Level 2 EV Chargers
Shop our selection of level 2 chargers for all EVs
Frequently Asked Questions
Level 2 EV Charger FAQs
What is a Level 2 EV charger?
Also called a Level 2 charging station or EVSE, this type of charger runs on 240-volt power, the same supply used by a clothes dryer or electric range. It charges several times faster than a Level 1 cord on a standard 120V outlet, typically adding 25 to 46 miles of range per hour, and it's the most common way to charge an EV at home.
How fast does a Level 2 charger charge an EV?
Speed depends on the charger's amperage and how much power your car's onboard charger accepts. A 40-amp charger delivers about 9.6 kW, adding roughly 30 to 37 miles of range per hour. A 48-amp charger delivers about 11.5 kW, or up to 46 miles per hour. Most EVs recharge fully overnight, in about 4 to 10 hours depending on battery size.
How many amps does a Level 2 charger need?
Most Level 2 chargers run between 16 and 48 amps, with 32, 40, and 48 amps the most common. Extra amps only help if your car can accept the power: many EVs charge at 32 to 40 amps, while some can use 48. A charger with adjustable current, like Lectron's portable Level 1 & 2 charger (8 to 40 amps), lets you turn the current down when your circuit can't support the full 40 amps.
What size breaker do I need for a Level 2 charger?
EV charging is a continuous load, so the circuit must be rated for at least 125% of the charger's output. A 32-amp charger needs a 40-amp circuit, a 40-amp charger needs a 50-amp circuit (standard for a NEMA 14-50 outlet), and a 48-amp charger needs a 60-amp circuit. A licensed electrician can confirm your panel has the capacity and install the circuit to local code.
How much does a Level 2 charger cost?
Lectron's chargers in this collection range from about $250 for a portable NEMA 14-50 charger to about $400 for a wall-mounted NEXUS charging station. Installation is separate: a plug-in charger needs none if you already have a NEMA 14-50 outlet, while a new 240V circuit or hardwired install depends on your panel and wiring distance. See our guide to EV charger installation costs and available EV charger rebates.
Is a Level 2 charger worth it?
For most EV owners, yes. A Level 1 cord adds only about 3 to 5 miles of range per hour, which often can't replace a full day's driving overnight. A 240V charger can fully recharge most EVs overnight, so you start every day with a full battery and rely less on paid public fast charging, even if you work from home and charge only during off-peak hours.
Do I need a NACS or J1772 Level 2 charger?
Check your car's charging port. Teslas and EVs with a native NACS (SAE J3400) port use a NACS charger, while most other North American EVs use J1772. Lectron makes chargers in both versions. You may also see “Type 2” chargers online: Type 2 is the European standard and isn't used on North American EVs.
Can I install a Level 2 charger outdoors?
Yes, as long as the charger is rated for outdoor use and installed on a properly protected circuit. Lectron NEXUS charging stations carry an IP66 rating for rain, snow, and dust, and a hardwired install avoids leaving a 240V outlet exposed to the weather. Keep the cable off the ground and check local code for outdoor wiring.
Can I take a portable Level 2 charger on road trips?
Yes. A portable Level 2 charger with a NEMA 14-50 plug works at any compatible 240V outlet, including the 50-amp hookups found at many RV parks and campgrounds. It's also a practical option for renters, since it doesn't require hardwiring. Always get permission before plugging in at someone else's property.
A Level 2 EV charger runs on 240-volt power and charges your electric car around 8–10× faster than a standard 120V wall outlet, typically adding 25 to 46 miles of range per hour. Lectron's lineup covers both North American connector types, Tesla / NACS and J1772, with portable NEMA 14-50 plug-in chargers and wall-mounted NEXUS home charging stations delivering up to 48 amps.
Level 1 vs. Level 2 vs. DC Fast Charging
How the three charging levels compare for everyday use in North America:
Level 1 |
Level 2 |
DC Fast Charging |
|
Power supply |
120V AC, 12–16A |
240V AC, 16–48A (up to 80A) |
400–1,000V DC |
Charging power |
About 1.4–1.9 kW |
About 3.8–11.5 kW |
50–350+ kW |
Range added |
About 3–5 miles per hour |
About 12–46 miles per hour |
10–80% in roughly 20–45 minutes |
Where it is used |
Any household outlet |
Home garages, driveways, workplaces |
Public highway stations and Superchargers |
US connectors |
SAE J1772, NACS (SAE J3400) |
SAE J1772, NACS (SAE J3400) |
CCS1, NACS (SAE J3400) |
Plug-In (NEMA 14-50) vs. Hardwired Installation
Plug-in chargers connect to a NEMA 14-50 outlet, the same 240V receptacle used for many electric ranges and RV hookups, on a 50-amp circuit. They typically deliver up to 40 amps, require no permanent connection if a suitable outlet is already installed, and portable models can travel with you.
