The last thing you want is to leave your car plugged in overnight and wake up to find there’s less range than you thought there’d be, especially if you drive a lot or have a large battery.
If you’re not getting the quality of charge you need from a standard outlet, you may need to think about home EV charger installation.
Level 1 vs. Level 2 Charging
A Level 1 EV charger plugs into a standard 120-volt household outlet.
It’s the easiest way to charge at home because many EVs come with a basic cordset. You usually don’t need new equipment to get started, as long as the outlet is grounded.
The downside is that Level 1 charging is slow. It’s okay for a plug-in hybrid or someone who does short commutes, but for a fully electric vehicle with a larger battery, it can take a very long time to recover a low charge.
A Level 2 EV charger uses a 240-volt circuit, similar to what larger appliances use. It charges much faster and is more popular with regular EV users.
Beyond speed, Level 2 charging is also more flexible. If you get home late and forget to plug it in, or need to drive more than usual the next day, you’ll have more breathing room with faster charging.
What Affects Charging Time?
There are a few things that impact EV charging time at home.
The size of your battery is the main one. The larger the battery, the longer it’ll take to fill. The same goes for your vehicle’s current state of charge. It’s faster to charge from 60% to 80% than 10% to 100%.
Then, there’s your charger output. A lower-output Level 2 unit is going to charge slower than a higher-output one, assuming the vehicle and electrical system can support the higher rate. If you’re using a Level 2 charger, you have to make sure your home’s circuit breaker and panel capacity can handle it.
If the panel is already close to its limit, the electrician may need to discuss load calculations or other options before installation.
What many drivers don’t realize is how big of an impact the weather can have on charging as well. When it’s really cold, your car won’t charge as fast. When it’s really hot, your battery management systems may work overtime.
How Long Does It Take to Charge at Home?
Overnight EV charging is the goal for most EV owners.
With Level 1, you can typically get enough from an overnight charge for a short daily commute. If you only drive 20 or 30 miles a day, that may be workable. But if you drive farther or use climate control heavily, Level 1 can be limiting.
A full charge on Level 1 can take more than a day for many electric vehicles. That doesn’t mean it’s useless, but it doesn’t fit with most driving habits.
We recommend Level 2 for homeowners who want to plug in after work and know they’ll be good the next day no matter what.
A Level 2 charger can typically recover a day’s worth of driving much faster than Level 1 charging, although actual charging time depends on the vehicle, charger output, and battery level.
Why Most Homeowners Upgrade to Level 2
Most homeowners upgrade to Level 2 charging because it’s more flexible. It’s nice not having to think about needing to go to a public station the next day.
It also helps if more than one person drives an EV.
If you’re a commuter, parent, rideshare driver, or in a household with a busy schedule, Level 2 is far more practical.
Does Your Home Need Electrical Upgrades?
A Level 2 charger usually needs a dedicated 240-volt circuit.
That means the electrician has to evaluate the panel, available capacity, where the charger will sit, and how much power it’ll draw.
If you hire an electrician for EV charger or circuit installation here in Vancouver, WA, that’s the first step.
Some homes can support a charger without major upgrades. Others may need changes first, especially older homes or homes that already have large electrical loads.
You may also need a panel upgrade if your current panel doesn’t have enough capacity or space for the new circuit.
Professional Installation Matters
EV chargers pull a steady electrical load for hours, so they need to be properly installed.
With professional electric charger installation, the electrician will examine every component of the system to make sure it’s up to code and let you know whether you need a permit or inspection. Some local rules call for it depending on the project.
If an EV charger isn’t installed correctly, you risk it overheating or tripping your breaker. This can also cause problems if you’re looking to sell your home in the near future.
Schedule Your Home EV Charger Installation
The home charger you ultimately get should match your driving habits and your electrical system.
If Level 1 charging is too slow, or you want a faster and more reliable setup for daily use, schedule an EV charger evaluation. A professional can check your panel, confirm whether it’s at the right capacity, plan the circuit, and install the charger safely.
With the right setup, you’ll be able to build charging at home into your daily routine without even having to think about it.
FAQ
How long does a Level 1 charger take to fully charge an EV?
A Level 1 charger can take more than a day to fully charge many EVs, depending on the size of the battery and where you’re starting your charge at.
How much faster is a Level 2 charger?
A Level 2 charger is much faster because it uses a 240-volt circuit. For longer commutes or higher daily mileage, Level 2 charging can make it much easier to replenish your battery overnight.
Can I leave my EV plugged in overnight?
Yes, most EVs are designed for overnight charging. Most EVs manage charging once they’re plugged in.
Do I need a dedicated circuit for a Level 2 charger?
In most cases, yes. If you don’t have a dedicated circuit, you should get one installed by a licensed electrician.
Will I need to upgrade my electrical panel?
Maybe. It depends on your panel’s capacity and your current electrical load. You can hire an electrician to inspect the panel and run the proper load calculation.