Most electric vehicles come with a Level 1 charging cord that plugs into a regular 120-volt wall outlet. While this works, it’s quite slow, adding only 2-4 miles of range per hour. For most daily driving, this means your car might not be fully charged by morning.
Why Level 2 Charging Makes EV Ownership Better
Level 2 charging uses a 240-volt connection (like your electric dryer) and charges much faster—typically 12-35 miles of range per hour. This means a complete charge takes 4-10 hours instead of multiple days.
Beyond speed, some Level 2 chargers offer smart features that can save money by scheduling charging during cheaper off-peak hours. They provide app-based remote control, energy monitoring, and can integrate with solar panels to use your own clean energy.
The bottom line: Level 2 chargers don’t just charge your car faster—they make EV ownership simpler and more cost-effective. Here are the seven key questions to help you find the right Level 2 charger for your needs.
The 7 Essential Questions Every EV Owner Must Answer
1. What Connector Do I Need?
The simple answer: Get a charger that matches your car’s charging port.
There are two connector types in North America:
-
J1772: Used by most EVs (Ford, GM, Hyundai, Volkswagen, etc.)
-
NACS: Used by Tesla vehicles and some newer EVs
To find out which one you need, simply look at your car’s charging port. The NACS connector is slightly more squared off, while the J1772 connector has a rounder profile:
NACS Connector
J1772 Connector
Don’t overthink it. Some people worry about “future-proofing” their charger choice as the industry shifts toward NACS, but this concern is overblown. High-quality adapters work seamlessly between both standards, so your charger won’t become obsolete. Instead of focusing on connector type, focus on what actually matters: price, features, reliability, and customer service.
2. How Should I Install It: Hardwired vs. Plug-In?
Your installation method affects performance, safety, and cost. You have two options: hardwired installation or plug-in using a NEMA outlet.
Hardwired Installation Advantages:
-
Maximum power: Can deliver up to 48 amps or more
-
Superior safety: Sealed connection with fewer failure points
-
Better durability: No mechanical connections to wear out over time
-
Often more cost-effective: Despite seeming more permanent, installation costs are often lower
NEMA Plug-In Advantages:
-
Portability: Perfect for renters or people who move frequently
-
Easy replacement: Unplug and upgrade anytime
-
Perceived flexibility: Can take the charger with you
The trade-offs you need to know:
-
NEMA installations are limited to 40 amps maximum due to electrical code requirements
-
Outlets can degrade over time from the high electrical load, creating fire risks
-
NEMA installations often require expensive GFCI breakers, adding $200-$400 to installation costs
For most homeowners planning to stay put, hardwired installation offers better performance, safety, and long-term value. If you’re renting or might move within a few years, the portability of a plug-in unit may be worth the trade-offs.
3. Do I Need Smart Features or Is Basic Charging Enough?
This question often determines whether your charger saves you money or just charges your car.
Key smart features that matter:
-
App-based control: Start, stop, and monitor charging remotely
-
Time-of-use scheduling: Automatically charge when electricity rates are lowest
-
Peak demand management: Prevent costly demand charges from using too much power
-
Load management: Prevent circuit overloads and optimize power distribution
-
Solar integration: Use excess solar power to charge your EV
-
Energy monitoring: Track consumption and costs over time
The financial benefit is real. Many utilities offer Time-of-Use rates that make electricity 50-70% cheaper during off-peak hours (typically late night and early morning). A smart charger can automatically schedule your charging to take advantage of these rates, potentially saving hundreds of dollars annually.
Load management prevents costly panel upgrades (more on this later). Smart chargers can monitor your home’s total electrical usage and adjust charging power to prevent overloading your electrical panel. This technology can help you avoid expensive electrical upgrades that might otherwise cost thousands of dollars.
Emporia’s EV chargers come with these smart features built-in. Both our Classic and Pro models have time-of-use and scheduling capabilities and can be controlled from our mobile app. For an even smarter charging experience, the Pro integrates with the included Vue Energy Monitor to do excess solar charging, peak demand management, home energy monitoring, and PowerSmart Load Management so you don’t have to upgrade your home electrical system.
If you’re budget-conscious or interested in maximizing your EV’s environmental benefits, smart features aren’t just nice-to-have—they’re essential for getting the most value from your investment.
4. What Safety Standards and Certifications Should I Look For?
Look for these certifications to ensure you’re getting a product with a track record of safety and reliability:
UL Certification is non-negotiable. This means Underwriters Laboratories has independently tested the charger for electrical safety. It’s your promise that the charger meets rigorous safety standards and won’t pose a fire or electrical hazard.
NEMA Ratings indicate weather resistance for outdoor installations:
-
NEMA 3: Basic protection from rain and snow
-
NEMA 4: Superior protection from windblown rain and corrosion
-
For outdoor installations, NEMA 4 is worth the small price difference
ENERGY STAR Certification means the charger uses 40% less energy when not actively charging. This might seem minor, but these “phantom loads” can add up over time, and many utility rebates require ENERGY STAR certification.
