Why the Level 1 EV Charger That Came With Your Electric Vehicle Won’t Cut It

What You Need to Know About Your Home EV Charger

More than ten million people worldwide have made the move to owning electric cars in the last few years, and millions more are expected to join the club. While EV automakers continue to impress shoppers with impressive performance, tech features, and style, drivers generally have concerns about keeping their electric vehicles fully charged.

A new electric vehicle comes with a power cord identified as a Level 1 charger. While Level 1 chargers technically allow charging an EV at home, they tend to be slow, inefficient, and potentially unsafe. The bottom line is that the Level 1 charger with your electric vehicle will not cut it.

Read on to learn more about your EV charger options and how Watson’s Charging Stations & Electric can help you enjoy the convenience and cost savings of EV charger installation at your home or business.

The Problems with a Level 1 EV Charger

A Level 1 EV charger is essentially a power cord for an electric vehicle. On one side of the cord, it looks like a typical household plug, and the other end matches your vehicle’s charging port. In theory, you can simply plug your charging cable into any household outlet.

For drivers who use their EV as a secondary vehicle or have the luxury of short commutes, a Level 1 charger might be sufficient for their EV charging needs. For most drivers, however, the basic EV charger has several significant drawbacks.

Slow and Inefficient Charging

The output of a Level 1 charger leaves a lot to be desired. It produces 1.3 kW to 2.4 kW, which adds three to five miles of electric driving range per hour. Even after 12 hours of charging, your EV would only be able to drive between 36 - 60 miles before needing more time on your EV charger.

A Level 1 charger might be perfect if you drive a plug-in hybrid vehicle that only offers a shorter electric driving range, but it is problematic for those with longer driving routes. Even an EV with a moderate electric driving range could require 17 - 25 hours on the charger, which is time you are not out on the road.

Safety Hazards

The idea of a Level 1 charger is pretty straightforward: just plug it into any outlet in your garage or house and forget about it. The problem is that using any old circuit in your home could be dangerous.

An EV charger will pull about 80% of the power your circuit breaker can handle. If something else on that circuit starts to draw power, you could trip the breaker or cause damage to your electrical grid. You will also find that most builder-grade outlets may not provide a tight enough grip on the plug, resulting in loose connections. The best case scenario is that your car does not charge; the worst case is that this loose connection can cause overheating, damaged equipment, or even fires.

If you decide to use your Level 1 charger at home, even if only as a backup or temporary option, consult with an electrician and consider adding a dedicated circuit for your EV home charger.

Not Cost Effective

While a Level 1 EV charger might come with your electric vehicle at no additional cost, it is not necessarily the most cost-effective way to charge your car. Sure, any electric car home charger will be less expensive than buying fuel at your local gas station, but the lack of charging speed and efficiency will cost you.

Drivers who cannot get a sufficient charge at home often have to find electric vehicle charging stations along their route. While these EV chargers are faster than a Level 1 charger, they also cost more. The average homeowner pays $0.13 per kWh of electricity, which means a standard EV costs around $9.00 to charge fully at home. Public electric vehicle charging stations charge between $0.20 and $0.60 per kWh, which could cost between $13.86 and $41.40 for a full charge. Frequent stops at a public charging station could invalidate the cost savings of moving from gas to electric.

Impact on Battery Life

Charging with a Level 1 charger can potentially impact the overall life of your EV's battery. Consistent slow charging may lead to a reduction in battery efficiency over time, which could necessitate more frequent charging or even battery replacement earlier than expected.

Lack of Advanced Features

Level 1 chargers typically do not offer advanced features like charge scheduling, real-time charging data, or integration with home energy management systems. These features, often found in Level 2 chargers, can enhance the overall user experience and provide more control over charging habits and costs.

Inconvenience for Multiple EV Households

For households with more than one electric vehicle, relying on a Level 1 charger can be impractical. The slow charging rate means it’s not feasible to efficiently charge multiple vehicles simultaneously, leading to logistical challenges and potential conflicts.

Reduced Flexibility in Emergency Situations

In emergency situations or unexpected trips, the slow charging rate of Level 1 chargers can be a significant drawback. If your EV's battery is low, a quick top-up isn't possible, potentially leaving you without a vehicle when you need it most.

Environmental Considerations

While electric vehicles are environmentally friendly, the inefficiency of Level 1 chargers means more time is spent charging, which could lead to higher overall energy consumption. Upgrading to a more efficient charger could reduce your carbon footprint even further.

Future-Proofing Your EV Infrastructure

As electric vehicle technology advances, having a more robust charging infrastructure at home is beneficial. Upgrading to a Level 2 charger can be considered future-proofing, ensuring that your home charging setup can accommodate newer EV models with larger batteries and faster charging capabilities.

Limited Utility for the Growing EV Market

As the EV market continues to expand and newer models with larger battery capacities become more common, the utility of Level 1 chargers will continue to decrease. Level 2 chargers are more aligned with the future trajectory of electric vehicle technology.

There Is a Better Way: Level 2 Home Charger

Realizing the limitations of Level 1 chargers, many EV owners are turning to Level 2 chargers. These chargers are significantly more efficient, offering a power output of 6.2 kW to 19.2 kW. This upgrade can provide an average of 32 miles of range per hour of charging, allowing for a full charge overnight.

Some electric vehicles come with, or you can add, a Level 2 charging cable. This cable plugs into a 240-volt outlet, much like an electric dryer or range. Since most garages do not come equipped with a 240-volt outlet, you will need an electrical contractor to add the appropriate circuit to your desired location. You may also need to upgrade your electrical service to handle the additional draw. Your electrician can help evaluate your current system and determine your needs, including tossing the charging cable and going for an EV charging station.

The Benefits of a Level 2 EV Charging Station

1. Faster Charging Times: The higher output of Level 2 chargers significantly reduces charging times. This means your vehicle is ready for use much faster compared to using a Level 1 charger.

2. Increased Convenience: With a Level 2 charger at home, you can conveniently charge your vehicle overnight, ensuring it's always ready for your daily needs.

3. Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings: Level 2 chargers are more efficient, leading to lower electricity costs over time. They also reduce the need to rely on more expensive public charging stations.

4. Increased Home Value: Homes with Level 2 charging stations are becoming more desirable as EV ownership increases, potentially raising your property's value.

5. Safety Benefits: Level 2 chargers are designed for safer operation, with features that mitigate electrical hazards, such as:

• Built-in circuit protection (e.g., ground fault circuit interrupter - GFCI)
• Overload protection
• Temperature monitoring
• Weatherproof and durable design
• Automatic shut-off when the battery is fully charged
• Smart charging capabilities (for remote monitoring and control)
• Compliance with national and international safety standards (e.g., UL certification)
• Tamper-resistant design or authentication requirements for use

Level 1 vs Level 2 EV Charger

Charge Your EV the Easy Way