Best Level 2 Home Charger Cost in 2025

Introduction to the level 2 Home charger

You may have purchased an electric vehicle because of its lower emissions or to save money. Installing a Level 2 home charger can be even more convenient, and it can save fuel by helping to shift charging away from public chargers.

What is a Level 2 home charger? A Level 2 home charger is a type of electric vehicle charging station that uses 240-volt power, which is much faster than a standard Level 1 charger that uses a 120-volt household outlet. With a Level 2 charger, you can typically charge your car from 0 to 100% in 4-8 hours.

Top 5 Level 2 Home Chargers for 2025

With the wide variety of chargers on the market in 2025, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. You also have to make sure that your home electrical system is ready to support EV charging.

That’s why we’re going to walk you through the key factors to consider when choosing a Level 2 home charger, highlight some of the top models, and help you make an informed decision based on your unique needs. Whether you’re a first-time EV or plug-in hybrid EV buyer, or you’re just looking to upgrade your current charger, read on to get all the information you need to choose the best home charging hardware for your family.

What are the benefits of having a Level 2 home charger?

Level 2 EV chargers are a significant upgrade over the basic Level 1 charger that typically comes with an electric vehicle. These chargers provide faster charging speeds, reducing the time it takes to fully charge your vehicle compared to a Level 1 device.

If you’re looking for a more detailed explanation of charging speeds and how they differ, be sure to check out my guide on Level 1, Level 2, and DC Fast Charging. It covers the distinctions between these charger types, helping you understand which one is best suited for your needs.

Faster than trickle charging

Level 2 chargers can charge 3 to 10 times faster than Level 1 chargers. This is critical because Level 1 chargers charge relatively slowly, typically adding only 3 to 5 miles (about 5 to 8 kilometers) of range per hour, while Level 2 chargers can add 15 to 30 miles (about 24 to 48 kilometers) of range per hour, depending on the power of the vehicle and the charging post.

More convenient than public charging

If conditions permit, charging at home is much more convenient than public Level 2 charging posts or even DC Fast Charging (DC Fast Charging). Charging at home eliminates the need to wait for a public charging station to become available or to sit in your car waiting for the charge to complete. Simply plug in the charger when you get home in the evening and you’re ready to go the next morning with a full charge.

Cheaper than public charging

The cost of home charging is usually much lower than public charging stations. The cost of home electricity is usually lower than the cost of a public charging station, especially if you utilize your electric vehicle or charging station’s software to set your charging time during the nighttime low hours (off-peak hours).

Cost comparison:

• According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average U.S. household electricity price is about $0.17 per kWh. For a Tesla Model 3, for example, electricity costs about $4.33 per 100 miles (about 160 kilometers) of driving.
• And at a public Supercharger station, such as Tesla’s Supercharger, the cost per kilowatt-hour can be as high as $0.43, meaning that the same 100 miles would cost about $10.75.

Can improve your home’s value

Installing an EV charge is a home improvement that can increase the value of your home. If you’re planning to sell your home, upgrading the electrical system and installing a charging post (or at least a 240-volt outlet) can appeal to potential EV or plug-in hybrid owners.

Not only is this upgrade convenient for your own use, but it can also serve as a value-added asset when you sell your home in the future. This is a big draw for environmentally conscious buyers or those interested in new energy vehicles.

How to prepare for Level 2 home charging?

There are a handful of things to think about before installing a Level 2 charger, but the first comes down to where you live and who controls your electrical supply.

Make sure you’re set up for 240-volt power

If your home has an unused 240-volt circuit, you may already have most of your charger installation bases covered. An electrician may be able to confirm safe amperage and quickly get your charger wired up with minimal fuss or cost. If you have a 240-volt circuit that is being used not far from where you want to park your EV — maybe an electric dryer in the garage — there’s a good chance you can find a Level 2 charger that will plug into the same outlet. (Most home plug-in Level 2s are available with the common NEMA 14-50 240-volt plug.) This path means you’ll never be able to charge your car and run the dryer at the same time, so you may want to consider having an electrician run a second connection anyway.

If you don’t have a 240-volt current, that’s not a huge challenge. The first thing you need is an electrician to tell you whether your existing electrical panel has sufficient capacity for a 240-volt line. There’s a reasonable chance it does, but if it doesn’t, you’ll have to upgrade.

Get proper permission

If you own a home, that’s probably all you need to know. You’re the boss, and you can proceed with a Level 2 charging station. If you own a condo or townhome, you’ll likely need permission from the homeowners’ association. That could be as simple as filling out a form, or it could require jumping through a few more hoops, but you should start by reaching out to the association or property management company. If you rent a home or live in an apartment with reserved parking or a garage, hope is not lost. You’ll still have to get the landlord’s permission, and then determine how much power is available in the parking area and how it’s metered.

Hardwire vs. outlet

While you’re at it, you may also want to decide whether to go with a hardwired EV charger, which is semi-permanently connected to your home’s electrical grid, or a plug-in charger that connects to a 240-volt electrical outlet. The former gives a cleaner install and may be able to reach higher charging rates; the latter is easier to remove and bring with you if you move but will limit you to a 40-amp output.

Check your home’s available amperage

Next, you’ll want to think about how many amps your home’s 240-volt circuit can supply. For safety, the rule is that an EV charger’s draw should be within 80% of the rated amperage of the circuit it’s connected to. So an EVSE plugging into a 50-amp circuit shouldn’t draw more than 40 amps itself. The most powerful 48-amp chargers on our Best List will require a 60-amp circuit for the fastest operation. If, like mine, your house only has room for a 30-amp circuit, then you should limit your charger to a 24-amp draw.

How to choose a Level 2 home charger?

