Jeep EV Charging Options in California

One of the first things you’ll notice as an EV driver is that there are multiple types of charging cables. The “standard” cable that comes with all EVs is called a Level I. The main difference among cables is their voltage, which affects how fast they can charge your vehicle. A Level I cable will be the slowest option, providing your EV or PHEV with anywhere from 3.5-6.5 miles worth of electric range per hour of charging time. For this reason, Level I cables are best for PHEVs, which feature a smaller battery paired with a gas-powered engine. The second option is a Level II cable, which kicks things up a notch by adding about 14-35 miles of driving range per hour of charging time. A Jeep Level II cable can charge a Wrangler 4xe or Grand Cherokee 4xe in just two hours! The only catch is that unlike a Level I cable, a Level II cable requires a 240 or 208-volt electrical circuit for proper installation. 

Here in California, there is a huge number of public EV charging stations throughout the state! There are 42 charging stations in the city of Cerritos alone, most of which are clustered around commercial centers where drivers will be out and about running errands. When using a public charging station, you’ll find that it's similar to filling your car with gas! Simply pull up to a free station, and plug the cable into your car’s charging port, and listen for the click to let you know the cable is in all the way. Your car will then digitally communicate with the cable to say its SOC, or state of charge. This is the current charge of your car’s battery, and lets the charging station know how much electricity to deliver. From there, your car will start charging, and you’ll notice an acceleration in the charge up until your battery is about 80% full. Just like at a gas station, the last portion of your charge will start to slow down. If you’re trying to optimize your time, you might choose to stop your charge once you reach that 80% mark!

In addition to the many public EV charging stations we have throughout California, you can also install a home charging station for your personal use! With a home charger, you’ll have the ability to charge your vehicle overnight, or anytime you’re home. There are two options to choose from, either a portable station, or a hard-wired station. The portable station plugs right into the wall, and can be moved from place to place as needed. Keep in mind that with a Jeep Level II cable, you’ll want to look for that 240-volt outlet to support your charging station. The other option is a hard-wired station, which will be permanently connected to your home’s electrical system. These stations have the ability to connect with your Wi-Fi network, so you can get alerts about the best time to charge your vehicle based on your area’s electricity rates. You can also monitor your car’s battery charge using your smartphone to easily keep an eye on your levels. 

In 2021, Jeep announced their plans to make EV charging more accessible to the Jeep community. In the spirit of their sporty and capable vehicles, the natural choice was to add charging stations to popular trailheads across the country, making it easier for drivers to explore their favorite trails, emissions-free! Whether you drive an EV or PHEV, these charging stations encourage you to utilize the electric charge on your next adventure, and keep carbon emissions out of the natural areas. Jeep announced that they want to add their EV charging stations, equipped with Level II charging cables, at popular off-roading locations including the legendary Rubicon trail near Lake Tahoe, California! The Rubicon trail is a beloved locale for off-road adventurers, and it’s also the namesake of Jeep’s most athletic trim levels. These open-air charging stations will make EVs more accessible to drivers nationwide!

Are you ready to find a new Jeep vehicle to get you through your daily commute, or your next off-road adventure? Here at Cerritos CDJR, we have a Jeep for you! Come and visit us here at our dealership in Cerritos, California to take a tour of our entire lineup, and request a test drive of your favorite models with a member of our sales team. You can also visit our website to stay up to date with what we have to offer, and check out all of our current listings from the comfort of your own home. Ready to take the next step? You can also apply for financing using our secure online form! Or, get in touch with us to speak one-on-one with a member of our financing team to find a payment plan that fits your budget. We look forward to working with you soon here at Cerritos CDJR!