U.S. Department of Energy – Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Alternative Fuels and Advanced Vehicles Data Center
Charging Equipment for Plug-in Hybrid and All-Electric Vehicles
Charging equipment for PEVs and plug-in hybrids is classified by the amount of power in kilowatts (kW) provided to the battery. Charging times will vary based on how empty the battery is, how much energy the battery can hold, and the type of battery. And the charging time can range from 30 minutes to 20 hours or more, depending on the type of charging equipment used.
Level 1
Level 1 equipment uses what is considered “standard” electrical-outlet voltage, charging through a 110/120 volt (V), alternating-current (AC) plug and usually requires a dedicated circuit. Level 1 EVSE (Electric Vehicle Service Equipments) is portable and does not require permanent installation of the charging equipment but does need a dedicated line and/or circuit panel. On one end of the cord is a regular, three-prong household plug. On the other end is a connector, which plugs into the vehicle.
Level 1 works well for charging at home, work or when there is only a 120 V outlet available. Based on the battery type, Level 1 charging can take up to 20 hours to reach a full charge, adding about 5 to 6 miles of range per hour of charging time, depending on the vehicle.
Level 2
Level 2 equipment offers charging through a 240 volt AC plug and requires installation of special charging equipment. This charging option varies up to 80 amperes and 19.2 kW. However, most residential level 2 EVSE will operate at lower power. Many such units operate at 30 amperes, delivering 7.2 kW of power. These units require a dedicated 40 amp circuit.
Most homes have 240 V service available, and because Level 2 EVSE can easily charge a typical EV battery overnight, this will be a common installation for homes.
Level 2 equipment also uses the same connector the vehicle as Level 1 equipment. Based on the battery type and circuit capacity, Level 2 charging can take 3 to 8 hours to reach a full charge, adding about 25 miles of range per hour of charging time, depending on the vehicle.
Level 3 charging will be an even faster AC charging option, though Level 3 equipment is still in development. This charging option will operate at a higher voltage and current than Level 2, and it would be installed at public charging stations. Level 3 charging could take less than 30 minutes to reach a full charge.
