What is Level 2 charging?

Level 2 charging refers to the process of supplying electricity with 220/240-volt to an electric car through a charging station. Level 2 chargers are most commonly found in single-family homes, multi-family homes, condos, and some public locations, such as hotel parking lots.

Unlike Level 1 chargers that operate on a standard 120-volt household outlet, Level 2 chargers require a 220/240-volt outlet, and therefore also require to be installed. This higher voltage allows for more efficient charging, significantly reducing the time required to charge an EV's battery.

Why should I use a Level 2 charger?

Level 2 chargers offer many advantages compared to Level 1 chargers. With charging rates ranging from 6.2 kW to 19.2 kW, Level 2 chargers can efficiently charge an average EV from empty to full in around 4 to 8 hours, compared to a Level 1 charger which takes from 15 to 24 hours or more! This huge reduction in charging time not only provides EV owners greater convenience but also reduces range anxiety, allowing for more spontaneous travel plans. With a Level 2 charger at home, you can also take advantage of overnight charging so that you charge when electricity rates are lower and can wake up to a full battery every morning.

What comes with a Level 2 charger?

Unlike a Level 1 charger which comes with a simple cable and battery pack to charge your EV from a regular outlet, a Level 2 charger has a few more important pieces to take into consideration. Here, we’ve broken down what comes with a Level 2 charger, so that you can know exactly what you’re getting when you purchase one.

Charging station: the actual charger that is mounted to a wall in your home, hardwired, or placed on a pedestal. It comes in various shapes, colors, and sizes. This is the dedicated infrastructure that provides electrical power to recharge the battery of an electric vehicle.

J1772 plug: a standardized connector used for electric vehicle charging in North America.  It allows for easy connection and disconnection between the charging station and the electric car, facilitating an efficient and compatible charging experience. This plug has a rectangular housing with pins for power delivery, ground connection, and communication.

NEMA 14-50 or 14-60: refers to specific types of electrical outlets commonly used for charging electric vehicles. These outlets are designed to provide a 240-volt power supply, which is required for Level 2 charging. The NEMA 14-50 is a standard outlet configuration that supports up to 50 amps of current, while the NEMA 14-60 supports up to 60 amps. Level 2 chargers which are 40A or less will require a NEMA 14-50 plug, while level 2 chargers with 48A will need the NEMA 14-60 plug.

Hardwired: refers to the method of connecting the charging station directly to the electrical system of a residence without using a plug or outlet. Instead, the charging station is permanently wired into the electrical circuit with the assistance of a licensed electrician. This ensures a secure and fixed connection and often provides a cleaner and more streamlined charging setup.

Cable: a specialized cable that connects the charging station to the electric vehicle. It transfers electricity from the charging station to the vehicle's onboard charger, allowing the EV battery to charge. This cable is designed to handle high currents and voltages, with specific connectors on both ends for a secure and reliable connection. It is durable, weather-resistant, and available in different lengths to accommodate various charging scenarios.

220-volt outlet: a specialized electrical outlet that delivers a higher voltage power supply for appliances and equipment that require more electrical power. It is commonly used for items like electric dryers, stoves, and heavy-duty power tools.

Wall bracket: some Level 2 chargers come with a wall bracket or mounting plate that needs to be securely attached to the wall. The charging station is mounted onto this bracket or plate. A licensed electrician can ensure your charging station is mounted properly.

Pedestal: a freestanding structure that houses the charging station and provides a convenient location for charging your EV when you don’t have a garage or obvious location to mount your Level 2 charger at home. You can typically see chargers on pedestals in condos, apartment buildings, or parking lots.

Level 2 charging features

Another benefit of using a Level 2 charger is the special features designed to optimize your charging experience. These include:

• Adjustable Charging Power: the ability to adjust the charging power based on the specific EV's requirements. This flexibility ensures compatibility with various EV models and enables efficient charging while avoiding overloading the electrical system.
• Smart Charging Capabilities: some Level 2 chargers are equipped with smart charging features. These chargers can communicate with the grid and your utility company, and allow you to manage your charger from a mobile device. Set your charger to charge your vehicle when electricity rates are lowest or manage your energy usage straight from an app. Here are our two favorite smart chargers: Grizzl-E Smart and Wallbox Pulsar Plus 48A
• Connectivity and Monitoring: smart Level 2 chargers also offer connectivity options such as Wi-Fi or cellular connectivity, enabling you to remotely monitor the charging process, schedule charging sessions, and even receive notifications about charging status and power usage.
• Duo charging: a charging system that allows you to charge two electric vehicles at once. It provides convenience and flexibility, accommodating the needs of EV owners that have two or more electric vehicles in their family.
  Our favorite duo charger: Grizzl-E Duo

How do you install a Level 2 charger at home?

Installing a Level 2 charger requires the expertise of a licensed electrician to guarantee a secure and accurate installation process. First, the electrician conducts a thorough evaluation of your home's electrical set-up, considering factors such as current load and available circuit capacity. They then determine if any upgrades or modifications to your electrical system are necessary to accommodate the increased power demands of a Level 2 charger. In some cases, upgrades could include installing a dedicated circuit, upgrading the main electrical panel, or ensuring proper grounding and bonding. Given the intricacies that are involved with installing a Level 2 charger, it is important to use a professional electrician who follows local electrical codes and regulations and can assess the compatibility of integrating a Level 2 charger in your home.