FAQs
A Level 2 EV Charger is a charging device that operates at 240V, providing faster charging times compared to Level 1 chargers.
Typically, a Level 2 charger operates at up to 80A, but 50A models are most suitable for home use.
A 12kW Level 2 charger can add about 45 miles of range per hour of charging.
Yes, especially with cheaper nightly electricity rates, it can save you money in the long run.
No, charging power varies depending on the current. Higher current means faster charging.
No, you typically need to purchase a Level 2 charger separately.
The breaker size depends on the charger's max current. For a 50A charger, you should have an 80A breaker to accommodate your home's other electrical needs.
Level 2 chargers use AC power, while DC fast chargers use DC power, allowing for much faster charging times.
What is a Level 2 EV Charger
What Is Level 2 Charging?
Level 2 EV Charging is a popular choice for electric vehicle (EV) owners, offering faster charging times compared to Level 1 chargers. Generally, Level 2 chargers deliver power between 7kW and 12kW, significantly faster than the lower-powered Level 1 chargers.
Common Outlets: Level 2 chargers typically use outlets like 14-50R, 6-50R, and 10-50R, which can provide up to 40A of current and around 9.6kW of power. For example, if you own a Tesla Model 3 with a 60kWh battery, it would take about 30 hours to fully charge with a Level 1 charger, but only 6-10 hours with a Level 2 charger.
Where to Find Level 2 Chargers: These chargers are often found in convenient locations like shopping malls and office buildings. Additionally, more and more homeowners are installing Level 2 chargers due to their faster charging speeds, which are hard to resist.
Important Considerations for Home Installation: If you're thinking about installing a Level 2 charger at home, ensure that your circuit breaker can handle more than 60A to avoid overloading your home’s electrical system. Since most homes already have high-power appliances like refrigerators, you may need a larger circuit breaker to protect your overall electricity supply.
The Difference Between Level 1, Level 2, and DC Fast Chargers
Both Level 1 and Level 2 chargers use AC (Alternating Current) to charge your EV, converting it to DC (Direct Current) via the on-board charger (OBC) before it is stored in the battery. In contrast, DC Fast Chargers deliver DC power directly to the battery, allowing for much faster charging speeds.
Charging Speeds:
AC Charging (Level 1 & 2): Maxes out at around 12kW.
DC Charging: Can reach up to 360kW, but is not suitable for home use due to the higher circuitry requirements.
Level 2 Charger Specs: Typically, Level 2 chargers operate at 240V and are available in 32A, 40A, and 50A models, with the 50A model offering up to 12kW. This power level can add about 45 miles of range per hour of charging.
Estimating EV Charging Times
While estimating charging times can be complex due to variations in power delivery, a simple rule of thumb based on the formula Power = Current x Voltage can help:
7.6kW Level 2 Charger: Adds about 25 miles of range per hour.
9.6kW Level 2 Charger: Adds about 30 miles per hour.
12kW Level 2 Charger: Adds about 45 miles of range per hour.