EV Charger Levels Explained: Level 1 vs Level 2 at Home

If you are new to driving electric, the talk of charger levels can be confusing. The good news is that home charging really comes down to two options, and the difference between them is mostly about speed. Here is the plain version.

Level 1 charging

Level 1 is the charger that comes in the trunk of most electric vehicles. It plugs into a standard household outlet, the same kind you use for a lamp. It works, and it is free to start using, but it is slow. Level 1 adds roughly three to five miles of range per hour of charging. For a plug in hybrid or a short daily commute, that can be enough. For a full electric vehicle, it often means the car never quite catches up overnight.

Level 2 charging

Level 2 is what most electric vehicle owners install at home. It runs on a 240 volt circuit, the same type your dryer or range uses, and it charges far faster. A Level 2 charger typically adds around twenty to forty miles of range per hour, which means most cars go from low to full overnight. For most households, Level 2 is the difference between charging being a chore and never thinking about it.

What your home needs for Level 2

A Level 2 charger needs a dedicated 240 volt circuit run from your panel to where you park. The main things that affect the job are the distance from your panel, whether your panel has room for the new circuit, and whether your service has enough capacity. If your panel is older or full, we may recommend a panel upgrade first, and we will tell you honestly if that is the case.

What about Level 3

Level 3, also called DC fast charging, is the very fast charging you see at public stations. It requires commercial power that homes do not have, so it is not a home option. For your driveway or garage, Level 2 is the top tier.

We can set you up

We install home EV chargers on a dedicated circuit and handle the permit and inspection. Send us a photo of your panel and where you park, and we can give you a good sense of the job up front. We serve Hayden, Coeur d'Alene, Post Falls, Rathdrum, Dalton Gardens, Liberty Lake, and Spokane Valley. Call or text 208-352-0662 and we will help you feel safe and informed.