A level 2 charger lets your electric car charge faster. It is more useful than a regular outlet. You can use a level 2 EV charger at home. You can also use it at work or in public places. Your car stays parked for a few hours while charging. These chargers use 240 volts in homes. They use 208 volts in businesses. They give about 25 miles of driving for each hour of charging. The level 2 charging system uses the J1772 connector. This connector works with most electric cars. Knowing how a level 2 charger works helps you choose how to charge your EV. It also helps you plan your day better.
Specification | Residential Setting | Commercial Setting |
Voltage | 240 V AC | 208 V AC |
Typical Power Output | 7 kW - 19 kW | 7 kW - 19 kW |
Average Charging Speed | ~25 miles/hour | ~25 miles/hour |
Typical Locations | Home, Workplace, Public | Workplace, Public |
Level 2 EV chargers use 240 volts. They charge electric cars much faster than regular outlets. They add about 25 miles of range each hour.
You can put Level 2 chargers at home, work, or public places. This makes charging easy and flexible for daily use.
Most electric cars and tricycles work with Level 2 chargers. They use the standard J1772 connector. Some may need adapters.
To install a Level 2 charger, you need a special 240-volt circuit. A licensed electrician must do the job to keep it safe and set up right.
Smart Level 2 chargers have features like scheduling and remote control. They also have energy monitoring to save money and protect your vehicle.
Level 2 EV Charger Basics
What Is a Level 2 Charger
A level 2 charger helps your electric car charge much faster. It uses 240V at home and 208V at work. You can find these chargers in homes, offices, and public places. The amperage can be from 16 to 48 amps. This means the power output is between 3.3 kW and 19.2 kW. Most level 2 chargers use the SAE J1772 connector in North America. This connector fits almost every electric car and electric tricycle today.
Here is a table that shows how different amperages change charging speed and time:
Amperage (amps) | Power Output (kW) | Electric Range per Hour (miles) | Charge Time for 100 Miles (hours) |
16 | 3.8 | 12-16 | 6-8 |
24 | 5.7 | 18-24 | 4-5 |
32 | 7.7 | 25-32 | 3-4 |
40 | 9.6 | 32-40 | 2.5-3 |
48 | 11.5 | 40-52 | 2-2.5 |
If the amperage is higher, your car charges faster. This means you wait less for your electric car or scooter to be ready.
How Level 2 EV Charging Works
When you plug in your electric car, the charger sends AC power to it. Your car has a converter that turns AC power into DC power. The battery stores this DC power. This charging process is safe and works well every day. The charging station talks to your car’s battery system. This helps control the charging speed and keeps things safe.
Tip: Level 2 chargers use AC power. This is great for charging overnight or when your car is parked for a while.
Here are the main steps for level 2 charging:
The charger gives AC power to your car.
The converter in your car changes AC to DC.
The battery system checks and controls charging.
The charger and car talk to keep charging safe and smooth.
Level 2 chargers work with many electric vehicles. They work with battery electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs). PHEVs usually need 3 to 6 hours to fully charge. BEVs get about 10 to 20 miles of range for each hour of charging. This makes level 2 charging good for daily use.
Where Level 2 Chargers Are Used
You can put a level 2 charger in many places. Most people install them in their garage, carport, or driveway. You also see them at work, shopping centers, and public parking lots. Businesses use these chargers for workers and customers who drive electric cars or tricycles.
Here are some common places for level 2 chargers:
Garage: Keeps your charger safe from weather and close to power.
Carport: Gives shelter and is handy, but may need new wiring.
Driveway: Good if you do not have a garage or carport.
Side of House: Useful for short driveways or to hide the charger.
Workplace: Lets you charge your car while you work.
Public charging stations: Found in malls, hotels, and parking lots.
Note: Put your level 2 charger near your electrical panel. This makes it cheaper and safer to install.
Jiangsu jinpeng Group Co, Ltd makes electric vehicles like tricycles and scooters. These work with level 2 chargers.
Level 2 charging gives you more choices and is very handy. You get faster charging, more ways to charge, and better compatibility for your EV. This makes it easy to keep your electric car or tricycle ready for your next trip.