Check the Vehicle’s Connector Type

When choosing a home electric vehicle (EV) charging station, first confirm the type of physical connector your EV uses. If it’s a Tesla, it will use the North American Charging Standard (NACS) interface. Most other EVs currently use the SAE J1772 connector. Although many automakers have announced a gradual transition to NACS, the J1772 connector will remain widely used for the next few years. As for the compatibility of plug-in hybrid vehicles with NACS, it’s still unclear, so the J1772 connector may continue to be in use for a longer time.

Understand the Vehicle’s Charging Speed Limits

After confirming the connector type, you need to understand the maximum charging speed of your vehicle. The vehicle’s hardware has a built-in charging speed limit, and even if connected to a faster charger, it won’t exceed that speed—just like how an iPhone charges at 20W when connected to a 65W MacBook charger. This means you won’t damage your vehicle by connecting it to a more powerful charger. Understanding this speed limit can help you save costs. For example, if your Prius Prime has a maximum charging power of 6.6kW (28 amps), there’s no need to upgrade your home circuit to accommodate an 11kW (48 amps) charger unless you’re preparing for the future.

Indoor or Outdoor Installation

You’ll also need to consider the installation location for your charging station: will it be inside a garage or outdoors on a driveway or carport? If it’s installed outdoors, safety features might be a major consideration. A physical lock can prevent strangers from using your electricity, while software-controlled access allows you to grant usage permission when needed by family or friends. For instance, the Autel MaxiCharger can be locked and unlocked with an RFID card or a smartphone app.

High-voltage equipment also needs weather protection. Most Level 2 chargers (including our recommended models) at least meet the NEMA 3 standard, meaning they can be used in dusty, rainy, or snowy environments. Some chargers even meet the NEMA 4 standard, which can withstand high-pressure water flow (such as from a garden hose). If your area frequently experiences heavy storms, choosing a charger with the NEMA 4 standard is more appropriate. Whether installed indoors or outdoors, choosing a charger certified by UL (Underwriters Laboratories) or ETL (Edison Testing Labs) is always a wise decision, as these certifications ensure the product meets nationally recognized safety standards.

Distance Between Charger and Vehicle

The location of the charger will also determine how long the charging cable needs to be. Most of the Level 2 chargers we recommend come with a 25-foot (about 7.6 meters) cable, offering greater flexibility for parking, even extending to another EV or plug-in hybrid in a double garage. The longer the cable, the more important cable management becomes. Therefore, choose a charger with hooks or sleeves to wind up and hang the cable and its connector, preventing them from touching the ground, being exposed to harsh environments, or obstructing the vehicle when parked.

Additional Features

Lastly, let’s look at some additional features. Many home EV chargers are smart chargers that can connect to your home network and the internet via Wi-Fi. This data connection allows you to adjust and control the charger, schedule charging times to take advantage of off-peak electricity rates, and monitor the energy usage and associated costs during the charging process.

How much does it cost to install a home EV charger?

Installing a home EV charge is an immediate need for many new energy vehicle owners, but the cost is often confusing. According to recent research, the average cost of installing a Level 2 charge is between $650 and $800. That doesn’t include the cost of the charging post itself! If the home’s own electrical system is newer and has sufficient capacitance, the cost of installation can be as low as $400; however, for some older homes in need of electrical system upgrades, the cost can be as high as $1,000 to $2,500 or more. The difference in installation costs depends largely on the electrical condition of the home, the distance of the wiring, labor costs, and local policies and permit fees. Want to learn more detailed cost components and cost-saving tips? Click to read, How much does it cost to install a home EV charger? to keep you in the loop and avoid unnecessary expenses when installing a charger!

What is the fastest home EV charger?

The fastest home EV charger currently available is typically a Level 2 charger. While there are different power ratings for Level 2 chargers, the fastest ones are generally those that offer 240V power with a higher amperage, such as 40A to 48A. These chargers can provide up to 10-60 miles of range per hour of charging, depending on the vehicle’s battery capacity and the charger’s output.

If you’re looking for the absolute quickest charging speed for a home installation, the Tesla Wall Connector and RUIHUA Home Flex are among the top options. They offer adjustable amperage (up to 50A or 48A), allowing for faster charging speeds compared to standard Level 1 chargers, which are typically limited to 120V and provide much slower charging.

For the fastest home EV charging, it’s essential to ensure that your electrical system can handle the power requirements, and you may need an electrician to install a dedicated circuit for your high-amp charger.

Home level 2 charger FAQs

Q: Do all electric vehicles work with Level 2 chargers?

A: Yes, all electric vehicles can be charged with a Level 2 charger as long as they have the standard J1772 connector, which is the most common connector for non-Tesla vehicles. Tesla vehicles can use an adapter to connect to a Level 2 charger.

Q: Are there any incentives or rebates for installing a Level 2 charger at home?

A: Many local governments, utilities, and states offer incentives or rebates for installing a Level 2 EV charger at home. These can help offset the cost of the charger and installation. It’s worth checking with your local utility or government agency for any available programs.

Q: Is a Level 2 charger suitable for all homes?

A: Most homes with a 240V electrical supply can install a Level 2 charger, but older homes or those with outdated electrical systems might need an upgrade. It’s a good idea to have an electrician assess your home’s electrical capacity before installing a Level 2 charger.

Q: Do I need a Level 2 charger?

A: Maybe. A Level 2 charger will be faster than the Level 1 AC charger that typically comes with every EV. Whether it’s worth the additional cost depends on your living circumstances, your driving habits, your EV or PHEV’s range and your access to public charging stations. If you want maximum convenience and don’t want to have to rely on public, high-speed stations for daily driving, you probably want Level 2, which can substantially reduce the small hassles and anxiety of owning an electric car.

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