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Level 1 vs Level 2: which do you need at home?
Updated
Level 1 is a normal 120V outlet. It adds about 4 miles of range per hour, or roughly 43 miles in a 10 hour night. Level 2 is a 240V circuit and adds 17 to 34 miles per hour. If you drive under about 40 miles a day and can plug in every night, Level 1 may be all you need.
Side by side
| Level 1 | Level 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Voltage | 120V | 240V |
| Typical current | 12A | 16A to 48A |
| Power | 1.4 kW | 3.8 to 11.5 kW |
| Range added per hour (approx.) | 4 miles | 11 to 34 miles |
| Range added in 10 hours | About 43 miles | About 171 miles at 24A, more at higher amps |
| Install | Usually none | New 240V circuit by an electrician |
These numbers use the same math as our charge time calculator: 3.3 miles per kWh and 10% charging loss. Level 1 often loses a bit more than that, and cold weather cuts it further, so treat the Level 1 numbers as a best case.
When Level 1 is enough
- You drive under about 40 miles on a normal day.
- You own a plug-in hybrid with a small battery.
- You have a public fast charger nearby for the odd long day.
When you want Level 2
- You often drive more than 40 to 50 miles a day.
- Your power company has cheap overnight rates. Level 2 can fit a full day of driving into a short off-peak window. Level 1 cannot.
- You live where winters are cold. The car uses some charging power to warm the battery, and on Level 1 that leaves little for range.
- You own a truck or large SUV. They use more energy per mile, so every hour on the plug buys fewer miles.
If you go Level 2, how big?
Most people are well served by 32A to 40A. Our picks:
- Emporia 48A: plug it into a 14-50 outlet at up to 40A, or hardwire it for 48A. Caveat: the WiFi is 2.4 GHz only.
- AIMILER 32A portable: the low-cost step up from Level 1, and a good match for plug-in hybrids. Caveat: it is a lesser-known brand with few long-term reports.
The full list is on the best Level 2 chargers page. The install is the other half of the bill, so read what drives install cost before you decide.
A Level 1 safety note
Level 1 still pulls 12A for many hours. Use an outlet in good shape, ideally on a circuit with nothing else big on it. Do not use a household extension cord or a power strip. If the plug or the outlet cover feels hot, stop and have the outlet checked.
Electrical caveat: this page is general information, not electrical advice for your house. Circuits, outlets and breakers for EV charging should be checked or installed by a licensed electrician, to your local code, with a permit where required.