Charging Equipment and Installation Across Levels
Learn About Electric Vehicle Chargers and Their Levels
Electric vehicle (EV) owners have three primary charging options to choose from, each offering different speeds and use cases: Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 (or DC Fast Charging).
Level 1 Charging (Slow Charging)
Level 1 charging uses a standard 110-120V AC outlet, providing 2-5 miles of range per hour of charging.
Best For: Overnight charging or when ample time is available.
Included Equipment: Most EVs come with a Level 1 charging cable, which plugs into any regular household outlet.
Drawback: Slowest option, taking 2-4 days to fully charge a typical EV battery.
Level 2 Charging (Fast Charging)
Level 2 charging requires a dedicated 240V AC circuit, delivering 10-60 miles of range per hour, depending on the power and the EV’s onboard charger.
Best For: Daily use and longer trips.
Locations: Found at public charging stations, workplaces, or installed at home.
Home Use: May require purchasing and installing a separate Level 2 charging station. Typical charge time is 7-10 hours for a full charge.
Level 3 Charging (DC Fast Charging)
Level 3 charging, also known as DC Fast Charging, provides 60-200 miles of range in just 20-30 minutes or approximately 250 miles per hour.
Best For: Quick charging during long-distance travel.
Locations: Found along highways and in urban areas where fast charging is essential.
Limitations: Only available in public locations, and not all EVs are compatible. Compatibility depends on the vehicle's make, model, and trim, and sometimes requires an optional add-on.
Comparison
Details | Level 1 Charging | Level 2 Charging | Level 3 Charging (DCFC) |
Speed | Slowest | Faster | Fastest |
Miles of Range per Hour | 2-5 miles per hour | 10-60 miles per hour | 250 miles per hour |
Time to Fully Charge | 2-4 days to fully charge | 7-10 hours to fully charge | 1-2 hours to fully charge |
Use | Most EVs come with Level 1 portable chargers | These charging stations can be installed at home and also found in public | Manufacturer networks (Tesla Supercharger) and available in public places (office buildings, community centers, grocery stores, etc.) |
Electric Vehicle Charger Installation At Home
For most EV owners, installing a Level 2 charger at home is the ideal solution for daily charging needs.
Recommended Models: According to Car and Driver and Consumer Reports, the Grizzl-E and Wallbox are among the best Level 2 chargers on the market.
Placement: Chargers are typically installed in garages or outside near the vehicle’s parking spot. They should be positioned to easily reach the vehicle’s charging port.
Permitting Requirements: Most cities require permits to install Level 2 chargers to ensure safety compliance.
It's easy to get recharged with Recharged
Recharged offers turnkey installation services, including permitting and setup, making the process seamless for EV owners. Check out the Charger tab on our website to learn more and get started today.