Understanding Charging Types
Level 2 AC Charging (Your Emporia Charger)
Your Emporia charger provides Level 2 AC (alternating current) charging:
Delivers power at 240 volts AC
Charging speeds typically range from 3.3kW to 22kW
Designed for home, workplace, and destination charging
Level 3 DC Fast Charging
DC fast chargers operate completely differently:
Deliver power as DC (direct current) at much higher voltages
Charging speeds range from 50kW to 350kW+
Found at commercial fast charging stations
Why DC Adapters Don't Work with Level 2 AC Chargers
Voltage Differences: DC fast charging adapters are designed for high-voltage DC systems (typically 400V-800V DC), while your Emporia charger operates at 240V AC.
Current Type: Your Emporia charger provides AC power that your vehicle's onboard charger converts to DC. DC fast chargers bypass the vehicle's onboard charger entirely.
Communication Protocols: DC fast charging uses completely different communication standards between the charger and vehicle compared to Level 2 AC charging.
Adapter Design: DC fast-charge adapters are bulkier and include additional prongs for DC ports, making them incompatible and unnecessary for Level 2 AC chargers.
What This Means for You
Use only compatible Level 2 charging adapters, such as NACS-to-J1772 or J1772-to-NACS adapters, which work perfectly with your Emporia charger.
Select an adapter rated for at least 48 amps to match the output of your Emporia Level 2 charger. Using adapters with higher amp ratings (e.g., 80 amps) is permissible but unnecessary.
If your vehicle uses a NACS inlet, choose a J1772-to-NACS adapter. For a vehicle with a J1772 inlet, use a NACS-to-J1772 adapter.
Example of DC charging adapters
DC charging adapters, such as CCS, are generally bulkier compared to Level 2 AC adapters. They include extra prongs for higher-voltage direct current (DC) ports, making them incompatible with Level 2 AC charging setups like Emporia chargers.
These adapters are engineered to handle the higher electrical demands of DC fast charging applications and are unsuitable for regular 240-volt Level 2 AC chargers.
When working with DC adapters, avoid using them with AC chargers, as the communication protocols and voltage requirements differ significantly, leading to operational failures.
Example of AC charging adapters J1772-to-NACS adapters allow seamless connection between a J1772 Level 2 charger (like your Emporia) and vehicles equipped with NACS inlets. Choose an adapter rated to handle at least 48 amps to ensure reliable performance. Reliability concerns with adapters are minimal, as J1772-to-NACS adapters are designed to mimic direct connections. Regular inspections will ensure the adapter's durability and consistent performance. Using adapters introduces negligible power loss, ensuring charging speeds remain largely unaffected. They are particularly efficient and cause far less power loss compared to excessively long charging cables.
Getting Support
Contact Emporia support for questions about compatible charging cables and Level 2 AC adapters
Consult your vehicle manual for approved Level 2 charging equipment
Work with certified electricians for any electrical system questions
If you're unsure which charging equipment works with your setup, our support team can help you understand your options and ensure your Emporia charging system operates safely and properly.