AC Charging (Level 2)
AC charging uses alternating current at 240V to deliver faster charging than a standard wall socket, making it the most widely deployed method for homes, workplaces, and destination sites.
- AC charging (Level 2) uses alternating current at 240V to deliver faster charging than a standard wall socket, typically adding 30 to 80 km of range per hour.
- It is the most widely deployed charging method for homes, workplaces, and destination sites, and the level where Spirii's platform begins.
- For operators, AC charging is a manageable, cost-effective way to deploy charging at scale across multiple sites.
- Spirii Connect gives operators the tools to manage, price, and optimise AC charging networks from a single dashboard.
AC charging is the backbone of everyday EV ownership and the most common charging type for operators deploying at workplaces, residential buildings, and destination sites. For a broader introduction to charging levels including Level 1 and DC fast charging, see our guide to EV charging systems and levels.
What is AC charging (Level 2)?
AC charging, also known as Level 2 charging, uses alternating current at 240V to deliver faster charging than a standard household outlet. It is the most common charging method across residential, workplace, and public destination settings.
Unlike trickle charging (Level 1), which uses a standard wall socket, Level 2 requires a dedicated charging station (EVSE) professionally installed on a 240V circuit. The vehicle's onboard charger converts the incoming AC power to DC before it reaches the battery.
Technical overview
- Power output: 3.7 kW to 22 kW depending on the charger and vehicle.
- Charging speed: approximately 30 to 80 km of range added per hour.
- Charge time: a full charge for most BEVs in 6 to 12 hours; PHEVs often fully charged in 1 to 4 hours.
- Connector standard: Type 2 (Mennekes) in Europe, the universal standard for AC charging.
When is Level 2 AC charging the right choice?
- Home charging: the standard solution for overnight top-ups, fully replacing range used during a typical day's driving.
- Workplace charging: vehicles charge during working hours without requiring a fast charger, keeping installation costs low.
- Destination charging: hotels, retail parks, and restaurants can provide meaningful range top-ups during a stay or visit.
- Residential and multi-tenant buildings: scalable AC deployments serve multiple residents or tenants from a shared grid connection using Dynamic Load Management.
How Spirii Connect manages AC charging networks
Spirii's platform begins at Level 2. For operators deploying AC charging across one or many sites, Spirii Connect provides:
- Dynamic Load Management: balances power across all active chargers to prevent overloads and maximise the number of vehicles that can charge simultaneously.
- Flexible tariff control: set pricing by time, user group, or location, and update it instantly across all sites.
- User group management: separate rates for employees, guests, and public users on the same hardware.
- Remote monitoring and diagnostics: track charger status, identify faults, and manage maintenance without a site visit.
- Multi-site visibility: manage all locations from a single dashboard with session-level reporting and energy analytics.
Hardware can be sourced through Spirii directly or through one of our certified installation and operations partners.