There are three charging levels (see below), only one of which—Level 2—is appropriate and cost effective for an HOA community parking operation.
Level 1 relies on the same standard 120V outlet in virtually every home. This is an extremely slow charging process that adds about 5 miles of range for every hour of charging. Level 1 charging is often used by homeowners who plug their EV in overnight and don’t drive it much distance each day.
Level 2 requires 208-240V service and adds roughly 25 miles of range for every hour of charging. Homeowners often upgrade or add a 208-240V line to avail themselves of the more effective charging. This is the level most appropriate for an HOA community charging station as cars and trucks can generally park for 6-8 hours and can get a full charge.
Level 3 also known as Direct Current Fast Charging (DCFC) and it is the costliest to install and the most expensive for drivers. Because it adds up to 200 miles on a 30-minute charge, Level 3 chargers are often found at retail centers and public charging facilities where people are driving longer distances and want to spend less time charging. Installing this level of charging in an HOA community charging stations is essentially overkill, unnecessary and cost prohibitive.