Level 2 Charger Amperage: What You Need to Know
Level 2 Charger Amperage refers to the amount of electrical current (measured in amps) that a Level 2 EV charger delivers to an electric vehicle (EV). Understanding amperage is crucial when choosing the right charger for your needs, as it directly impacts the speed and efficiency of charging.
How Many Amps Do Level 2 EV Chargers Pull?
For EV owners, choosing the right Level 2 charger is the key to charging efficiency. 2-stage chargers typically have outputs between 15 and 80 amps. The higher the amperage, the faster the charge, but it usually takes 4 to 10 hours of continuous use to get a full charge.
Requires dedicated 240-volt circuitry
Level 2 chargers require 240-volt circuitry, which is different from the 120-volt circuitry used in ordinary household appliances. A dedicated 240-volt circuit must be installed to ensure that the charger is able to efficiently and safely deliver the required power.
Installation of a Level 2 charger circuit needs to be done by a licensed electrician. The electrician will set up the proper circuit for the charger’s amperage, ensuring that the proper wiring and equipment is used. Local electrical codes and safety requirements are met.
What Size Breaker Do You Need for a Level 2 Charger?
Breakers protect your electrical circuits from overloads and short circuits by interrupting the circuit in case of a malfunction.
For safety reasons, a circuit’s continuous load shouldn’t exceed 80% of a breaker’s capacity, which means the breaker should exceed the circuit’s amperage by 20%. For instance, for a Level 2 EV charging circuit designed to handle 80 amps, an electrician should install a 100-amp breaker.
Can Your House Handle a Level 2 Charger?
One of the most important questions to ask when considering installing a Level 2 charger for an electric vehicle (EV) is whether or not your home’s electrical system can handle the additional load. Level 2 chargers can carry sustained loads of up to 80 amps, so you need to make sure that your home’s electrical service can meet this demand before installing one.
Most homes in the United States have 100 or 200 amp electrical service. However, there are some older homes that still use 60 amp service, which may not be sufficient for a Level 2 charger. In this case, it may be necessary to upgrade the electrical panel to ensure that your home’s electrical system is sufficient to support electric vehicle charging as well as the proper functioning of other electrical devices such as electric dryers, range hoods, and even central heating and cooling systems.
While a 100 amp distribution panel is theoretically capable of handling the load of a Level 2 EV charger, a detailed EV charger load calculation must be performed by a qualified electrician prior to installation. This step is vital as it helps to assess whether the existing distribution panel has the capacity to provide enough power for the newly installed charger.
The electrician will also need to check that there is enough room in the distribution panel for a new double-pole 240-volt circuit breaker to ensure safe operation.
If you have a limited home power system, you can also choose to use a load shedding system to avoid power overloads during peak hours by distributing charging loads to times when power demand is lowest. A load shedding system can provide some relief and help optimize power usage.
Charging Time Based on Amperage
The higher the amperage, the faster the vehicle will be charged. Here’s an example of how different amperage levels affect charging time:
- A 16-amp charger can typically deliver about 3.8 kW of power, charging an EV’s battery at a slower pace, but it’s usually sufficient for overnight home charging.
- A 30-amp charger provides about 7.7 kW, which can charge most EVs from 0 to 100% in around 4 to 6 hours.
- A 40-amp charger delivers 9.6 kW of power, reducing charging time even further.
- A 50-amp charger or higher can provide 12 kW or more, cutting charging time even more significantly, making it ideal for locations with higher traffic or where quick turnaround times are essential.
Do You Need a Load-Shedding System?
Load-shedding systems for EVs are another good option. These systems will activate charging only when the loads are minimal. These systems can leverage your existing panel capacity and eliminate the risk of panel overload.
Conclusion
Choosing the right amperage for your Level 2 charger depends on your charging needs, budget, and available electrical infrastructure. For most home users, a 30 to 40 amp charger offers a good balance of speed and cost. If you’re charging multiple vehicles or need rapid charging, a higher amperage option might be more suitable.
If you’re ready to upgrade your charging infrastructure, check out our range of Level 2 chargers at RUIHUA EV Chargers, where we offer customized solutions to meet your specific needs.