Level 1 charging is great for Plug-in Hybrid vehicles like the Toyota Rav4 Prime but can also be used for battery electric vehicles. Level 1 charging operates on a standard 110-volt, the same three-pronged outlet you see throughout your home. EV and PHEV owners can conveniently charge during the day or even overnight while you sleep. As a general rule you can expect 5 miles per hour of charge. Many EV owners are able to meet their daily driving range requirements by charging overnight with Level 1 equipment, requiring no additional cost or installation, provided that a power outlet on a dedicated branch circuit is available near their parking location.

Level 2 charging uses a 240-volt circuit, similar to the outlet you’d use for an electric dryer. Level 2 charging is ideal for an all-electric battery vehicle like the Cadillac LYRIQ. You can expect 13 to 25 miles per hour of charge time. Residential equipment is frequently installed in garages, but outdoor installation and use are also safe, even if the vehicle is being charged in the rain. Outdoor installations require outdoor-rated equipment. If you are installing a new outlet, a qualified electrician can help you assess whether your electrical panel has capacity for a Level 2 charger and advise on any permits or inspections required. Some EV manufactures also offer complimentary home assessments as part of the purchase. Level 2 charging equipment is great for drivers with less regular schedules, longer commutes, or EVs with large batteries that require more than overnight (or the typical dwell time) to fully charge. State and utility incentives may also be available to help offset the cost of charging equipment.

Level three charging utilizes 480-500 volt DC fast charging and it is typically seen in commercial locations such as Winn-Dixie and Wawa around Wesley Chapel, Dunedin, Spring Hill, and Ocala. Many municipalities also offer local charging options. DC fast charging is good for most battery electric vehicles and can fast charge your EV in as little as 10 to 30 minutes!

Multifamily housing requires additional considerations and may be more like public charging than charging at a single-family home. An increasing number of housing communities are adding fast charging to their amenities.