Level 1 uses a standard 120V outlet and adds only a few miles of range per hour, which works for short daily drives.
Level 2 uses a 240V circuit and charges several times faster, enough to refill most EVs overnight. Most EV owners who drive daily choose Level 2. Want help? See our
ev charger installation service.
Side by Side
| Level 1 | Level 2 |
|---|
| Power | 120V standard outlet | 240V dedicated circuit |
| Typical range added per hour | About 3 to 5 miles | About 20 to 40 miles |
| Installation | Usually none | New circuit and permit |
| Best for | Short commutes, plug-in hybrids | Daily driving, larger batteries |
When Level 1 Is Enough
If you drive under about 30 miles a day and park overnight, Level 1 can keep up. Plug-in hybrids with small batteries often do fine with it.
Want a licensed electrician to take a look? Ready Electric answers 24/7.
What Level 2 Needs
A dedicated 240V circuit, usually 40 to 60 amps, and enough capacity in your panel. A load calculation tells you whether you need an upgrade.
Hardwired or Plug-in Level 2
A hardwired charger is cleaner and can deliver more power. A NEMA 14-50 outlet lets you use a plug-in charger you can take with you.