5. What Will the Equipment and Installation Cost?
Understanding the total investment helps you budget properly and compare options effectively. There are three cost components:
The charger unit: $400-$800 Entry-level units start around $400, while feature-rich smart chargers can cost more.
Installation labor: $250-$1,800 This varies significantly based on:
-
Distance from your electrical panel to the installation location
-
Indoor vs. outdoor installation
-
Complexity of running new wiring
-
Local electrician rates
Electrical upgrades (if needed): $650-$2,000 Some homes may need:
-
Electrical panel upgrades to handle the additional load
-
New dedicated circuits for the charger
-
Subpanel installation for distant installations
The wide range reflects the variety of installation scenarios. A simple installation close to your electrical panel might cost $1,500 total, while a complex outdoor installation requiring panel upgrades could reach $4,000.
Before making any decisions, get quotes from licensed electricians who can assess your specific situation and provide accurate cost estimates. Here at Emporia, we have a partnership with national EV charger installer Treehouse to set you up with a reliable installation company. If you buy an Emporia charger and work with Treehouse on the install, you’ll receive a $100 installation credit to use towards the job.
6. What Rebates and Incentives Can Lower My Costs?
This is where Level 2 charger ownership gets exciting. Multiple incentive programs (depending on where you live) can reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
Your best bet is state and utility rebates (see which ones Emporia chargers qualify for here). Most utility companies offer incentives for EV chargers, often almost fully offsetting your equipment costs. Keep in mind:
-
Many require smart charger enrollment in utility programs
-
Some offer higher rebates for income-qualified customers
-
Requirements vary but typically include time-of-use rate enrollment or managed charging program participation
7. Will My Home’s Electrical System Handle It?
This is where professional evaluation becomes crucial. Your home must safely support the additional load of EV charging, which is dependent on your breaker panel and home electrical systems.
Most homes built after 1960 have 100-200 amp electrical service. A Level 2 EV charger typically requires a dedicated 40-50 amp circuit. If your panel is already near capacity, you might need upgrades. Some signs you might need electrical work:
-
Frequent circuit breaker trips
-
Dimming lights when large appliances start
-
Electrical panel over 30 years old
-
Limited available circuit breaker slots
Load management solutions prevent costly upgrades: Modern smart chargers can monitor your home’s total electrical usage and automatically reduce charging power when demand is high. This technology, like Emporia’s PowerSmart feature, can help you avoid expensive panel upgrades while still providing effective EV charging.
Professional evaluation is essential. A qualified electrician can assess your electrical system’s capacity, identify any necessary upgrades, and ensure code-compliant installation. This evaluation typically costs $100-$200 but can save thousands by identifying the most cost-effective installation approach.
If you end up needing that expensive upgrade, Emporia has a better option. When you get the Emporia Pro EV Charger, you get PowerSmart Load Management out of the box. It dynamically adjusts your charging rate based on how much energy your home is using. PowerSmart ensures you enjoy the fastest possible charge without ever overloading your home’s electrical system—and it’s approved by the National Electric Code as an alternative to upgrading your electrical panel.
Making Your Decision: A Step-by-Step Framework
Now that you understand the key considerations, here’s a practical approach to making your choice:
1. Know your car
Check your EV’s onboard charger capacity and connector type. This information is in your owner’s manual or available from your dealer. This determines the maximum charging speed you can achieve.
2. Assess your electrical system
Have a licensed electrician evaluate your electrical panel and installation location. This determines your installation options and costs.
3. Research incentives
Before shopping for chargers, research tax credits and local utility and state rebates. The charger that qualifies for the largest rebate may be your most economical choice, even if it has a higher initial price.
4. Match features to how you live
Think about your daily routine and what matters most to you. If you drive the same route to work every day and charge overnight, basic smart scheduling might be all you need to save on electricity costs. If you frequently take long trips, faster charging speeds will get you back on the road quicker. If you have solar panels or plan to install them, look for chargers that can automatically use your excess solar power. And if you’re watching your budget closely, focus on models that qualify for the best local rebates—sometimes a feature-rich charger costs less after incentives than a basic one.
Get Started Today
Ready to upgrade your EV charging experience? We’re here to help you find the right Level 2 charger and get it installed quickly and professionally.
Get your free installation estimate with our trusted installation partner, Treehouse. They’ll assess your home’s electrical system and provide a no-obligation quote tailored to your specific situation.
Have questions about which charger features are right for your needs? Our home energy experts are standing by Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM Mountain Time. Call us at 844-EMPORIA (367-6742), email info@emporiaenergy.com, or chat with us at the bottom left of your screen.
Ready to explore your options? Browse our Level 2 EV chargers, featuring smart energy management, PowerSmart load balancing, and seamless integration with the Emporia Home Energy Management Platform. Find the perfect match for your vehicle, home, and budget with Emporia.
