2026-04-08 · Guides · EVs for Idiots
One of the best things about owning an EV is that your "gas station" is in your garage. No more weekly trips to fill up. You plug in when you get home, and wake up every morning with a full battery. But if you're new to EVs, the whole charging thing can feel confusing. Level 1? Level 2? NEMA 14-50? Let's break it all down.
Every EV comes with a Level 1 charger that plugs into a standard 120-volt household outlet -- the same one you use for your phone or a lamp. It's the slowest option, adding about 3 to 5 miles of range per hour. That sounds terrible, but here's the thing: if you plug in for 10 hours overnight, that's 30 to 50 miles. The average American drives about 37 miles per day. For a lot of people, Level 1 is genuinely all you need.
If you want faster home charging, Level 2 is the way to go. It uses a 240-volt outlet -- the same kind your clothes dryer uses. A Level 2 charger adds 20 to 40 miles of range per hour, meaning most EVs can go from nearly empty to full in 6 to 10 hours. You can either plug into an existing 240-volt outlet with an adapter or have an electrician install a dedicated wall-mounted charger. Popular options include the Tesla Wall Connector, ChargePoint Home Flex, and Grizzl-E. [See our full charger guide](/chargers) for all the options. Expect to pay $400 to $700 for the charger itself, plus $200 to $800 for installation depending on your home's electrical setup.
Before installing a Level 2 charger, you'll want an electrician to check your home's electrical panel. Most homes built after 2000 have enough capacity, but older homes might need a panel upgrade. Some newer chargers also support load sharing, which means they can work within your existing electrical capacity without an expensive upgrade. Many states and utilities also offer rebates for home charger installation, so check what's available in your area before paying full price.
Home charging is one of the biggest quality-of-life upgrades that comes with owning an EV. Start with the Level 1 charger that comes with your car and see if it meets your needs. If it doesn't, a Level 2 upgrade is straightforward and pays for itself quickly compared to gas station visits. Either way, you'll never miss standing at a pump in the rain. [Calculate your fuel savings](/savings-calculator) to see the numbers for yourself.
Sources: DOE - Charging at Home, DOE - Average Daily Miles, ENERGY STAR - EV Chargers