Level 2 Charger Features
Charging Speed and Efficiency
You want your electric car ready to go. A level 2 charger charges much faster than a regular outlet. Look at this table to see the difference:
Charger Level | Voltage | Charging Speed (miles of range per hour) | Typical Charging Time | Key Characteristics |
Level 1 | 120 volts AC | 2 to 5 | 8 to 24 hours (overnight) | Slowest, uses standard household outlet |
Level 2 | 240 volts AC | 10 to 60 | 4 to 8 hours | Faster than Level 1, requires dedicated circuit |
Level 3 (DC Fast Charger) | 400 to 1000 volts DC | 60 to 100 (in 20 minutes) | ~20 minutes | Fastest, delivers DC power directly to battery |
A level 2 ev charger uses 240 volts. It can add 10 to 60 miles of range each hour. This means you can charge your EV overnight or while you work. Most level 2 ev charging stations are 85% to 95% efficient. This high efficiency helps you save energy and money. The charging speed depends on the charger’s power and your EV’s battery. The charger and car work together to keep your battery safe. They stop overcharging and overheating.
Note: Level 2 ev charging is popular for daily use. It gives a good mix of speed and convenience.
Compatibility with Electric Cars
Most electric cars can use a level 2 charger. Most non-Tesla EVs use the J1772 connector. This connector fits almost every level 2 charger. Tesla cars need an adapter or a special connector. Before you get a charger, check your EV’s charging power and amperage. This helps you pick the right charger for your car.
Most EVs and electric tricycles from Jiangsu jinpeng Group Co, Ltd use level 2 ev charging.
Level 2 chargers have different amperages, from 16A to 80A. Many home chargers use 32A.
Your charger should not be stronger than your car’s charging power.
Make sure your electrical panel can handle the charger’s power for safety.
Tip: Ask a licensed electrician to check your wiring and install your charger. This keeps everything safe.
Smart Charging Functions
Modern level 2 chargers have smart features. These make charging easier and safer. You can connect your charger to Wi-Fi. You can use a mobile app to control charging from anywhere. These smart chargers let you:
Set charging times when electricity is cheaper.
Watch charging in real time and see your energy use.
Charge more than one EV at once.
Change charging speed to protect your home’s electrical panel.
Get alerts and updates for extra safety.
Smart charging helps you save money and protect your EV. It also makes charging fit your daily life.
Electric Car Charging Comparison
Level 1 vs Level 2 Charging
There are big differences between Level 1 and Level 2 charging. Level 1 chargers use a regular 120V outlet at home. You can plug them into any socket. Level 2 chargers need a 240V outlet. You must get a professional to install them. Level 2 chargers give your car much more power. This means your car charges much faster.
Here is a table to help you compare:
Feature | Level 1 Charger | Level 2 Charger |
Voltage | 120V AC | 208-240V AC |
Power Delivery | ~1.2 kW | 6.2 to 19.2 kW |
Average Charge Time | 11-20 hours (from empty) | 3-8 hours (from empty) |
Range Added per Hour | About 4-5 miles | About 12-80 miles |
Charging Speed | Slow | Up to 8 times faster than Level 1 |
Outlet Requirement | Standard household outlet | Dedicated 240V outlet, professional installation needed |
Convenience | No special installation, plug-and-play | Requires installation but offers faster, more flexible charging with app controls |
Typical Use | Home charging with slower speeds | Home, workplace, public; practical for daily use |
Level 1 chargers are simple and easy to use. They charge slowly. Level 2 chargers are much faster and more flexible. If you drive a lot or need your car ready every day, Level 2 is better.
The cost and setup are different too. Level 1 chargers come with your electric car. You do not need extra work to use them. Level 2 chargers cost more money. You need a professional to install them. Sometimes you must upgrade your home’s electrical panel. The table below shows the main points:
Aspect | Level 1 Charger | Level 2 Charger |
Power Source | Standard 120V household outlet | Requires 240V outlet or dedicated circuit |
Equipment Cost | Usually included with the EV | $500 to $2,000 |
Installation Cost | None | $500 to $1,500 (varies with home setup) |
Tip: If you only drive short trips, Level 1 may be fine. For daily driving or longer trips, Level 2 is a better choice.
Level 2 vs Level 3 Charging
Level 2 and Level 3 charging are very different. Level 2 chargers use 240 volts. You can use them at home, work, or in public. Level 3 chargers are called fast chargers or DC fast chargers. They use 400 to 800 volts. Level 3 chargers charge your car much faster. They need special equipment and cost more.
