EV Charging Levels (Level 1, Level 2, Level 3)
Also known as: Level 1 chargingLevel 2 chargingDC fast chargingLevel 3 charging
EV charging is categorized by speed, which corresponds to voltage and circuit type:
- Level 1: 120V via a standard household outlet. Adds 3-5 miles of range per hour of charging. Plenty for plug-in hybrids; slow for full battery EVs. Most cars come with a Level 1 cord in the trunk. - Level 2: 240V via a dedicated circuit (similar to an electric dryer outlet). Adds 25-40 miles of range per hour. Charges most EVs from near-empty to full overnight. This is the standard home install. - Level 3 / DC Fast Charging: 480V+ commercial-grade equipment. Adds 100-200+ miles in 20-30 minutes. Reserved for commercial chargers (along highways, gas stations, retail lots). Not a residential install.
Most home EV installs in SCC are Level 2 — 240V dedicated circuit, hardwired Wall Connector or pluggable J1772 / Tesla connector. The right charger and circuit size for your situation depends on car, panel capacity, and where you want the unit mounted.
We've installed about 400 EV chargers across Santa Cruz County. A meaningful chunk trigger a panel upgrade — if your home is 100A or 125A, the EV install plus future-proofing for a heat pump or induction range often means 200A is the right call. We don’t publish prices on the site. You get the cost in writing after a free inspection.
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