The cost of a Level 2 home charger (including equipment and installation) ranges from $400–$2,000+ for residential setups, while public charging station costs are significantly higher due to commercial-grade equipment, permits, and infrastructure demands:
- Home Level 2 charger:
- Equipment: $400–$1,800
- Installation: $1,000–$2,500 average (includes labor, permits, and electrical upgrades)
- Public Level 2 stations:
- Commercial-grade hardware: $2,000–$12,000+ per unit
- Installation: Often exceeds $10,000+ per station when factoring in trenching, grid upgrades, and compliance
Cost comparison for users:
- Home charging: ~$0.15–$0.30 per kWh (residential electricity rates)
- Public charging: ~$0.20–$0.50+ per kWh (varies by network/provider), often with session fees
While upfront costs for home Level 2 chargers are lower than public station installation, public stations spread costs across users via per-session pricing. Most EV owners find home charging cheaper long-term, while public stations serve as supplemental options for travel or multi-unit dwellings.
Electricity rate data not explicitly provided in sources but reflects general U.S. averages.
Original article by NenPower, If reposted, please credit the source: https://nenpower.com/blog/how-does-the-cost-of-a-level-2-charger-compare-to-public-charging-stations/
