Charging Times and Power Output
- Level 1 Chargers:
- Use a standard 120-volt AC household outlet.
- Deliver roughly 1.2 kW to 1.8 kW (in the U.S.) of power.
- Typically add about 5 to 7 miles of driving range per hour of charging.
- Charging an EV from empty to full can take anywhere from approximately 11 up to 40-71 hours depending on battery size and vehicle, with averages around 11-20 hours reported for full charge in some sources.
- Most suitable for overnight charging and low daily mileage needs.
- Level 2 Chargers:
- Use higher voltage 208V–240V AC power supply.
- Provide between 3 kW and up to about 19.2 kW (U.S.) or up to 22 kW (Europe).
- Add roughly 20 to 50 miles of driving range per hour of charging.
- Can charge EVs from empty to full in about 4 to 8 hours generally, or up to 24 hours depending on battery size and charger power.
- Can charge battery electric vehicles (BEVs) to 80% in 4 to 10 hours and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) much faster (1 to 2 hours).
- Commonly installed at homes, workplaces, and public places for faster charging.
Summary of Difference
| Feature | Level 1 Charger | Level 2 Charger |
|---|---|---|
| Voltage | 120V AC | 208V–240V AC |
| Power Output | ~1.2 – 1.8 kW | 3 kW to ~19.2 kW (up to 22 kW in EU) |
| Range Added Per Hour | ~5 – 7 miles | ~20 – 50 miles |
| Full Charge Time | 11 to 40+ hours | 4 to 8 hours (up to 24 hours max) |
| Typical Use | Overnight, low mileage needs | Faster home/work/public charging |
In essence, Level 2 charging is substantially faster—often 3 to 5 times quicker than Level 1—making it much better suited for frequent or rapid charging needs, while Level 1 is typically a slow, backup, or minimal use option.
This makes Level 2 chargers the preferred choice for users who need to recharge their EVs more quickly overnight or during the day, whereas Level 1 chargers are more suitable for infrequent or low-range daily driving scenarios.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/are-there-any-significant-differences-in-charging-time-between-level-1-and-level-2-chargers/
