Wiktor Wise
Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming an increasingly popular choice, and charging your EV at home is the most affordable and convenient way to keep your car's battery full. All electric vehicles come with a 110-volt-compatible, or Level 1, home connector kit, which can be plugged into a standard household outlet. However, this method can be slow, taking over 24 hours to deliver an 80% charge. A faster option is to install a Level 2 charging station, which can be mounted to a wall or used as a plug-in, and can fully charge your EV in about 7 hours. If you're looking for an even quicker charge, Level 3 charging stations (DCFC) are available in some locations, but they are much costlier to install and maintain.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Charging location | At home |
| Charging convenience | Most electric vehicle owners charge their cars at home |
| Charging speed | Level 1 charging takes over 24 hours; Level 2 charging takes 4-5 hours; Level 3 charging takes 18 minutes |
| Charging cost | Charging at home is the most affordable option |
| Charging equipment | Level 1 charging uses a standard 120-volt plug; Level 2 charging requires a 240-volt receptacle; Level 3 charging uses a DC fast charger |
| Installation | Level 1 charging does not require installation; Level 2 and Level 3 charging may require an electrician for installation |
| Charging stations | Charging stations are available for home use and provide faster charging than wall outlets |
| Connection type | Electric vehicles have different connection types, including J1772, CSS Combo, CHAdeMO, and Tesla connectors |
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What You'll Learn
Charging equipment: Level 1 or Level 2?
Electric vehicles (EVs) can be charged at home using either Level 1 or Level 2 charging equipment. Level 1 charging uses a standard 120-volt plug, which can be plugged into a simple household outlet without any special installation. Most electric cars come with a Level 1 portable charger, and this type of charging is incredibly convenient due to the ubiquity of ordinary household outlets. However, Level 1 charging replenishes an EV's battery pack at a very slow rate, typically adding only two to four miles of range per hour of charging. For this reason, Level 1 charging is generally only used for recharging on the road, and most EV owners opt for Level 2 charging at home.
Level 2 charging operates at 240 volts and typically at three to four times the amperage of a Level 1 unit, providing a charging rate that is roughly six to eight times faster than Level 1. A typical 240-volt, 24-amp Level 2 unit can put out about 6.0 kW of continuous power, adding about 12 to 32 miles of driving range for each hour of charging. Level 2 charging can be installed on the side of a house, in a garage, or in a private parking lot, and it needs to be wired directly into the domestic electricity supply, which may require a certified electrician. While installing Level 2 charging capability at home incurs additional expense, some states and localities provide government incentives to offset some of the cost.
Level 2 charging is much more efficient than Level 1, reducing range anxiety and logistical fears by lessening the need for charging on the go. Level 2 charging is also more widely available in public spaces, commonly found in parking garages and lots. Additionally, there are smart" Level 2 charging stations that offer features such as the ability to view charging history and schedule charging sessions at specific times.
In summary, while Level 1 charging is a convenient option for recharging on the road due to its compatibility with standard household outlets, Level 2 charging is a much better option for home charging due to its significantly faster charging speed and wider availability in public spaces.
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Charging time: 24 hours or 4 to 5 hours?
The time it takes to charge an electric vehicle depends on several factors, including the type of charger, the size of the EV battery, the speed of the charging station, the maximum capacity of the car's onboard charger, and how much charge the battery has.
Level 1 charging uses a standard 120-volt plug and is the most straightforward way to charge your EV at home. However, it can take over 24 hours to deliver an optimal battery charge of 80% at a speed of about 9 km per hour. Level 1 chargers can take 40-50+ hours to charge a BEV to 80% from empty and 5-6 hours for a PHEV.
Level 2 charging uses a 240-volt outlet and is the fastest way to charge an electric vehicle at home. It can be installed on the side of your house, in a garage, or in your private parking lot. Level 2 charging can deliver an optimal battery charge of 80% in 4 to 5 hours at a charging speed of approximately 22.5 km per hour for a plug-in hybrid and up to 45 km per hour for an all-electric vehicle. Level 2 chargers can charge a BEV to 80% from empty in 4-10 hours and a PHEV in 1-2 hours.
Therefore, if you are looking for a faster charging option, a Level 2 charging station is a better choice, providing a full charge in 4 to 5 hours, compared to over 24 hours with Level 1 charging.
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Installation: electrician or DIY?
The type of installation you choose depends on the type of charging you require. If you are charging your electric vehicle using a standard 120-volt home outlet (Level 1 charging), you can simply plug your car into any 120-volt outlet, and no special installation is required.
