Charging Levels & EVSE Types
Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast charging - voltage ranges, current ratings, connector types, cord-and-plug vs. hardwired, and pedestal configurations.
- Identify voltage and current ranges for Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast charging
- Explain the differences between cord-and-plug and hardwired EVSE installations
- Describe pedestal and wall-mount EVSE configurations and their applications
- Distinguish between SAE J1772, CCS, and CHAdeMO connector standards
- Calculate maximum continuous draw for various charging levels
Lesson 1
Level 1 & Level 2 AC Charging
Understanding Charging Levels
Electric vehicle charging is organized into distinct charging levels defined by voltage and current. Understanding these levels is fundamental to selecting the correct equipment, sizing circuits, and planning installations.
Level 1 charging uses a standard 120V, single-phase household outlet. It delivers the lowest power and is the simplest installation - often requiring no electrical work beyond verifying the existing circuit. Level 1 is the baseline that comes with every EV as a portable cord set.
Level 2 charging uses 208V or 240V, single-phase power and delivers significantly more energy per hour. Level 2 is the standard for home, workplace, and commercial installations. It requires a dedicated branch circuit sized per the 125% continuous load rule.
Level 1 AC Charging
Voltage: 120V single-phase
Current: 12A - 16A typical
Power: 1.4 - 1.9 kW
Range added: 3 - 5 miles per hour
Circuit: NEMA 5-15 or 5-20
Level 2 AC Charging
Voltage: 208V or 240V single-phase
Current: 16A - 80A
Power: 3.3 - 19.2 kW
Range added: 12 - 80 miles per hour
Circuit: Dedicated 240V branch circuit
Level 1 Details
A typical Level 1 EVSE draws 12 amps on a 120V, 15A or 20A circuit. At 12A continuous on a 15A circuit, the load is at 80% of the breaker rating - the maximum allowed for continuous operation. Some Level 1 units draw 16A and require a dedicated 20A circuit.
Level 1 charging adds approximately 3 to 5 miles of range per hour of charging. For a vehicle with a 60 kWh battery, a full charge from empty could take 40 to 60 hours. This makes Level 1 suitable primarily for overnight charging of plug-in hybrids or as emergency/opportunity charging for battery EVs.
Level 2 Details
Level 2 EVSE is available in a wide range of current ratings. Common configurations include 24A, 32A, 40A, and 48A continuous draw. The most popular residential units draw 32A or 40A, requiring a 40A or 50A breaker respectively after applying the 125% rule.
A 48A Level 2 EVSE is the highest common residential unit, requiring a 60A breaker (48 x 1.25 = 60A). At 240V and 48A, this delivers 11.5 kW - enough to add roughly 30 to 40 miles of range per hour.
Level 1 charges at 120V (12 - 16A) and adds 3 - 5 miles per hour. Level 2 charges at 208/240V (16 - 80A) and adds 12 - 80 miles per hour. Level 2 is the standard for dedicated EVSE installations and always requires a dedicated branch circuit sized at 125% of the continuous load.