If you currently own an electric vehicle or are thinking about making the switch, then charging is certainly top of mind. Many prospective buyers cite “range anxiety” as the primary barrier stopping them from making their purchase. Until North America bulks up its charging infrastructure, it’s important that you understand what types of charging stations are available to you, how they perform, and whether you need additional equipment to access them. Not all charging stations are equal, and not all electric vehicles function the same way. Let’s run through the differences between level-1, level-2, and level-3 charging stations in North America.

Level 1 (Standard Wall Outlet, 120 Volts)

A level-1 charging station is the most basic option available because it’s just a standard home outlet. It doesn’t require any additional setup or equipment. If you’re in a bind, your electric vehicle can charge from this kind of outlet, and EVs typically come with the connector necessary to plug in (a J1772 or Tesla connector). However, a level-one charging station is by far the slowest of the charging options available for EVs. Level-1 chargers offer about 5 to 6 miles of range per hour. For this reason, they are ideal for hybrids because they have smaller batteries than fully electric vehicles, but they are generally not advised as your sole charging solution if you have a full EV and do a lot of driving. Still, if you have a few hours and just need enough charge to get you to a destination with a level-2 or level-3 charger, then the level 1 will get you where you need to go.

Note, though, that you should only use a 120-volt outlet that’s conveniently located; Car and Driver advises that “you should never plug your car’s Level 1 charge cord in via an extension cord, because the extra wire length adds resistance that can overheat your home wiring.”

The basics:

• Slowest charger (5 to 6 miles of range per hour)
• Equivalent to a home charger
• Requires a J1772 or Tesla connector

Level 2 (Dryer Outlet, 240 Volts)

A level-2 charging station runs off of a 240-volt outlet; you’re likely most familiar with this as a dryer outlet. This charger also runs via a J1772 or a Tesla connector, but it promises about 5x more charging power. You can expect approximately 25 miles of range per hour via a level-2 charging station. With that kind of power, it’s easy to go from empty to full with an overnight charge, and that’s why some EV owners opt to install a level-2 charger in their homes. You will also often find level-2 charging stations at public locations like apartment buildings, shopping malls, and grocery stores. If you need to find a public level-2 charging station near any of your favorite amenities, here is the best app for that.

If you want to charge your EV at home and your mileage needs exceed what a level-1 charger provides, you can upgrade to a level-2 at-home charger. If you have a 240-volt outlet in your garage, you can purchase a level-2 charger and use that outlet, though it is recommended that you hire a qualified electrician to install the equipment.

There are tons of level-2, at-home charging stations available, so let’s review a few that you might consider:

• ChargePoint Home Flex EV Charger (currently $551, 4.5 stars on Amazon). This universal EV charger is compatible with all EVs (Teslas will require an adapter). It offers a 23-foot long cable and flexible amperage settings (ranging from 16 amps to 50 amps) so you can choose the speed that is right for you. Additionally, ChargePoint’s app, which is compatible with Alexa devices, allows you to manage your charging schedule remotely.

• Emporia EV Charger (currently $399, 4.7 stars on Amazon). This charger is compatible with any EV except Tesla (adapter required). It offers a 24-foot cable, and with its wifi connectivity, you can monitor usage and charging sessions via their app. The Emporia charger is an excellent option if you have solar power because you can set it to charge only when there is excess solar power available and to stop charging during peak demand in order to reduce costs.

• Grizzl-E Classic (currently $350, 4.7 stars on Amazon). This charger is also compatible with all electric vehicles sold in North America, though a Tesla will require an adapter. It offers a 24-foot cable. Though you sacrifice the “smart” features like an app and remote charging access for the lower price, you do have access to adjustable amperage; it provides a minimum output of 16 amps (approximately 10 to 12 miles of range per hour) and a maximum of 40 amps (approximately 28 to 30 miles of range per hour).

• Tesla Wall Connector (currently $475, 4.8 stars on Amazon). Don’t worry Tesla owners – we haven’t forgotten you. If you’re loyal to the Tesla brand (or just want to avoid the hassle of purchasing an adapter), you can opt for a Tesla at-home charger. It offers a 24-foot cable. Depending on your Tesla’s model and your home’s breaker size, this charger can deliver up to 44 miles of range per hour. If you have multiple Teslas, consider choosing this charger over one of the others because its power-share functionality allows you to install up to six wall connectors. Tesla’s app provides good insight into charging status, too, with the ability to set departure time so the app can begin charging overnight when utility pricing is low. If you don’t have a Tesla but want a Tesla product, consider Tesla’s J1772 Wall Connector.

The basics:

• 5x more charging power than a standard outlet (about 25 miles per range per hour)
• Often found in public places
• Can be installed at home
• Requires a J1772 or a Tesla connector

Level 3 (DC Fast Charging)

For real power, you’ll head to a level-3 charger, also known as a DC fast charger. Depending on your car and equipment, a level-3 charging station will deliver up to 250 miles of range per hour. For most EVs, it will take 20 to 30 minutes to reach 80% charge – or much faster if you don’t allow your battery to get too low between charges. This type of charger is much more powerful than the level-1 or level-2 chargers because it converts AC (alternating current) into DC (direct current). These chargers typically use a CCS (SAE Combo) connector, which is compatible with most non-Tesla EVs for the time being, so Teslas will need an adapter to use this type of charging station. Most modern electric vehicles can use level-3 charging stations, but it’s always a good idea to check your vehicle’s manual to be sure.

A level-3 charging station shouldn’t be your regular charging solution because it can reduce the viability of your electric vehicle’s battery over time. However, if you’re headed out on a road trip (maybe touring Texas BBQ joints in your EV or cruising through the sights of New England), DC fast charging stations are ideal to get you on the road quickly. Need to find one along your route? Download You.Car and we’ll make it easy.

The basics:

• Fastest charging option (about 250 miles of range per hour)
• Good for big trips but not ideal for regular use
• Requires a CCS (SAE combo) or Tesla connector

Tesla Supercharger

With a flashy name like “Tesla Supercharger,” you might think this charging station supersedes all others available on the market. However, these chargers function the same way as DC fast charging stations – they’re just solely accessible by Tesla owners because the charging cables are designed for their electric vehicles. If you’re a Tesla owner, search for a Tesla Supercharger when you need a quick boost in range. If you don’t own a Tesla, stick to other DC fast charging stations. Regardless, you’re getting a level-3 charge via direct current, and you’ll be on the road again quickly.

‍A Quick Note on Charging Connectors

When you’re looking for a level-3 charging station, you’ll also want to check what type of connector (or plug) that charging station utilizes. Though the EV world is moving toward standardization, depending on the age of your electric vehicle, you may need to be aware of which charging connectors are available at your intended station:

• CCS (SAE Combo) is compatible with most non-Tesla EVs for the time being (Ford and GM announced they will change their chargers to Tesla’s standards in 2025). These charging ports have two additional holes because they add two extra DC power lines, which is why they charge faster than level-2 chargers. Tesla requires an adapter to use a CCS connector.
• CHAdeMO is only being used by the Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV in North America as of June 2022. However, if you have an older Nissan, Mitsubishi, Toyota, Fuki, or Kia, you may have CHAdeMO compatibility. Tesla requires an adapter to use a CHAdeMO connector.

Charging your electric vehicle can be a source of stress for many EV owners – that’s why range anxiety is top of mind for so many. However, there are things you can do to mitigate that stress. First, know what habits you can put in place to keep your battery in tip-top shape. Then, download the You.Car app so you can always find a charging station that meets your needs. With us, you can filter based on your specifications, from charging speed to nearby amenities.