What Is Level 1 Charging?
Level 1 charging uses a standard 120-volt household outlet — the same type you plug your laptop or TV into. Your EV comes with a cord that plugs directly into the wall, so there's nothing extra to buy or install.
The catch: Level 1 is slow. It adds roughly 3–5 miles of range per hour. If you drive 30 miles a day, you'd need 6–10 hours of charging to replenish — workable overnight, but only barely for heavier commuters.
What Is Level 2 Charging?
Level 2 charging uses a 240-volt circuit — the same voltage as your dryer or electric stove. It requires a dedicated circuit installed by a licensed electrician, plus a wall-mounted charger unit (called an EVSE).
The benefit is dramatically faster charging: 20–30 miles of range per hour, depending on your charger's amperage. A full charge overnight is easy, and most people find they rarely think about range anxiety again.
Tip
Most EV owners who switch from Level 1 to Level 2 say it's one of the best upgrades they made. The peace of mind of waking up to a full battery every day is hard to put a price on.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Level 1 | Level 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Voltage | 120V | 240V |
| Miles added per hour | 3–5 miles | 20–30 miles |
| Full charge time (60 kWh battery) | 40–50 hours | 6–10 hours |
| Hardware cost | $0 (cord included with EV) | $300–$800 |
| Installation cost | $0 (standard outlet) | $200–$1,000 |
| Electrician required? | No | Yes |
| Best for | Light drivers, plug-in hybrids | Daily drivers, battery EVs |
Who Should Choose Level 1?
Level 1 works well for a narrow set of situations:
- •You drive fewer than 30 miles per day and have 8+ hours to charge overnight
- •You own a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) with a small battery — typically 10–20 kWh
- •You're renting and can't install a dedicated circuit
- •You're testing the EV lifestyle before committing to an install
Who Should Choose Level 2?
The vast majority of battery EV owners are better off with Level 2. Choose it if:
- ✓You drive a battery EV (not a PHEV) as your primary car
- ✓You regularly drive 30+ miles per day
- ✓You want the convenience of a full battery every morning
- ✓You own your home and can install a dedicated circuit
- ✓You want to future-proof for a second EV
Recommended Level 2 Chargers
If you've decided Level 2 is right for you, the next step is picking a charger. The best home Level 2 chargers balance speed, reliability, smart features, and price.
We've done the research so you don't have to. Browse our full Level 2 charger comparison →
What About Installation Cost?
Level 2 installation typically runs $200–$1,000 depending on your home's electrical setup. For a full breakdown of what drives costs and how to budget, see our installation cost guide. Read the installation cost guide →