Level 1 vs Level 2 EV Chargers: Which Is Right for Your Home?
When you bring an electric vehicle home, the first real decision is how you will charge it. Almost every EV comes with a Level 1 cord, and many owners assume that is all they need. For some it is. For most, a Level 2 charger is the upgrade that makes daily driving easy. Here is the plain difference between the two and how to pick.
Level 1 charging explained
Level 1 charging uses the cord that ships with your car and plugs into a standard 120 volt household outlet. There is nothing to install, which is its main appeal. The trade off is speed. Level 1 adds only a small amount of range per hour, so a full charge can take a day or more. (Verify current range-per-hour figures against NRCan or your vehicle manufacturer at build time.)
Level 1 can work if you drive short distances, can leave the car plugged in for long stretches, and rarely need a fast top up.
Level 2 charging explained
Level 2 charging uses a 240 volt dedicated circuit, the same class of power as an electric dryer or range. It charges several times faster than Level 1, enough to fully recharge most EVs overnight. That speed is why it is the popular choice for homeowners who drive every day.
The catch is that Level 2 needs a proper installation. An electrician runs a dedicated circuit from your panel to the charger location, and your panel has to have the capacity for it. Our guide to home EV charger installation in Ontario covers the setup, and our EV charger installation cost page covers the budget.
Will your panel support Level 2?
A Level 2 charger is a large continuous load. If your home has older 100 amp service or a full panel, you may need a panel upgrade first. A licensed electrician confirms this with a load calculation before any work begins.
How to choose
Match the charger to how you actually drive:
- Choose Level 1 if your daily distance is short and the car sits plugged in for long periods.
- Choose Level 2 if you drive regularly, want overnight charging, or own a longer range EV.
- Lean Level 2 if you plan to keep the EV for years, since it adds convenience and can help at resale.
Getting Level 2 installed right
Level 2 installation is electrical work that needs a licensed contractor and an ESA permit, not a weekend project. Kolji Bros Electrical installs EV chargers across Toronto and the GTA for all major EV brands, handles any panel upgrade, and includes the permit and inspection.
Frequently asked questions
Is Level 2 charging worth it for a home?
For most daily drivers, yes. It recharges most EVs overnight instead of over a day or more, which makes the car far easier to live with.
Can I use Level 1 charging permanently?
You can, if your driving is light and the car can stay plugged in for long stretches. Many owners still upgrade to Level 2 for the speed and convenience.
Does a Level 2 charger need its own circuit?
Yes. Level 2 runs on a dedicated 240 volt circuit installed by an electrician. Your panel needs the capacity to support it.
Do I need a permit to install a Level 2 charger in Ontario?
Yes. A Level 2 charger install needs an ESA permit and inspection. A licensed contractor handles that for you.
What if my panel cannot handle Level 2?
Your electrician runs a load calculation. If your panel is full or undersized, a panel upgrade comes first, often done in the same visit as the charger.
Deciding between Level 1 and Level 2 at home? Kolji Bros Electrical checks your panel, recommends the right charger, and handles the install with the ESA permit included. One clear written quote, serving Toronto and the GTA.
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