Level 2 EV Chargers

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.