EV Charging 101
EV Charging Stations in Ocala, FL
At BMW of Ocala, we are delighted to offer a selection of luxury electric vehicles. Do you have your eye on any of these EVs? If you plan to switch to an electric vehicle, understanding how and where to charge it is essential. Transitioning from a gas-powered car to an EV is quite seamless, especially once you know how and where to charge your ride. With an EV, all you need to do is plug in your car at home or at a public charging station to ensure your ride has enough power for your next adventure. The availability of charging stations in the United States is steadily increasing, providing EV owners with more and more options for finding a place to recharge their vehicle. To help our guests who want to upgrade to an EV, we created a guide on how and where to charge your vehicle in Ocala, FL.
What is an EV Charging Station?
An EV charging station is where drivers can go to recharge their rides easily. You can charge your vehicle at a public charging station or have one installed at home or your business. To use a public EV charging station, you’ll need a credit or debit card. However, there are also free charging stations available. Once the payment is complete, it’s just a matter of plugging your electric vehicle in and waiting for it to recharge. To make the process even easier, EV charging apps are available to help drivers check for nearby stations, view pricing and reserve a spot in advance.
Charging Options
Let’s explore the differences between Level 1, Level 2 and DC Fast Charging so you can choose the right one that suits your needs.
Level 1 Charger
Level 1 charging is the least powerful way to recharge an electric vehicle. This type of charging involves plugging an electric vehicle into a 120-volt AC outlet. It can take 40-50 (or more) hours for a Level 1 charger to charge an electric vehicle from zero percent to 80 percent of its capacity.1
Level 2 Charger
Level 2 charging stations are the popular choice for charging an EV. These types of chargers can be found in a range of public locations, and with the help of an experienced electrician, drivers can have Level 2 wallbox chargers installed in their homes. Level 2 charging stations provide a faster way to recharge an electric vehicle, often charging from zero to 80 percent in only four to 10 hours. 1
DC Fast Chargers
DC Fast Chargers, also referred to as Level 3 chargers, are an incredibly powerful type of public charging station. This type of charger offers a fast charging speed; a battery can be charged from zero to 80 percent in just 20 minutes or up to an hour. 1
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations in Bradenton, FL
There are a number of public charging stations in Ocala and its surrounding cities. A few of the charging station networks include: ChargePoint, Tesla and non-network stations.
Ocala has 41 public charging stations that offer Level 2 and Level 3 chargers. 39 percent of those charging stations are free.2
A few of the charging locations in Ocala are:
- Ocala – W. Silver Springs Blvd, FL Supercharger
- Don Garlitts Museum of Racing
Are you looking for a charging station near you? Find it here. All you need to do is enter your location and you’ll see a map of the charging stations near you.
Enjoy the performance, efficiency and luxury of a BMW EV today. Visit the team at BMW of Ocala to test-drive one of these incredible models.
If you have additional questions about EV charging stations or a new BMW EV on our lot, contact us today or stop by our dealership at 5145 SW College Road, Ocala, FL 34474. We look forward to serving our customers near The Villages, Inverness and Crystal River.
1Find more information on charging EVs at the U.S. Department of Transportation’s website here.
2For more information, visit Charge Hub.