Feature | Level 2 Charger | Level 3 Charger (DC Fast Charger) |
Voltage | 240 volts | 400 to 800 volts |
Power Output | 3.7 kW to 22 kW | 50 kW to 350 kW |
Charging Speed | 10 to 60 miles of range per hour | 100 to 200 miles of range in 20-30 minutes |
Typical Use Cases | Residential, workplace, overnight charging | Highway stops, commercial fleets, urban hubs |
Equipment Cost | $500 to $2,000 | $10,000 to $40,000 |
Installation Complexity | Simple electrical upgrades | Requires complex electrical infrastructure upgrades |
Installation Cost | Lower | Significantly higher |
Maintenance Cost | Lower | Higher |
Level 2 chargers are easy to find and use. Most public chargers in the US are Level 2. You can put them at home or work. Level 3 chargers are not as common. You see them at highway stops or busy city places. Not every electric car can use Level 3 charging. Check your car before you try to use one.
Note: Use Level 2 charging for everyday needs. Use fast charging only when you need a quick charge on long trips.
Level 2 Charger Installation & Cost
Home Installation
If you want a Level 2 charger at home, you must follow some steps. Your house needs a 240-volt circuit with enough space in the panel. Pick a spot close to your electric car, like the garage or driveway. This makes charging easy. Some places need a permit before you start. Always check your local rules. A licensed electrician should put in the charger. They can use a NEMA 14-50 outlet or hardwire it for more power.
Here is a table that shows what you need:
Charger Amperage | Recommended Breaker Size | Wire Gauge (Typical) | Installation Type |
16A | 20A | N/A | Plug-in |
32A | 40A | 8 gauge | Plug-in (NEMA 14-50 outlet) |
48A | 60A | 6 gauge | Hardwired |
Tip: Use chargers that are safety-certified. Follow the National Electrical Code. Chargers with 48 amps or more should be hardwired for safety.
Never use outlets that are not made for high power. GFCI protection is needed for most home chargers, especially outside or in garages. Always hire a licensed electrician to keep things safe and legal.
Public Charging Access
You can find public Level 2 chargers in many places. They are in parking lots, shopping centers, and offices. Most public chargers have cables attached. You can use a phone app or RFID card to start charging. You can pay with a credit card, an app, or pay as you go. Public chargers add about 25 miles of range each hour. This is good for quick stops but slower than DC fast chargers.
Aspect | Details |
Access | Public and workplace Level 2 chargers; authentication via app or RFID card |
Payment Options | Credit card readers, app-based payments, RFID cards, subscription or pay-as-you-go models |
Charging Speed | Adds about 25 miles of range per hour; full charge takes 8-12 hours |
Note: Public chargers help people who cannot charge at home or need extra power while out.
Cost Factors
The price to install a Level 2 charger depends on many things. The charger itself costs $400 to $1,500. If you already have a 240-volt outlet, basic setup costs $200 to $500. If you need new wires or a bigger panel, it can cost $1,000 to $3,000 more. Permits and checks can add $50 to $500. You also pay for electricity and upkeep, which is about $400 each year.
How often you charge, your battery size, and local rates change your bill.
You can save money by charging at night or using smart features.
Maintenance means checking the charger and keeping it safe for a long time.
Level 2 charging works for many electric vehicles, like cars and tricycles. Jiangsu jinpeng Group Co, Ltd makes vehicles that use Level 2 charging. Our electric cars and tricycles can charge at home or in public. You can see more about our vehicles on our website.
Always put safety first when you install or use a charger, at home or in public.
Level 2 EV chargers help you charge your car faster. They make charging easier and cost less. You can use them at home or at work. This saves you time and money every day. Smart features help you charge without any trouble. These chargers work well and are reliable. More Level 2 stations are being built each year. This means lots of people like using them.
Think about how you drive. Pick Level 2 charging if it matches your needs. This helps you and supports electric cars in the future.
FAQ
What is a Level 2 EV charger?
A Level 2 EV charger uses 240 volts to charge your electric car faster than a regular outlet. You can use it at home, work, or public places. Most electric vehicles, including those from Jiangsu jinpeng Group Co, Ltd, support Level 2 charging.
How long does it take to charge an electric car with a Level 2 charger?
You can add about 25 miles of range per hour with a Level 2 charger. Most electric cars charge fully in 4 to 8 hours. Charging time depends on your car’s battery size and the charger’s power.
Can I install a Level 2 charger at home?
Yes, you can install a Level 2 charger at home. You need a 240-volt outlet and a dedicated circuit. Always hire a licensed electrician for safe installation. This setup makes daily charging easy and reliable.
Are Level 2 chargers safe to use?
Level 2 chargers have safety features like automatic shutoff and temperature control. You should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Using a certified electrician for installation keeps your charging station safe.
Do all electric cars work with Level 2 chargers?
Most electric cars and electric tricycles use the standard J1772 connector for Level 2 charging. Some cars may need an adapter. Always check your vehicle’s manual to make sure it matches the charger.
