Level 1: slow and simple
Level 1 uses the cord in your trunk and any standard 120-volt outlet. No install, no electrician. It adds roughly 3 to 5 miles of range per hour.
That covers a plug-in hybrid or a short daily commute. It falls behind fast for anyone driving real miles.
Level 2: the home-charging standard
Level 2 runs on a 240-volt circuit, the same kind that feeds a dryer. It adds 20 to 40 miles of range per hour, so the car charges full overnight.
It needs a dedicated circuit and usually a wall-mounted charger. For most EV owners, this is the setup worth having.
How to pick
Do the math on your daily miles. Drive 20 or 30 miles a day and Level 1 can keep up overnight. Drive more, or own a full battery EV, and Level 2 is the one that keeps you full.
What Level 2 needs at your panel
A Level 2 circuit draws real power, so your panel has to have room for it. Most homes do. Some need a small change first. See whether your panel needs an upgrade for the full breakdown.
The cost difference
Level 1 is free. A Level 2 install typically runs $1,000 to $3,500 all in, depending on the charger and the wiring run. The faster charging and the battery health usually make it worth the spend.
See our EV charger installation services or get a free EV charger quote.
