Choosing how to charge your electric vehicle at home can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re trying to decide between a Level 1 and Level 2 charger. Each option has its own benefits, and the right one depends on your driving habits, budget, and home setup. In this post, we’ll explain the key differences between these two charger types, including installation, speed, and cost. You’ll also get insights into which charger is right for your lifestyle and how Lumos Electric can help with a safe and professional installation.
Understanding Level 1 Charging at Home
Level 1 chargers are the simplest way to charge your EV. They plug into a standard 120-volt outlet, the same type used for household electronics. Because most electric vehicles come with a Level 1 cable, there’s no need to purchase additional equipment.
Charging Speed
Level 1 charging adds about 6 to 8 kilometres of range per hour. That means a full charge can take between 12 and 24 hours, depending on the size of your EV’s battery. This pace works well for people who drive shorter distances daily or who don’t need to recharge quickly.
Installation Requirements
No special electrical work is typically needed. However, it’s still important to make sure your home’s wiring is in good condition and that the outlet you use is on a dedicated circuit to avoid overloading.
When It Makes Sense
This setup works best for drivers who rarely deplete their battery in a single day or have easy access to public charging stations. It’s also a good option for plug-in hybrid owners, who have smaller battery packs and shorter electric-only ranges.
How Level 2 Charging Improves the Experience
Level 2 chargers use a 240-volt outlet, similar to what you’d find for a dryer or oven. This allows for significantly faster charging and offers more flexibility for daily use.
Charging Speed
With Level 2 charging, most vehicles can gain 30 to 50 kilometres of range per hour. This means many EVs can be charged to 80% in 4 to 8 hours. It’s ideal for overnight charging, where you wake up each morning with a full battery.
Professional Installation
A Level 2 system requires installation by a licensed electrician. The charger is either hardwired into your panel or connected to a 240-volt outlet. Depending on your panel capacity, you may also need a service upgrade, especially in older homes. Lumos Electric offers this service with all required permits, ensuring it’s done safely and to code.
Ideal Users
Level 2 is best for EV owners who drive daily, rely solely on home charging, or own larger EVs that require more power. It’s also highly recommended for households with multiple electric vehicles.
On the Blog: Need to Hire an Electrician? Here are the Questions You Need to Ask
Comparing Charging Options: Speed, Cost, and Convenience
To decide between Level 1 and Level 2, it helps to compare them side-by-side:
While Level 1 may be fine for some, many EV owners find the added speed and reliability of Level 2 well worth the investment. Homeowners should also consider their electrical panel’s capacity and whether it’s future-ready, especially as EV use continues to rise in Canada.
Extra Features and Charging Smarts
Level 2 chargers often include built-in smart features such as Wi-Fi connectivity, mobile app integration, and the ability to schedule charging during off-peak hours. These functions can reduce electricity costs and provide insight into your energy usage.
Many chargers now support universal charging, but some brands, such as Tesla, use proprietary connectors. If you’re a Tesla owner, you can still install a standard Level 2 charger and use an adapter. Lumos Electric installs both Tesla wall connectors and compatible universal models, based on what suits your vehicle and home setup.
Did You Know?
Natural Resources Canada reports that charging at home with a Level 2 charger is up to 5 times faster than with a Level 1 plug. Plus, faster charging reduces the risk of deep battery discharge, helping maintain battery health over time.
Whether you choose a simple plug-in model or a smart home energy solution, working with a qualified electrician ensures your system is efficient and safe.
Conclusion: Which EV Charger Should You Choose?
Wondering which EV charger is right for your home? If you only need a few hours of driving range each day and want to keep things simple, a Level 1 charger might be sufficient. But for drivers who need faster charging and more flexibility, a Level 2 charger is a better long-term solution. Both options work, but the right choice depends on your daily habits and charging goals.
At Lumos Electric, we help homeowners across Ottawa make confident, informed decisions about EV charging. From assessing your panel to completing a clean, code-compliant installation, we make EV ownership easier and more reliable.
Power Up Your Home with Lumos Electric
Ready to install a home EV charger in Ottawa? Lumos Electric provides professional installation services tailored to your vehicle, your home, and your budget. Whether you’re installing a Level 1 outlet upgrade or a full-featured Level 2 system, our licensed electricians ensure everything runs safely and smoothly.
Contact us today to schedule your consultation and get started with home charging the right way.