Why Install a Level 2 EV Charger?

Level 1, 2, 3. What does this all mean?

There are three plug-in Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) standards. What are these, and why is Level 2 perfect for charging at home? 

Level 1

55+ hours to charge 250 mile battery

Level 2

~ 8 hours to charge 250 mile battery*

Level 3

~45 mins to charge a 250 mile battery*

Level 1 Chargers

  • 120 Volt alternating current (AC)
  • Standard Plug
  • Up to 4.5 miles of charge per hour
  • 0-100% in ~55 hours for a 250 mile range battery

Level 1 chargers use standard 120 volt wall outlets and charge a 250 mile range battery in about 55 hours. These chargers are sometimes included with new car purchases, and are undoubtably the simplest option. Unfortunately, due to the limited capability of 120 volt wiring, they charge incredibly slowly, gaining only around 4.5 miles of range per hour.

Level 2 Chargers

  • 240 Volt alternating current (AC)
  • Specialty plug – similar to an electric dryer.
  • Up to 31.5 miles of charge per hour
  • 0-100% in ~8 hours for a 250 mile range battery

Level 2 chargers require a dedicated 240 volt power source but offer significantly faster charging speeds, capable of charging a 250 mile range battery from empty to full overnight (8 hours), depending on the acceptance rate of your vehicle.

To install a Level 2 charger, a certified electrician must pull a permit, install a dedicated circuit breaker in your electric panel, as well as run a high capacity wire from your panel to the desired charger location. Some counties require a post installation inspection. At Effortless Electric, we believe Level 2 is the ideal choice for home charging. The balance of charging speed, battery health advantages and cost make it an excellent option for plug-in owners.

The Level 2 chargers included with our all-inclusive package are compatible with all plug-in vehicles from all manufactures. From Kia, Chevrolet, Ford, Porsche, Tesla and more, we’ve got you covered.

Level 3 Chargers

  • 400+ Volt direct current  (DC)
  • Hardwire Only
  • 0-80% in ~ 45 minutes
  • $20,000+ per charger
  • Commercial use

 

Commonly referred to as “fast-chargers” or “superchargers” Level 3 systems utilize direct current (DC) to charge plug-ins incredibly quickly, but they come with some drawbacks. The charger units themselves are prohibitively expensive, difficult to install, and daily use of Level 3 chargers can be detrimental to long term EV battery life.

Residential homes generally do not have the required electrical service to power Level 3 chargers, and many county codes will not permit the high voltage service in residences. For these reasons Level 3 chargers are generally only used for highway side charging applications.

*Disclaimer: Charge times are estimates only and depend on many factors including vehicle options, battery conditions, weather, installed charger amperage and more.