However, if you want to install a Level 2 charging station, which provides a faster charge, you may need to hire an electrician. Level 2 charging stations are wired directly into your domestic electricity supply and may require a certified electrician to install them. You will also need an electrician to install a special 240-volt receptacle.
If you opt for a wallbox, which is a small, compact charging station for the home, you have the option of a stationary or mobile wallbox. A mobile wallbox can be installed without an electrician, and it can be taken with you when travelling.
It is important to note that you should always consult a qualified electrician to ensure that your home can support charging your electric vehicle safely.
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Cost: $2000 or free?
The cost of plugging an electric vehicle at home depends on several factors, such as the type of charger, installation costs, electricity rates, and the vehicle's energy efficiency.
Level 1 charging uses a standard 120-volt plug or outlet, which is typically included with electric vehicles. This option usually doesn't require additional installation costs since it can be plugged into existing household outlets. However, Level 1 charging is slower and may take up to 40-50 hours for a full charge.
Level 2 charging provides a faster charging option with a charging time of about 4 hours. It requires a dedicated 240-volt receptacle, similar to those used for clothes dryers, installed by an electrician. The cost of purchasing and installing a Level 2 charging unit can range from $1,200 to $2,500, with some sources citing costs of up to $2,000 for parts and labor beyond the charger itself.
While the upfront cost of a Level 2 charging station is higher, it offers several advantages. Level 2 charging provides a faster charging speed, reducing the time needed to charge your vehicle. Additionally, having a Level 2 charger at home can add resale value to your property.
It is worth noting that electricity rates vary across different regions, which will impact the overall cost of charging your electric vehicle at home. To calculate the cost, you can use the following formula:
> "For home charging, find your electric bill, then divide the [number] of kilowatt-hours you used into the bottom-line dollar total. That’ll give you the price you paid per kWh."
According to the United States Energy Information Administration, the average cost of electricity in the US is 16.26 cents per kilowatt-hour.
In summary, the cost of plugging an electric vehicle at home can vary from a few thousand dollars for a Level 2 charging setup to essentially free if you utilize a standard 120-volt outlet (Level 1 charging) without any additional installation costs. The choice between Level 1 and Level 2 charging depends on your charging needs, budget, and convenience.
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Safety: normal plug or wallbox?
Safety is a key consideration when charging your electric vehicle at home. You can charge your electric car using a standard 120-volt (V) home outlet (Level 1) or install a higher-powered Level 2 unit for faster charging.
While Level 1 charging is straightforward and doesn't require any special installation, it can take over 24 hours to deliver an optimal battery charge. Level 1 charging uses a standard 120-volt plug, and electric cars typically come with a portable charging kit that allows you to plug into any standard outlet.
On the other hand, Level 2 charging stations offer faster charging and are considered a key element in truly enjoying the advantages of charging at home. They can be installed in your garage or private parking lot and wired directly into your domestic electricity supply.
When it comes to safety, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. Standard cable cross-sections and sockets may not be designed to handle the power requirements of electric vehicle charging. As a result, there is a risk of overheating and, in the worst case, a cable fire. This is a concern with both Level 1 and Level 2 charging using a standard outlet.
To mitigate these risks, it is recommended to use a dedicated home wallbox, which is designed specifically for electric vehicle charging. Wallboxes have several safety advantages. Firstly, they are installed by specialist electrical installers who ensure that sufficiently sized cables are used and that the correct circuit breakers are in place. Additionally, wallboxes have built-in safety features, such as temperature regulation and the ability to interrupt the current flow in the event of dirty or damaged charging contacts.
Wallboxes also offer faster charging speeds than standard outlets, reducing the time required to charge your electric vehicle. However, they come at a higher cost, typically ranging from EUR 300 to EUR 1600 or more, depending on additional features.
In summary, while both Level 1 and Level 2 charging using a standard outlet are possible, safety concerns arise due to the high power demands of electric vehicle charging. To ensure a safer and faster charging experience, investing in a dedicated home wallbox is highly recommended.
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Frequently asked questions
All electric vehicles come with a 110-volt-compatible, or Level 1, home connector kit. This allows you to plug your car into a standard outlet. You can also install a wall charger for a quicker charge.
Charging times vary depending on the type of vehicle and the voltage of your outlet. A Level 1 charge can take over 24 hours to deliver an optimal battery charge of 80%. A Level 2 charge can deliver an optimal battery charge of 80% in 4 to 5 hours at a charging speed of approximately 22.5 km per hour for a plug-in hybrid and up to 45 km per hour for an all-electric vehicle.
Charging an electric vehicle at home is the most affordable way of charging your EV’s battery. However, installing a charging station can cost up to $2,000.
