Level 2 charging is the most common way to charge an electric vehicle (EV) at home. It runs on a 240-volt circuit, the same type of supply used by an electric dryer or electric range, instead of the 120-volt outlets found throughout most houses. Because the voltage is higher, a Level 2 charger adds far more range in an hour and can refill a battery overnight. If you are choosing a home charger, knowing what Level 2 means will help you pick the right amperage, plug type, and installation method.
The three charging levels
EV charging is usually grouped into three levels. Level 1 uses a standard 120-volt household outlet and is the slowest option. Depending on the circuit and the car, it typically adds only a few miles of range per hour. Level 2 uses a 240-volt supply and is the usual choice for home installations. Level 3, also called DC fast charging, uses high-power direct current and is found at commercial stations rather than in homes.
How Level 2 power is calculated
Charging power is found by multiplying voltage by current. On a 240-volt circuit, a 40-amp charger delivers 9.6 kilowatts (kW), and a 48-amp charger delivers 11.5 kW. Higher power means more energy flows into the battery each hour, up to the limit the car can accept. The car's onboard charger sets a ceiling on AC charging speed, which is covered in a separate article in this section.
Plug-in and hardwired installations
Level 2 chargers are commonly installed in one of two ways. A plug-in unit connects to a matching outlet, such as a NEMA 14-50. A NEMA 14-50 is a 240-volt, 50-amp outlet. A hardwired unit is wired directly to the circuit and has no plug.
Electrical codes limit a continuous load to 80 percent of the breaker rating. A 40-amp charger therefore needs a 50-amp circuit, which is why it can use a NEMA 14-50 outlet. A 48-amp charger needs a 60-amp circuit and must be hardwired. Hardwired work should be done by a licensed electrician. Local permits or inspections may apply, so check with your local building department before starting.
What to consider before you buy
- Your car's maximum AC charging rate. A higher-amperage charger only helps if the car can accept that power.
- Your electrical panel. Available breaker space and capacity determine which amperage is practical for your home.
- Your connector. Most non-Tesla EVs in North America use the J1772 connector, while Tesla uses NACS (SAE J3400). Adapters exist, but a matching connector avoids the extra part.
- Where the charger will mount. The 25 ft cable should reach the charge port comfortably from the planned location.
How this applies to EVIQO chargers
EVIQO sells Level 2 chargers that all run on 240 volts, include a 25 ft cable, and carry a 3-year warranty. A 4-year extended warranty is available for an extra charge. The J1772 models are a 40A (9.6 kW) plug-in unit that can also be hardwired at 48A (11.5 kW), a 48A (11.5 kW) hardwired unit, and a 40A (9.6 kW) NEMA 14-50 plug-in unit. The NACS models for Tesla are a 48A (11.5 kW) hardwired unit and a 40A (9.6 kW) NEMA 14-50 plug-in unit. To order, send a request with your name and phone number. A manager will then confirm delivery, warranty, and payment.