Hardwired charging stations are wired directly to a dedicated circuit by a licensed electrician. Hardwiring allows compatible chargers to deliver up to 48 amps on a 60-amp circuit for faster Level 2 home charging, and it suits outdoor installs where you don't want an exposed outlet. Compare NEMA 14-50 chargers with hardwired stations for Tesla / NACS and J1772, or read our guide to hardwired vs. plug-in EV chargers.
Smart Charging with Wi-Fi and App Control
Wi-Fi models such as the Lectron Nexus Pro and Mini connect to an app, so you can start and stop charging, schedule sessions for off-peak electricity rates, and keep an eye on energy use from your phone. If your utility offers time-of-use pricing, scheduling alone can noticeably lower the cost of charging at home. Learn more in smart vs. standard EV chargers.
Safety Certifications to Look For
An EV charger delivers high current for hours at a time, so independent safety testing matters. Look for charging equipment certified to UL 2594, the North American safety standard for EV supply equipment, with ground-fault protection to UL 2231 and built-in protection against overheating, overcurrent, and voltage faults. Lectron NEXUS charging stations are ETL-listed to UL 2594, UL 2231, and UL 2251.
How to Choose the Right Level 2 Charger
Connector: match your car's charging port: NACS for Teslas and other NACS-equipped EVs, or J1772 for vehicles with a J1772 inlet.
Amperage: 40 amps suits most EVs; choose 48 amps only if your car accepts about 11 kW or more of AC charging power.
Installation: plug into an existing NEMA 14-50 outlet, or hardwire for maximum power.
Portable or wall-mounted: choose a portable charger for flexibility on the go, or a wall-mounted station for a permanent home charging setup.
Smart features: choose a Wi-Fi model for scheduling, energy tracking, and remote charging control.
Still deciding? Read our Level 1 vs. Level 2 charging guide or browse all home charging stations.
Level 2 EV Chargers
Level 2 EV Charger FAQs
What is a Level 2 EV charger?
Also called a Level 2 charging station or EVSE, this type of charger runs on 240-volt power, the same supply used by a clothes dryer or electric range. It charges several times faster than a Level 1 cord on a standard 120V outlet, typically adding 25 to 46 miles of range per hour, and it's the most common way to charge an EV at home.
How fast does a Level 2 charger charge an EV?
Speed depends on the charger's amperage and how much power your car's onboard charger accepts. A 40-amp charger delivers about 9.6 kW, adding roughly 30 to 37 miles of range per hour. A 48-amp charger delivers about 11.5 kW, or up to 46 miles per hour. Most EVs recharge fully overnight, in about 4 to 10 hours depending on battery size.
How many amps does a Level 2 charger need?
Most Level 2 chargers run between 16 and 48 amps, with 32, 40, and 48 amps the most common. Extra amps only help if your car can accept the power: many EVs charge at 32 to 40 amps, while some can use 48. A charger with adjustable current, like Lectron's portable Level 1 & 2 charger (8 to 40 amps), lets you turn the current down when your circuit can't support the full 40 amps.
What size breaker do I need for a Level 2 charger?
EV charging is a continuous load, so the circuit must be rated for at least 125% of the charger's output. A 32-amp charger needs a 40-amp circuit, a 40-amp charger needs a 50-amp circuit (standard for a NEMA 14-50 outlet), and a 48-amp charger needs a 60-amp circuit. A licensed electrician can confirm your panel has the capacity and install the circuit to local code.
How much does a Level 2 charger cost?
Lectron's chargers in this collection range from about $250 for a portable NEMA 14-50 charger to about $400 for a wall-mounted NEXUS charging station. Installation is separate: a plug-in charger needs none if you already have a NEMA 14-50 outlet, while a new 240V circuit or hardwired install depends on your panel and wiring distance. See our guide to EV charger installation costs and available EV charger rebates.
Is a Level 2 charger worth it?
For most EV owners, yes. A Level 1 cord adds only about 3 to 5 miles of range per hour, which often can't replace a full day's driving overnight. A 240V charger can fully recharge most EVs overnight, so you start every day with a full battery and rely less on paid public fast charging, even if you work from home and charge only during off-peak hours.
