EV Charging: Level 1 vs. Level 2
If you’re planning to purchase an electric vehicle, or you’ve recently purchased one, you may be wondering what the difference is between level 1 and level 2 charging. More importantly, you may be wondering which is the best option for your home.
To help you make an educating decision, our EV charger professional installers have outlined the pros and cons of the two types of EV chargers below, and provided ideal use scenarios for each.
Level 1 EV Chargers – Basic EV Charging
Most electric vehicles come with a level 1 charger, which plugs into any standard 120-volt household outlet. These chargers have no special electrical requirements, and there are no upfront installation costs, making them a simple and inexpensive, plug-and-play solution.
Unfortunately, level 1 chargers are extremely slow charging. It can take 3 to 5 days to charge long-range electric vehicles from 0% to 100%, making level 1 chargers impractical for daily commutes longer than 30 miles, simply because they aren’t able to replenish the energy overnight. They also don’t perform well during Adirondack winters, as energy is diverted to warm the battery instead of charging it.
Pros of Level 1 EV Chargers
- Simple Plug-and-Play Solution
- No Special Electrical Requirements
- No Installation Costs
Cons of Level 1 EV Chargers
- Extremely Slow Charging
- Impractical for Longer, Daily Commutes
- Poor Cold Weather Performance
Ideal Uses:
- Plug-in hybrids
- Short, daily commutes (under 30 miles)
- Backup charging
Level 2 EV Chargers – Upgraded EV Charging
Level 2 chargers offer significantly faster charging, typically replenishing your battery within 4 to 10 hours and easily allowing you to charge your vehicle overnight. Many newer models also have smart features, including wireless app control, as well as scheduling and power monitoring. For instance, some level 2 chargers will monitor energy prices and wait to charge your car when energy costs are lowest.
Because level 2 chargers require more power, they also require professional installation. You’ll either need a 240-volt outlet and a dedicated circuit, or the recommended hardwire installation, which connects the charger directly to your electrical panel for improved safety, durability, and code compliance.
Level 2 installations typically take 4 to 6 hours and costs range from $1500 to $3000, depending on your existing electrical system configuration. However, the cost of installation can be offset by enrolling in National Grid’s EV Charge Smart NY Program, which provides level 2 charging customers with monthly incentives and financial savings that aren’t available if you have a level 1 charger.
Pros of Level 2 EV Chargers
- High-Speed Charging
- Energy Efficient
- Smart Features
- National Grid Monthly Incentives
Cons of Level 2 EV Chargers
- Requires Setup
- Not Portable
- Installation Costs
Ideal Uses:
- Electric vehicles with large batteries (60+ kWh)
- Daily commutes over 30 miles
- Drivers who need rapid, overnight charging
- Households with multiple EVs
Get a Free Quote for Level 2 EV Charging Installation in Queensbury, Lake George & Saratoga
While you might be able to make level 1 charging work for short-distance errands, if you use your electric vehicle for much more than that, you’ll quickly realize the need to upgrade to a level 2 charger.
For a free in-home estimate on professional level 2 EV home charging installation in Saratoga, Queensbury, Lake George and throughout the southern Adirondacks, give Signals Electric a call at 518-217-2865 or contact us online.
We are Emporia and Tesla certified installers, and are highly experienced in wide variety of EV charging technologies, ensuring the highest level of quality and safety throughout your installation.