When you start shopping for a home charger, one of the first decisions is the charging level. In the United States, the two common levels are Level 1 and Level 2. They differ mainly in voltage, and voltage together with current sets how fast power reaches the battery.
What Level 1 charging means
Level 1 charging uses a standard 120-volt household outlet, the same type that powers lamps and small appliances. Most electric vehicles come with a portable cord for this purpose. A 120-volt circuit is usually protected by a 15-amp or 20-amp breaker. A continuous load may use at most 80% of the breaker rating, so a typical Level 1 session draws about 12 amps.
At 120 volts and 12 amps, the power flow is about 1.4 kilowatts. That usually adds roughly 4 to 5 miles of range for each hour of charging. For a driver who covers short distances each day, that may be enough to refill the battery overnight. For a larger battery or a longer commute, it is slow.
What Level 2 charging means
Level 2 charging uses a 240-volt circuit, similar to the circuit that serves an electric dryer or range. The higher voltage allows much more current. Home Level 2 chargers commonly range from 16 to 80 amps, although the right size depends on the circuit and the vehicle.
Power equals volts multiplied by amps, divided by 1,000 to get kilowatts. A 240-volt charger running at 16 amps delivers about 3.8 kilowatts, and one running at 40 amps delivers 9.6 kilowatts.
Charging time in simple terms
A rough estimate is battery size divided by charger power. Consider a 75 kWh battery. At 9.6 kW, it takes roughly 8 hours to fill from empty. At 1.4 kW, the same battery takes more than two days. Real sessions run somewhat longer because of energy losses, and the car's onboard charger can limit the speed on AC power regardless of the charger.
Which level fits a home
Level 1 works for drivers with short daily trips, a second vehicle, or access to an outlet that is not needed for other purposes. Level 2 is the usual choice for homeowners who want the car ready each morning, especially with a larger battery or a longer commute.
Level 2 at home normally needs a dedicated 240-volt circuit. A licensed electrician should handle hardwired work, and local permits or inspections may apply. Check with your local building department before you start.
How this applies to EVIQO chargers
All five EVIQO chargers run on 240 volts and are Level 2 units, with 25 ft cables and a 3-year warranty. The 40A (9.6 kW) rating is offered as a NEMA 14-50 plug-in model, and the 48A (11.5 kW) rating is offered as a hardwired model. Both deliver far more power than a Level 1 outlet can, so you can match the charger to your circuit and your daily needs.