Can You Charge an EV With a Generator?

With limited charging locations for EVs, you should get an alternative to avoid your electric vehicle locking down due to a lack of charges whenever you’re on a long-distance journey or in a situation where you can’t think of any solution. 

Thanks to President Joe Biden, who in 2021 finally signed the long-awaited $1.2 trillion bipartisan Infrastructure and Jobs Act. This bill is set to unlock funds for transportation, broadband, utilities and many more, as reported by CNBC.

The act is reported to invest a whopping sum of $7.5 billion to construct charging stations for electric vehicles all over the United States to help improve and fasten the adoption of non-fossil fuel cars to reduce climate change and other types of air pollution caused by fossil fuels.

But questions emerge as to when the bill will take place, and based on my understanding, it will roll out within 5 years. But before that, what charging alternative can you use? Portable generators? Will you be able to charge your EV? Let’s find out!

How Long Does it Take to Charge a Car?

There are different levels when it comes to charging your electrical vehicle, which are based on charging speed. We have three of them and based on your needs, you will always need them while charging. A reason for this is to equip you with knowledge of whether or not using a generator goes with any of the levels.

Level 1 Charging

Charge very slowly compared to other levels of charging. This level of charging is mostly found in homes because it is less costly than the other levels. But what concerns me the most are the charging hours. It charges at approximately 3 to 5 miles per hour and can fully be charged at approximately 40 hours using residential standard power sources at 120 volts.

Level 2 Fast Charging

People are now getting tired of the level 1 charging, as it’s slow and won’t be able to take more than 50 miles per day if not fully charged. If it were to be, it would take a lot of time. However, for level 2, the reverse is the case, as it charges under 5 hours with 240 volts, which generators can also provide; the same is true for level 1 charging.

Level 3 DC Fast Charging

Lastly, level 3 DC fast charging, which uses direct current, seems to be the fastest, having the capacity to charge your electric vehicle full in an average of 30 minutes. This level is ideal if you want to run an electric charging business and station.

ALSO READ:- Can You Charge a Tesla with a Generator? Everything You Need to Know

Can You Charge an EV With a Generator?

Now back to the question: can you charge an EV with a generator? Yes, you can charge an EV with a generator, but you need to make sure your generator is compatible with the EV and produces clean power. Preferably, you use an inverter generator to avoid problems. 

The downside is that electric vehicles require a generator with a capacity of 10,000 kW or higher to power your home and vehicle, which can provide level 2 charging; the same goes with level 1 charging if you want to follow that route. Additionally, your generator shouldn’t be generating anything less than 120 to 240 volts, and if you have one, you’re good to go. All you need is a professional to help you install it. 

However, if you only want to charge your electric vehicle, you can choose a generator that’s efficient and generates clean power, having the same capacity in line with the level of charging you’re intending to go for, whether level 1 or 2, but for level 3, I don’t think it’s possible with a generator based on the current needed unless you’re using a high-voltage generator, which still needs to be confirmed by a professional beforehand. 

As Elephant Energy advised, using a generator to charge EVs only applies in emergency situations, and you don’t need to fully charge it. For a 4000-watt generator, it will take you nothing less than 24 hours to charge the vehicle full, which you can’t do every day.

In conclusion, the final answer to this question is that “yes, you can fully charge your electric vehicle (EV) with a generator. As long as it’s generating clean power and you’re using the recommended voltage by the manufacturer, you’re good to go. But you can’t change your vehicle while driving, whether with a generator or any other backup power source available; it’s not recommended and can damage your electric vehicle.”