What is the difference between level 1, level 2, and level 3 electric vehicle (EV) chargers?

Level 1 (120 VAC) - Household outlet equivalent. Is often used for slow overnight home charging adding around 40 miles of daily range. All EVs are equipped with the ubiquitous J1772 standard plug for all Level 1 and Level 2 installations. Most EVs are sold with a Level 1 EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) so that you could get a slow charge anywhere you encounter a household outlet. Kinda like carrying a gas can if you ran out of fuel.

 Level 2 (208 - 240 VAC) - Equivalent to a household dryer circuit. This will be the common EVSE found in the near future in the home and the workplace. It will require the same effort to add to a home as did the potable hot water heater in the 50s, or a clothes dryer circuit. Will require running a line and the addition of a double pole breaker in your main service. Typically, most existing 200 Amp household services will be able to handle the addition.

  
 Level 3 (380-480 VDC) - This DC EVSE is primarily used for long distance travel where a minimum stop is needed. Unlike Level 1 and Level 2, they are expensive to install, while a 1000 installations would map most US interstates and major cities. Not all EVs are quipped to connect to a Level 3 EVSE and currently there are more than one standard requiring adapters to connect to different chargers. The lack of Level 3 standards and cost has slowed the implementation of this needed charging infrastructure. This is actually a blessing in disguise since charging capability is still evolving. Current 50kW Level 3 EVSE’s require an hour for an 80% charge. Tesla 120 kW chargers can charge to 80% in 30 minutes. Currently efforts are being made for 400kW units that will bring quick charging to 80% inside 15 minutes. NOTE: 90% of fueling will happen at home or in the workplace on Level 2 EVSE.

At present, Level 1 and Level 2 EV charger are most suitable for house use, while Level 3 EV charger are more suitable for building charging stations. 

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