EV Charger Levels Explained: Levels 1, 2 & 3
Which Level Do You Need?
As electric vehicles continue to gain popularity and become an integral part of our transportation landscape, understanding the different charging levels is essential for EV owners and enthusiasts. Level 1, 2 and 3 chargers offer varying charging speeds, voltage requirements and use cases. If you’re wondering which level of EV charger you need, contact our licensed electricians for questions on EV charger installation in Southeast Wisconsin.
EV Chargers: Level 1 vs 2 vs 3
EV charging options come in three distinct levels, each offering different charging speeds and suitability for various applications. Level 1 EV chargers, typically found in homes, provide slow charging, while Level 2 EV chargers, common in residential and commercial settings, offer moderate charging speed. Level 3 EV chargers, known as DC fast chargers, are designed for rapid charging, making them ideal for long-distance travel.
| Level 1 Charger | Level 2 Chargers | Level 3 Chargers | |
| Charging Speed |
4-5 range miles per hour |
25-30 range miles per hour |
160-180 range miles per hour |
|
Charging Time for Full Charge |
8 to 20 hours |
4 to 8 hours |
20 to 30 minutes |
|
Installation Cost |
$500 - $2,000 |
$1,500 - $3,000 |
$2,500+ |
|
Outlet Type |
NEMA 5-15 |
NEMA 14-50 |
CHAdeMO, CCS or Tesla Supercharger |
|
Power Output |
1.4-1.9 kW |
3.3-19.2 kW |
50 kW to 350 kW |
|
Average Voltage |
120V AC | 240V AC | 400V TO 800V+ |
|
Use Cases |
Some Residential |
Residential Commercial |
Commercial
|
|
Tax Credit Eligible |
Yes | Yes | Yes |
3 Levels of EV Chargers
Electric vehicle charging stations come in three common levels—Level 1, Level 2 and DC Fast Charging—which provide different charging speeds and capabilities.
Level 1 is the most basic charging solution, using a standard 120V household outlet to provide 2-5 miles of range per hour of charging. While slow, Level 1 works for those with minimal daily driving needs or long dwelling times like overnight at home.
Level 2 charges much faster through 240V outlets like those used for clothes dryers. Level 2 adds 10-20 miles of range per hour, making it feasible for commuting and daily errands. Level 2 works well for home, workplace or public charging.
DC Fast Charging, sometimes called Level 3, provides the fastest charging, optimally adding over 60 miles of range in 15 minutes. The high-powered 480V DC directly transfers charge for rapid topping off while running errands. DC fast charging enables long-distance EV travel with intermittent charging stops.
The Difference Between Level 1 and Level 2 EV Chargers
The primary distinction between Level 1 and Level 2 EV chargers lies in their charging speed. Level 1 chargers are slower, adding 3-5 miles of range per hour, making them suitable for overnight home charging. Level 2 chargers, with 10-20 miles of range per hour, are more versatile, serving daily commuting and longer trips, with the convenience of residential and commercial use.
Do I Need a Level 3 EV Charger for Residential Use?
No. Level 3 EV chargers, or DC fast chargers, are not typically required for residential use. They are costly, require specialized installation and are primarily designed for public charging stations or long trips. Level 1 and Level 2 chargers, which are more practical and cost-effective, are sufficient for most residential charging needs, including daily commuting and overnight recharging.
Are Level 1 EV Chargers Good?
The appeal of a Level 1 EV charger is cost and convenience. A Level 1 charger plugs into a typical household 120V outlet. The downside? Plan on seeing your EV add around two to four miles of range per hour, depending on the efficiency of your specific battery-powered car, truck, or SUV. This type of charging is much slower, far less efficient, and ends up costing more than a Level 2 charger. Level 1 chargers don’t keep up with the daily demands of most drivers. That said, if you only drive 20 miles or so each day, you might get by with Level 1.
Connectors for Level 1, 2 and 3 EV Chargers
The charging plugs and connectors used for electric vehicles vary by manufacturer and charging level. For Level 1 and Level 2 charging, most major automakers aside from Tesla have coalesced around the industry standard J1772 "J-Plug" in North America. However, DC fast charging, sometimes called Level 3, still uses different proprietary connectors between makes.
Tesla maintains its own plug design, while Nissan and Mitsubishi have used the CHAdeMO standard common in Asia. Other companies utilize the newer Combined Charging System or "Combo" plug. However, Nissan recently announced upcoming models will transition to the Combo plug for consistency with other major brands across North America and Europe. Understanding the charging connector landscape helps EV owners ensure accessibility and compatibility.
Ideal Electric installs Level 1, 2 and 3 EV chargers in West Bend, Milwaukee and surrounding Southeastern Wisconsin communities. Contact us for EV charger installation!
Level 1, 2 and 3 EV Charger FAQ
Which Level EV charger should I install in my home?
For most residential users, a Level 2 charger (240V) is the best choice, as it offers a good balance of charging speed and convenience for daily use. Level 2 chargers are suitable for overnight charging, faster than Level 1, and can be installed in homes with moderate electrical upgrades.
Do electric vehicles come with a portable charger?
Yes. Every electric vehicle comes with a portable charger. Some are Level 1 and others are Level 2. Some EVs come with adapters for both Level 1 and Level 2 outlets.
Can Tesla Superchargers charge non-Tesla electric vehicles?
No. Tesla Superchargers are only compatible with Tesla vehicles.
Can I use an extension cord with my Level 1 EV charger?
No. Never plug your Level 1 charger’s cord into an extension cord. The extension cord can get overheated and cause the charging equipment to fault.
How much faster is a Level 2 EV charger compared to a Level 1 EV charger?
The majority of Level 2 units add electricity to your EV's battery pack at a rate that’s roughly 6 to 8 times faster than Level 1 setups.