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Electric vehicles are providing an efficient and eco-friendly alternative to traditional vehicles for homeowners everywhere. For some, the public infrastructure is not where it needs to be to rely consistently on charging stations. If you’re a homeowner who currently drives an EV or plans on driving an EV in the future, a home EV charging station is a must. But as you begin shopping around, you may be asking yourself, “Should I get a level 1 EV charger or level 2 EV charger?”
Level 1 EV Charger vs. Level 2 EV Charger: What’s the Difference
A level 1 EV charger is ideal for commuters with low daily mileage of no more than 40 miles and requires no special installation. These chargers often come as part of your EV purchase but are also considered the slowest way to charge your EV, using a standard 120-volt AC household outlet to add up to 5 miles of range per hour.
A level 2 EV charger is ideal for home or workplace use and requires a 40-to-50-amp circuit. These chargers use a 240-volt outlet, fully charging most EVs in 4-to-8 hours and delivering 10-to-60 miles of range per hour. These chargers are necessary if you are driving a significant amount of hours for work or pleasure.
For example, a homeowner driving 15 miles per day in Arlington Heights may find a Level 1 charger sufficient, while a Tampa commuter driving 70 miles daily will likely benefit from Level 2 charging.
Hardwired vs. Plug-in EV Chargers: Which is Better?
A hardwired EV charger can be more effective than a plug-in EV charger due to it not requiring an outlet or GFCI breaker. It also requires fewer connections which leaves less room for error or failure. Alternatively, the more connection points required for plug-in chargers can be protected with enhanced add-ons, but those can come at an additional cost.
If speed is your main concern then hardwired may be your best route as plug-in EV chargers are legally limited in the United States to 40A. Hardwired configurations require no limits, allowing you to increase the maximum allowed charging speed.
Indoor vs. Outdoor EV Charger Installation
This question is dependent on your particular home setup and your capabilities on where the charger can be installed. Ideally, you’ll want your EV charger installed in your garage to deter theft and weather elements. However, an outdoor EV charger installation can be more convenient and may be your only option if you lack a garage or your garage is used primarily for storage.
Side-by-Side Comparison Chart
Feature | Level 1 EV Charger | Level 2 EV Charger |
Voltage | 120V (standard household outlet) | 240V outlet |
Installation Required | No (plugs into wall outlet) | Yes (professional EV charger installation recommended) |
Charging Speed | 3–5 miles of range per hour | 10–60 miles of range per hour |
Full Charge Time | 20–40+ hours | 4–8 hours (most vehicles) |
Ideal For | Low-mileage commuters (under 40 miles/day) | Daily drivers, commuters, multi-EV households |
Circuit Requirement | Standard 15–20 amp circuit | Dedicated 40–50 amp circuit |
Cost to Install | $0 (included with vehicle) | $800–$2,500+ depending on panel upgrades |
Best Use Case | Occasional driving | Primary home charging solution |
State of Illinois EV Charger Rebates and Grant Opportunities
Available through the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA), the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) funds EV-related grants. These programs are designed to support both residential and public charging infrastructure. If you’re applying for Level 2 or DC fast chargers, you may be eligible for rebates covering up to 80% of the total cost.
Ready to Get Started with Your EV Charger Installation?
ABC Plumbing, Sewer, Heating, Cooling and Electric brings over 70 years of trusted service and state-licensed expertise to every EV charger installation. We deliver code-compliant work backed by written warranties on parts and labor. Contact us today for a free consultation and transparent pricing on your home EV charger installation.
ABC Plumbing Locations
Arlington Heights, IL220 W Campus Dr | Largo, FL11701 S Belcher Rd Suite 127 |
Downers Grove, IL1001 Ogden Ave LL4 | Tampa, FL4326 W El Prado Blvd Suite 7 |
Evanston, IL828 Davis St UNIT 205 | |
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