You can charge any EV at home from a regular wall outlet to add about 30-40 miles of range overnight. The same type of outlet used by your electric clothes dryer or kitchen range (called NEMA 14-150) can be used to fully charge an EV overnight. An electrician can install one in your garage or on a post outside.
- Level 1 = regular wall outlet = adds 30-40 miles overnight.
- Level 2 = high voltage wall outlet (NEMA 14-50) = full charge overnight.
- Level 3 = public charger, not available at home.
There are two types of home charging used for EVs.
AC = Alternating Current – Level 1 or 2.
- AC comes from the sockets in your house, and at some public chargers.
- The J-Plug (see below) is used for AC current and charges only at Level 1 or 2.
- Level 1 is the slowest way to charge.
- All EVs and PHEVs can be charged with AC current.
- New EVs and PHEVs come with a Level 1 charger.
DCFC = Direct Current Fast Charging – Level 3.
- DCFC is available only at high speed public chargers. It cannot be installed at home.
- Only DCFC can provide Level 3 charging.
- The most common “non-Tesla” DCFC connection is CCS – Combined Charging System, (see below).
- When shopping for a used EV, it is highly recommended that it have a CCS socket.
A third plug called CHAdeMO is a slower and less common standard found on older Asian and some European made cars. Adapters are available to connect a CHAdeMO plug to a CCS socket.
AC Charging, Levels 1 and 2
Level 1 | 1.5 kW AC maximum | 2-4 mph range added per hour.
Level 1 can be done anywhere to any EV using a regular household socket, but is the slowest way to charge. It will add about 2-4 miles of range for every hour of charging. If you drive less than 30 miles a day, this may be enough for you. Most EVs include a Level 1 charger. When you buy an EV, make sure a charger is included in the purchase.
Level 2 | 19 kW AC maximum | NEMA 14-50 | 20-25 miles of range added per hour.
Level 2 is the preferred way to charge at home. The NEMA 14-50 socket is widely used in US homes to power electric ranges, clothes dryers and water heaters. It s necessary to do Level 2 charging at home. This is not a DIY installation. An electrician will need to inspect your house to provide an installation cost estimate. It can be installed in a garage, or on a post outside.
Level 2 will add 20-25 miles per hour of charging, and can fully charge most EVs overnight. If you drive a lot and plan to charge mostly at home, you should consider installing a NEMA 14-50 socket in your garage, on an outside wall, or a post outdoors. If
Permanent or portable charger?
Home EV charging devices are commonly referred to by the acronym EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment). Whether permanent or portable, both chargers can perform the same task at the same speed. Electricity is electricity, and it doesn’t care. If you choose to install a Level 2 charger at home, you must choose between a permanent or portable charger.
A permanent charger is hard wired and mounted to the wall. It has one capability, to charge an EV with a compatible socket.
A portable charger plugs into an existing socket. You can unplug and carry it with you when you travel. Most EVs come with a portable charger that plugs into a normal appliance socket. Purchasing a 48 amp portable charger, available at many online stores, will charge your EV at the maximum home rate. In addition, the socket can be used for a variety of power tools.
Bonus! The NEMA 14-50 socket is used at RV parks for the “50 amp shore power hookup”. If your portable EV charger has a 50 amp plug, you can charge at an RV park.
Safety: Extension cords
You can use an extension cord, but you must choose it carefully. For fire safety reasons, use only one cord, as short as possible. Fires are commonly started by improper wiring. Never use a thin brown or black indoor extension cord, lamp cord, or string several cords together.
Level 1 charging
The cord must be rated for 20 amps with a wire gauge of 10 or 12. They can be purchased at most hardware stores. Amp and wire gauge information is on the package.
Level 2 charging
The cord must be rated for 50 amps. A 50 amp extension cord can be purchased online or at an RV supply store.
On The Car
There is no need to worry about compatibility.
If a plug will mate to a socket, you can use it. The car will decide if and how to charge.
CCS “Combination Charging System” | Level 1, 2 or 3
CCS is the modern standard socket on non-Tesla EVs. It will accept a J-plug or a DC Fast Charger. The upper segment seen here, connects to a J-Plug (Level 1 or 2). On older EVs or PHEVs, the J-Plug may be the only socket present.
The lower segment connects to a DC Fast Charger (Level 3). On older EVs and PHEVs, the DCFC portion may not be included.
CCS on Wikipedia
J-Plug (aka J1772) | Level 2 | 10.5 kW max | 20-25 miles of range added per hour.
J-plugs are available at many public charging stations. Outputs vary, and may charge up to twice as fast as a Level 2 socket at home, but are still no match for DCFC. You’ll often find J-Plugs where people can plug in for longer times, like employee, hotel, theater or shopping center parking lots. Look for free public J-Plugs that are paid for by stores, cities or towns, schools and colleges.
J-Plug on Wikipedia