Level 1 or Level 2 at a glance
- Level 1 uses a regular 120V outlet and adds about 5 miles of range per hour.
- Level 2 uses a 208V or 240V circuit and adds about 25 miles per hour.
- Overnight, that's roughly 50 miles versus 250 miles.
- Level 2 needs a dedicated circuit, a panel with room and a permit.
The quick difference between Level 1 and Level 2
Level 1 is the cord that comes with most EVs. It plugs into a standard household outlet. Level 2 is a wall-mounted charger, or a plug-in unit, on a 240V circuit like a dryer uses.
When Level 1 charging is enough
- You drive less than about 40 miles a day.
- You own a plug-in hybrid with a small battery.
- The car sits in the garage 10 hours or more most nights.
Use a dedicated outlet in good condition. Older outlets can overheat under hours of steady load. If your garage outlet is loose or discolored, get Outlet and Switch Repair before you charge.
Why most drivers move to Level 2
- Longer commutes. A round trip from Orem to Salt Lake City can use most of a night of Level 1 charging.
- Cold winters. EVs lose range in the cold, so you need to put more back each night.
- Two EVs in one home. Level 2 can top off both cars.
- Flexibility. A quick top-up before an evening trip is easy.
What a Level 2 install takes
- A load check. We make sure your panel can handle the new circuit. If it's close, read 100 Amp vs 200 Amp Service.
- The right circuit size. EV charging is a continuous load, so the circuit is sized above the charger's rating. A 48 amp charger, for example, needs a 60 amp circuit.
- GFCI protection. The 2023 National Electrical Code, adopted in Utah, requires GFCI protection for 125V to 250V receptacles in garages.
- A permit and inspection from your city.
We install all major brands, including Tesla, ChargePoint and Emporia. See our EV Charger Installation service for details.
Plug-in or hardwired charger?
| Option | Good for | Keep in mind |
|---|---|---|
| Plug-in (NEMA 14-50 outlet) | Renters, or moving the charger later | Use a quality, heavy-duty outlet and GFCI protection |
| Hardwired | Higher power and a cleaner install | Allows higher amp settings on many chargers |
Either way, the charger needs its own circuit. We handle Dedicated Circuits and 240V Outlets from panel to garage.
What affects the cost of a home charger install
- Distance from the panel to where you park
- Whether the panel has room and capacity
- Charger power level
- Wall type: finished drywall, block or open studs
- Permit fees in your city
We give you a clear price before work starts, after we see your panel and garage.