EV AND SOLAR

Level 1 vs Level 2 Charging Calculator

Compare charging time and electricity cost for two charging levels.

Transparent formula User-controlled electricity rate Calculations stay in your browser
The amount of energy to put into the battery.
Typically 88% for L2, might be closer to 80% for L1.
Standard 12A / 120V outlet is ~1.44 kW.
Typical 32A / 240V charger is ~7.6 kW.
Only enter if your utility gives you a cheaper rate for using a dedicated Level 2 EV charger.

Your estimate will appear here

Enter your inputs and click calculate to see the cost and energy breakdown.

Methodology

Charging time is estimated by taking the total energy required from the wall and dividing it by the power rating of the charger. The energy required from the wall is the battery energy needed divided by the charging efficiency.

Cost is the wall energy multiplied by the electricity rate.

CALCULATOR QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers about wattage, runtime, electricity rates, estimated costs, and the limitations of this calculator.

Review the calculator formula →

WHAT YOU WILL FIND HERE

  • Input and unit guidance
  • Formula and worked-example explanations
  • Reasons actual costs may differ
What is Level 1 charging?
Level 1 charging uses a standard 120-volt household outlet. It typically delivers around 1.4 kW of power, which translates to roughly 3 to 5 miles of range per hour. It's often called 'trickle charging'.
What is Level 2 charging?
Level 2 charging uses a 240-volt circuit (like an electric dryer or oven). It can deliver between 3 kW and 19 kW of power, typically around 7 to 9 kW for most home setups. It adds about 20 to 30 miles of range per hour.
Is Level 2 charging more efficient?
Yes. All EVs use some energy just to keep their computers and battery management systems awake while charging. Because Level 2 charging finishes much faster, the car spends less time 'awake', which means slightly less wasted electricity compared to a long Level 1 session.
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