Level 3 chargers are also called DC (direct current) fast chargers and are the ones most commonly found at businesses like gas stations. They charge the fastest but they also draw a significant amount of power. Level 3 chargers can be stand-alone with their own metering and utility connection or connected to existing sites.

Level 3 chargers are the fastest due to how they convert the AC from the grid into the DC needed for the batteries. Level 1 and Level 2 chargers supply AC to the vehicle and a small onboard charger converts the AC to DC. The small onboard charger limits the maximum power output of a Level 1 or Level 2 charger.

Level 3 charges convert AC to DC inside the charging station itself. Charging stations have room for larger converters which can convert the power and deliver it much more quickly than Level 1 and Level 2 chargers. 

• 208 V or 480 V 3-phase AC
• Typically 60 amps but less than 125 amps
• Charging loads 50kW to 350kW
• DC outlet which is not found in houses
• It takes approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour to fully charge a battery electric vehicle
• It takes approximately 15 minutes to 1 hour to fully charge a plug-in hybrid vehicle

There are three types of fast-charging connectors and they cannot be used interchangeably. More information on connectors can be found here.