Open Today Sales: 10 AM-5 PMService: Closed
Location
20300 Highway 99 Lynnwood, WA 98036
Hours
Open Today Sales: 10 AM-5 PMService: ClosedParts: Closed
Date: Dec 28, 2023
Lexus continues to lead the way with high-performance new vehicles coming out every year. Our dealership near Seattle is proud to offer several hybrid and plug-in hybrid (PHEV) models on our lot to go along with the fully electric Lexus RZ.
Before you put a new EV in your Bothell garage, you’ll need to know about the types of EV charging connectors to get the most out of your investment in an RZ or NX PHEV. Find out additional information with our EV charging connector guide from the team at Lexus of Seattle.
Electric vehicle owners can utilize three different charging levels, which we’ll discuss first in our EV charging connector guide. Each level requires a different type of EV charging connector for your Lexus.
A standard, grounded (three-prong) 110V/120V charging outlet is the slowest type of charging option at home. You could charge an EV in 24 to 48 hours using Level 1. It’s great for topping off your EV or PHEV battery, but not for fully charging it.
Level 2 charging is much faster than Level 1. It requires an electrician to professionally install the charging box in your garage or carport. A Level 2 charging box is very convenient because it can charge your vehicle in 8 to 12 hours overnight while you sleep. Your EV’s exact charge time depends on the battery size. A PHEV battery could charge in 2 to 3 hours with a charging box.
Also known as DC Fast Charging, you can get 80% of a full charge in as little as 30 minutes. This charging type is not available in your home because it needs high-powered equipment separate from all other electrical sources.
Our team highly recommends having a home EV charging box installed in your garage or carport in Mill Creek. This type of EV charging connector has five pins (instead of three prongs). The extra pins and wires allow for higher amounts of electricity to flow compared to a standard outlet.
Find a reputable, licensed electrician to install this type of charging connector. Some manufacturers may offer incentives to install this charger at home by refunding the price of the charging box. Even though you’ll pay for the electrician’s labor, it is well worth the investment because you save money on refueling costs compared to gasoline.
A CCS connection is found at public DC Fast Charging stations. These types of EV charging connectors work with many makes of EVs, including Lexus. You can find public stations with CCS chargers using your vehicle’s onboard GPS or apps on your smartphone. A CCS public charging station offers two additional pins (seven pins total) to manage the higher electrical load flowing into your EV’s battery pack.
Your EV manufacturer will determine the correct types of EV charging connectors needed for optimal charging and the longest battery life. Some brands have specialized public DC Fast Charging stations that can’t be used with other vehicles. A few automakers may offer free public charging for a year or two as an incentive to purchase an EV from their dealership.
For home charging, many automakers have relationships with home charging station manufacturers to ensure you get the best one for your vehicle. For Lexus, that’s ChargePoint.
Consider how and where you’ll drive with your EV. Will you utilize public chargers on frequent trips far away from home? Will you commute a lot within a few miles of your Lynnwood home? DC Fast Charging will likely be more expensive than home charging because the owners of those stations charge a fee. However, public charging stations are still less expensive than full tanks of gasoline, and gas prices aren’t going down any time soon.
Our EV charging connector guide offers a way for you to make an informed decision about EV ownership. Contact us, call (877) 851-7450, or schedule a test drive to get behind the wheel of an EV or a PHEV. We think you’ll fall in love as soon as you hit the accelerator!