Do I need a NACS or J1772 Level 2 charger?
Check your car's charging port. Teslas and EVs with a native NACS (SAE J3400) port use a NACS charger, while most other North American EVs use J1772. Lectron makes chargers in both versions. You may also see “Type 2” chargers online: Type 2 is the European standard and isn't used on North American EVs.
Can I install a Level 2 charger outdoors?
Yes, as long as the charger is rated for outdoor use and installed on a properly protected circuit. Lectron NEXUS charging stations carry an IP66 rating for rain, snow, and dust, and a hardwired install avoids leaving a 240V outlet exposed to the weather. Keep the cable off the ground and check local code for outdoor wiring.
Can I take a portable Level 2 charger on road trips?
Yes. A portable Level 2 charger with a NEMA 14-50 plug works at any compatible 240V outlet, including the 50-amp hookups found at many RV parks and campgrounds. It's also a practical option for renters, since it doesn't require hardwiring. Always get permission before plugging in at someone else's property.
A Level 2 EV charger runs on 240-volt power and charges your electric car around 8–10× faster than a standard 120V wall outlet, typically adding 25 to 46 miles of range per hour. Lectron's lineup covers both North American connector types, Tesla / NACS and J1772, with portable NEMA 14-50 plug-in chargers and wall-mounted NEXUS home charging stations delivering up to 48 amps.
Level 1 vs. Level 2 vs. DC Fast Charging
How the three charging levels compare for everyday use in North America:
Level 1 |
Level 2 |
DC Fast Charging |
|
Power supply |
120V AC, 12–16A |
240V AC, 16–48A (up to 80A) |
400–1,000V DC |
Charging power |
About 1.4–1.9 kW |
About 3.8–11.5 kW |
50–350+ kW |
Range added |
About 3–5 miles per hour |
About 12–46 miles per hour |
10–80% in roughly 20–45 minutes |
Where it is used |
Any household outlet |
Home garages, driveways, workplaces |
Public highway stations and Superchargers |
US connectors |
SAE J1772, NACS (SAE J3400) |
SAE J1772, NACS (SAE J3400) |
CCS1, NACS (SAE J3400) |
Plug-In (NEMA 14-50) vs. Hardwired Installation
Plug-in chargers connect to a NEMA 14-50 outlet, the same 240V receptacle used for many electric ranges and RV hookups, on a 50-amp circuit. They typically deliver up to 40 amps, require no permanent connection if a suitable outlet is already installed, and portable models can travel with you.
Hardwired charging stations are wired directly to a dedicated circuit by a licensed electrician. Hardwiring allows compatible chargers to deliver up to 48 amps on a 60-amp circuit for faster Level 2 home charging, and it suits outdoor installs where you don't want an exposed outlet. Compare NEMA 14-50 chargers with hardwired stations for Tesla / NACS and J1772, or read our guide to hardwired vs. plug-in EV chargers.
Smart Charging with Wi-Fi and App Control
Wi-Fi models such as the Lectron Nexus Pro and Mini connect to an app, so you can start and stop charging, schedule sessions for off-peak electricity rates, and keep an eye on energy use from your phone. If your utility offers time-of-use pricing, scheduling alone can noticeably lower the cost of charging at home. Learn more in smart vs. standard EV chargers.
Safety Certifications to Look For
An EV charger delivers high current for hours at a time, so independent safety testing matters. Look for charging equipment certified to UL 2594, the North American safety standard for EV supply equipment, with ground-fault protection to UL 2231 and built-in protection against overheating, overcurrent, and voltage faults. Lectron NEXUS charging stations are ETL-listed to UL 2594, UL 2231, and UL 2251.
How to Choose the Right Level 2 Charger
Connector: match your car's charging port: NACS for Teslas and other NACS-equipped EVs, or J1772 for vehicles with a J1772 inlet.
Amperage: 40 amps suits most EVs; choose 48 amps only if your car accepts about 11 kW or more of AC charging power.
Installation: plug into an existing NEMA 14-50 outlet, or hardwire for maximum power.
Portable or wall-mounted: choose a portable charger for flexibility on the go, or a wall-mounted station for a permanent home charging setup.
Smart features: choose a Wi-Fi model for scheduling, energy tracking, and remote charging control.
Still deciding? Read our Level 1 vs. Level 2 charging guide or browse all home charging stations.