Which EV Charger Do You Actually Need?
Here's what I tell people: Don't overthink this.
Most EV owners charge at home overnight and wake up to a full battery. Simple. But the charger you need depends on your car's charging speed, how many miles you drive daily, and what your electrical panel can handle.
Level 1 vs Level 2: What's the Difference?
Real quick breakdown:
Level 1 (120V - Regular Outlet)
Adds ~4 miles of range per hour. That's it.
Good for plug-in hybrids or if you drive under 30 miles per day. For most full EVs? Too slow. You'd need to plug in for 24+ hours to go from empty to full.
Level 2 (240V - Like Your Dryer)
Adds 25-40 miles of range per hour depending on the charger and your car.
This is what 90% of EV owners install at home. Plug in overnight, wake up fully charged. My recommendation unless you barely drive.
Do You Need a Hardwired Charger or Plug-In?
Depends on your situation.
Plug-in (NEMA 14-50): Easier to install if you already have a 240V outlet (like for an RV or welder). You can also unplug it and take it with you if you move. Most people choose this option.
Hardwired: Permanent installation wired directly to your electrical panel. Slightly cleaner look, required in some jurisdictions. Costs a bit more to install because an electrician has to do all the wiring.
How Much Does Installation Actually Cost?
I've seen quotes from $300 to $3,000. Huge range, right?
Here's what affects the price: distance from your electrical panel to the garage, whether your panel has capacity for a new 240V circuit, if you need a panel upgrade, and permitting requirements in your city. We usually tell people to budget $800-1,500 for a straightforward install.
Common Questions I Get
Can I just use a regular outlet?
Technically, yes. Every EV comes with a Level 1 charger that plugs into a standard 120V outlet. But it's painfully slow—like 40+ hours to fully charge a Tesla Model 3. Fine for emergencies or plug-in hybrids, not practical for daily use with a full EV.
What about smart features?
Wi-Fi connectivity, scheduling, energy monitoring—nice to have, not essential. Some utilities offer lower electricity rates overnight, so scheduling can save money. But honestly? Most EVs have scheduling built into the car itself. You're often paying $100-200 extra for features you won't use.
Do I need a dedicated circuit?
Yes. Level 2 chargers pull 30-50 amps continuously for hours. You can't share that with other appliances. An electrician will install a dedicated 40A or 50A circuit just for your charger.
What if my panel is full?
You have three options: upgrade your panel ($1,500-3,000), use a load-sharing device that manages power between your charger and other appliances (~$400-600), or stick with Level 1 charging. Most electricians will recommend a panel upgrade if yours is old anyway.
Should I get the fastest charger possible?
Not necessarily. Your car's onboard charger limits how fast it can charge. A Chevy Bolt maxes out at 7.2 kW (about 32A). Buying a 48A charger won't make it charge any faster. Match the charger to your car's max charging rate, not the other way around.