Speed
| Power | Miles added per hour (midsize EV, about 3.4 mi/kWh) | |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1, 120 V outlet, 12 A | about 1.4 kW | about 4–5 |
| Level 2, 32 A (40 A circuit) | about 7.7 kW | about 23 |
| Level 2, 40 A (50 A circuit) | about 9.6 kW | about 29 |
| Level 2, 48 A (60 A circuit) | about 11.5 kW | about 35 |
Your car also has a maximum AC charging rate; a charger can’t push past it.
Level 1 is enough if
- You drive under about 40 miles a day on average.
- You park at home for 10 hours or more most nights.
- The outlet is on a circuit nothing else heavy uses. Have an electrician check an old garage outlet before relying on it every night.
Level 2 is worth it if
- You drive more than about 40 miles a day, or have two EVs.
- You want to take advantage of a short off-peak window on a time-of-use plan.
- You live where winter cuts range and slows Level 1 charging further.
Installation cost
The charger is often the cheaper part. A new 240 V circuit close to the panel is a modest job; a long run to a detached garage, or a panel upgrade, costs much more. Get two quotes, and ask whether a load-managed charger avoids a panel upgrade.