EV Charging Stations in Orange, CA

California leads the way in the nationwide move toward electric vehicles (EVs). The government supports EV production and operations, with continued legislation offering tax incentives and other benefits to EV owners. These are all efforts that Mazda of Orange agrees with.

Our research shows that drivers want to lower their carbon footprint, and the revolutionary EV technology found in vehicles such as the Mazda MX-30 makes choosing an EV easier than ever. At last, there’s an all-electric, capable crossover SUV that’s fun to drive and comes loaded with premium features and the latest tech to keep you connected and safe.

For many potential EV owners, the availability of public charging stations is a key concern. You see traditional gas stations seemingly on every street corner. This availability means refueling has always been easy. So, it’s natural to be concerned about charging station availability when considering an EV purchase. Fortunately, Orange, CA, doesn’t have a problem with this.

EV Charging Stations in Orange, CA

Let’s begin with the number of gasoline stations in Orange. We found statistical data showing that Orange currently has 76 gas stations. Now, according to chargehub.com, Orange currently has 148 EV charging stations. That’s nearly twice the number of gas stations, and experts anticipate even more EV charging stations will follow. So, drivers in Orange don’t have to worry about charging availability.

Businesses have begun installing charging stations for their customers and employees to use. Many companies don’t charge for using them, offering them as work benefits or incentives to frequent the business. As a result, many EV drivers can save even more money.

California has several public charging station networks that supply most of the state’s EV drivers. ChargePoint has the most, particularly in Orange, followed by Electrify America, GE WattStation, and EVgo. You don’t have to choose a network, though many EV manufacturers offer free charging credit incentives within particular networks. For example, Mazda offers a $500 free charging credit at any ChargePoint station in America. Orange, CA, alone, has 36 ChargePoint stations. Like gas stations, you can select a charging station based on convenience or price, so we had our EV experts review the stations in CA and pick their favorites.

Chapman University

Chapman University offers free charging stations throughout campus. You’ll find 26 available outlets with Level 1 and Level 2 charging ability outside Chapman Stadium. The Fowler School of Law at Chapman University on West Sycamore Avenue has another 10 outlets, and CU’s Dodge College has a further 10. Chapman University has over 50 free charging stations in total, making it one of our top picks.

St. Joseph Hospital

Located on the corner of Main Street and West Laveta Avenue, you’ll find another cluster of 20 charging outlets. The hospital has two available on Main Street and another 18 in the parking garage. These charging stations charge up to $5 per hour in fees.

The Square Station

The two outlets here on 500 South Main Street offer Level 2 charging for a fee.

City of Orange Metro Link

If you park and ride on the Metro Link on North Lemon Street, you can plug in your EV at one of four Level 2 outlets. Estimated fees start at $2.

Manchester Parking Structure

The City of Orange recently installed Level 2 charging outlets in the Manchester Parking Garage on City Drive South. California subsidized the installation, while fees cover use of the outlets.

Charging Levels Explained

You’ve probably heard of the various charging levels available but perhaps don’t fully understand what they mean. To make it simple, we had our charging experts explain.

Level 1 Charging

A Level 1 charging system uses a 120-volt AC. Every EV manufacturer provides a Level 1 charging cord when you purchase an EV from them. Level 1 charging cords plug into your standard wall outlet with a three-prong connector — the same as an extension cord. The plug on the other end adapts to fit your specific vehicle.

Level 1 has the slowest charging time of any system. Charging time varies depending on the battery. In most cases, it takes 10 to 14 hours to fully charge a battery using Level 1 charging.

Level 2 Charging

A Level 2 charging system uses a 240-volt AC. This higher current allows for faster power delivery, shortening the time it takes to recharge your EV’s battery. In addition, most EV manufacturers offer free or discounted installation of in-home Level 2 charging systems. For example, Mazda offers a $500 credit to have ChargePoint install a home Level 2 system.

In most vehicles, Level 2 charging can take a charge from 20% to 80% in approximately 3 to 4 hours. The Mazda MX-30 accomplishes the same in 2 hours and 50 minutes. Most EV drivers prefer a Level 2 charger at home and on the road.

Level 3 Charging

A Level 3 charging system uses a 240-volt DC. Direct Current offers the fastest electricity delivery, and its system is often referred to as “quick charging” or “supercharging.” With most EVs, you can go from 20% to 80% power in under an hour. The Mazda MX-30 can do the same in only 36 minutes.

How Long Does It Take To Charge to 100% With Level 2 and Level 3 Charging?

Level 2 and 3 charging adds up to 80% quickly. However, these systems are designed to slow down charging once the battery reaches 80% to protect the battery’s longevity. As a result, the time it takes to achieve a 100% charge varies. It can take up to two hours to get from 80% to 100% using Level 2 and 3 charging systems.

Explore the Mazda MX-30 EV Today

Whether you’re searching for public stations for your MX-30 or considering the MX-30 as your next vehicle, we hope you found this blog informative. The MX-30 offers incredible power-on-demand and driving dynamics that thrill. If you’re ready to take the next step in lowering your carbon footprint, we invite you to browse our inventory online , or stop by for a personal demonstration.

EV Charging Stations by Open Grid Scheduler / Grid Engine is licensed with CC0 1.0