How Much Does an Electric Vehicle Charger Weigh?

You might be wondering, how much does an electric vehicle charger weigh? There are a few different levels of Electric Vehicle (EV) chargers and they all have significantly different weights. Have no fear, Micro Real Estate experts have tabulated the weights of some common chargers for you.

Weight of a Level 1 EV Charger

A Level 1 EV charger typically comes with an EV when it is purchased and typically weighs around 5 pounds including the cable, however, there are some that weigh over 8 pounds. Level 1 chargers are essentially fancy extension cords that have a 120v plug on one end and an EV plug on the other end and some electronics to control voltage and amperage in-between.

This table has weights of some common Level 1 EV Chargers (though some of them say Level 1 and 2, they’d be at the very low end of power output for a Level 2 charger):

Weight of a Level 2 EV Charger

The weight of a Level 2 EV charger varies significantly based on the manufacturer, and whether or not you include the weight of the mounting pole, security camera systems, or a larger enclosure. For a typical home level 2 charger, you can expect it to weigh between 10 and 20 pounds without a mounting pole, as the charger is typically mounted to a garage wall.

There is a lot more variability in the weights of commercial EV charger because of the mounting systems, and there’s even Volta chargers that have 2 large (40″ or so) display screens for advertisements. So, a simple commercial charger will weigh about the same as a home level 2 EV charger or rental property EV charger, while a Volta charger weighs 100-200 pounds.

Weight of a Level 3 (DC Fast) EV Charger

Level 3 (also called DC Fast Chargers) are significantly heavier, especially if you include the weight of the transformers that are required to install a Level 3 charger. All of this is in the range of several hundred pounds. How much does an EV charger weigh without the transformer? Definitely heavier than a level 2 charger, but only about 100-300 pounds, which is actually less than similar Micro Real Estate hardware like a heavy vending machine or the surprisingly heavy ATMs. Don’t even get me started about how heavy shipping container farms are – once you plop it down you won’t want to move it – unless you keep in on a chassis! That’s right, mobile farms are on the horizon! So, how much does an electric vehicle charger weigh compared to a shipping container farm? Nothing.

Level 3 EV chargers are significantly larger and heavier than Level 1 and Level 2 chargers because they contain much more advanced and powerful technology. They typically use a high-voltage direct current (DC) to charge the battery, which requires heavy-duty power electronics and cooling systems. They also have more complex and high-powered electrical components such as inverters, rectifiers, and contactors, which contribute to their weight. Additionally, Level 3 chargers are often installed in commercial or public locations, which may require them to be built with additional safety and durability features, such as weather-resistant enclosures and reinforced structures, that add to the weight.

Level 3 chargers are often placed in areas with heavy traffic, so they may be at risk of accidental damage from vehicles or other equipment. Reinforced structures help to protect the charger from damage and ensure that it continues to function safely and effectively over time.

A Tesla Supercharger is a Level 3 EV charger designed and manufactured by Tesla specifically for use with their electric vehicles. The weight of a Tesla Supercharger can vary depending on the specific model, but it typically ranges from several hundred to over a thousand pounds.

The latest version of Tesla Supercharger v3, which was released in 2019, weighs around 1,200 pounds. It is a more compact and efficient design that is able to provide charging rates up to 250kW, enabling Tesla vehicles to charge at rates of up to 1,000 miles per hour. This version also includes more advanced cooling systems and power electronics, which contribute to its weight.

Weight of a Level 3 EV charger with a Battery Pack

The weight of an EV charger with a battery pack can vary depending on the specific model and its features, however, generally speaking it is likely to be significantly heavier than a standard Level 3 EV charger.

An EV charger with a battery pack, also known as a “Battery-integrated EV charger” or “Charge-discharge System (CDS)”, includes a battery storage unit in addition to the standard charging equipment. This allows the charger to store energy when electricity is available and inexpensive, and then release it when it’s needed, for example, during peak demand periods.

The weight of the battery storage unit alone can range from a few hundred pounds to several thousand pounds, depending on the capacity and technology used. Additionally, the equipment required to integrate the battery storage unit with the charger, such as inverters, converters, and control systems, can add additional weight.

As an example, the SAE Combo Charger CCS (SAE J1772 Combo) from ABB is an EV Charger with a battery pack, and it weighs around 1,200 kg (2,646 lbs).

It’s important to check the specifications from the manufacturer’s website or consult with a professional to know the exact weight of the charger with a battery pack you are interested in.

Does it matter how much a level 1, 2 or 3 EV charger weighs?

The weight of a Level 1, 2, or 3 EV charger is not typically a concern for most consumers. Level 1 and Level 2 chargers are typically designed for home use and are small enough to be easily portable, while Level 3 chargers are typically installed in commercial or public locations and are much larger and heavier. However, it is important to ensure that the charger is properly installed and that it meets any local building codes or regulations.

If you have other questions about EV chargers, take a look at Leptonic’s other EV charger articles or the general Micro Real Estate info and news feed.