Intro to Level 1 and Level 2 EV Charging at Home

The installation price will vary depending on your project requirements, but typically ranges from $799 – $1,999. (That includes a $149 deposit required to schedule installation.) Factors impacting the cost include the length of wiring needed, installation method (hardwire or outlet installation), and location of the installation site in relation to your main electrical panel. In most cases, you will receive an upfront pricing estimate via email based on the responses you submit through our online assessment. If additional information is needed or your project requires electrical upgrades, your Qmerit-certified installer will follow up with you to furnish a custom proposal.

Effective EV charging is about extending battery life. Fully charging or fully depleting the battery can reduce its life expectancy. Limit fast charging because the resulting heat may lead to deterioration and damage over time, and don’t leave the battery fully charged when you store your EV for long periods. Use the 80/20 rule when not taking your EV on long trips, trying not to let the vehicle’s state of charge fall below 20% and stopping the charging process at 80%. This will extend the life of your battery.

As defined by the National Electronics Manufacturers Association (NEMA), a charger is a device that recharges an EV’s batteries using electric power. Most, but not all, chargers can be used with a wide variety of EV models. Be sure to consult the equipment manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure the charger you are considering is compatible with the EV you own.

EV batteries do not need to be charged to 100% every time, and partial charging is recommended for battery health. Depending on the range of your EV, you may only need to charge up to 80% or 90%. This will help avoid battery overcharging and reduce wear and tear on the battery. Learn more about how to optimize EV battery charging.

Fast charging, also known as DC Fast Charging (DCFC), operates at higher power ratings than Level 1 and Level 2. Compared to Level 2 charging, DCFC subjects EV batteries to high temperatures and resistance. How much depends on several factors, including how thick your charging cables are and whether your EV battery pack is outfitted with a thermal management system. While you may need to fast charge when necessary, avoid frequent fast charging as it reportedly may cause an EV battery to crack, leak, and lose storage capacity over time.