Cost Analysis of Charging Your EV at Home: Level 1 vs Level 2 Chargers

The cost to charge an electric vehicle (EV) at home using a Level 1 versus a Level 2 charger can vary based on several factors including local electricity rates, the efficiency of your EV, and the battery capacity of your vehicle. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown to help you understand the differences and make an informed decision.

Level 1 Charger

Here are the key points about Level 1 chargers:

Power Output: Typically provides 120 volts, delivering about 1.4 to 1.9 kW. Charging Speed: Adds about 3-5 miles of range per hour of charging. Charging Time: Can take 8-12 hours for a full charge, depending on the battery size. Cost: Using an average electricity rate of 0.13 USD per kWh, charging a 60 kWh battery from empty to full would cost:

60 kWh times; 0.13 USD/kWh 7.80 USD

Level 2 Charger

Here are the key points about Level 2 chargers:

Power Output: Typically provides 240 volts, delivering about 3.3 to 19.2 kW. Charging Speed: Adds about 10-60 miles of range per hour of charging, depending on the charger and vehicle. Charging Time: Can take 4-8 hours for a full charge, depending on the battery size and charger capacity. Cost: Using the same electricity rate of 0.13 USD per kWh, charging a 60 kWh battery from empty to full would cost:

60 kWh times; 0.13 USD/kWh 7.80 USD

Summary of Costs

While the cost of electricity per kWh remains the same for both chargers, the time taken to charge is significantly different. Level 1 chargers are generally slower, taking 8-12 hours to charge a 60 kWh battery, while Level 2 chargers can charge the same battery in 4-8 hours. This significant difference in charging time can affect convenience.

Additional Considerations

Installation Costs: Level 2 chargers typically require professional installation, which can range from 500 to 2000 USD depending on the electrical upgrades needed. Electricity Rates: If you have a time-of-use (TOU) rate plan, charging during off-peak hours can reduce costs. Efficiency Losses: Some energy is lost during charging due to inefficiencies, which can slightly increase the overall cost.

In conclusion, while the cost of electricity per kWh remains the same for both chargers, the choice between Level 1 and Level 2 will depend on your charging needs and convenience rather than a significant difference in charging costs.