240 volts of electricity to get your car juiced up faster and is most commonly also seen at public charging stations. These have an additional fee included since they require more equipment and a certified employee to visit your home for the installation. 

What Are the Different Levels of EV Charging?

As mentioned above, Level 1 is the most basic form. It uses about 120 volts of electricity, and adds around 3-5 miles of driving range per hour plugged in. These cords can be plugged directly into a standard home outlet and require no additional equipment. The next step is Level 2, upping the power to 208-240 volts. These stations can add 12-80 miles of driving range per hour plugged in and are the most common choice for daily charging. There is an additional cost associated with having one installed at your home since you need specialized equipment, but they are also the easiest to find when you are out in the city and need to replenish your vehicle's energy. Beyond that is Level 3, or Supercharging. This option carries 400-900 volts through the charge port, adding 3-20 miles of driving range per minute using direct current, rather than the alternating current of the other two levels. These are extremely expensive and almost never seen at individual homes, but you can find some at public places like parking lots.

How Can I Find an EV Charging Station?

There are many ways to find a nearby charging station. One of the most common choices is to use the interactive map provided by the US Department of Energy's Alternative Fuels Data Center. This allows you to type in your city, and it will show you the various stations nearby and what kind of charging they provide. You can filter the results by charge level and plug type to ensure your vehicle will be compatible with it. The 2023 Cadillac LYRIQ also has an in-car app that shows you where the nearest port is when you are running on a low charge so you don't have to worry about being stranded with a dead battery. 

These are just a few Cadillac EV charging FAQs near Naperville, IL. If you have further inquiries, feel free to visit us at Heritage Cadillac to learn more.