What is the difference between Level 1 and Level 2?
Voltage and speed. Level 1 uses a 120-volt household outlet and, per the Department of Energy, adds about 5 miles of range per hour. Level 2 uses a 240-volt circuit and adds about 25 miles per hour at a typical 7.2 kW, more on a higher-amperage circuit. Level 1 needs no new wiring; Level 2 needs a dedicated circuit.
| Level 1 | Level 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Range per hour (DOE) | About 5 miles | About 25 miles at 7.2 kW |
| Range in 8 hours | About 40 miles | Enough to refill a typical EV battery overnight |
| Equipment | Cord supplied with most cars | Wall charger, or a portable cord on a 240 V outlet |
| Wiring | Existing 120 V outlet, ideally on a dedicated circuit | New dedicated 240 V circuit, permitted and inspected |
Range figures from the DOE Alternative Fuels Data Center. Actual miles per hour depend on the car's efficiency.
Automakers list lower Level 1 figures. Tesla's home charging page lists 2 to 3 miles of range per hour on 120 volts, and its Mobile Connector draws 12 amps, about 1.3 kW, on a standard outlet. Rivian's Portable Charger and Ford's Mobile Power Cord on a Mach-E are each listed at about 3 miles per hour on 120 volts.
Is Level 1 enough for you?
It can be, if your daily driving stays under about 40 miles and the car is plugged in most nights. Rivian's charging page cites studies that put average daily driving at 30 to 37 miles. If that sounds like you, Level 1 may keep up. It has little slack for a long day, a skipped night or a big battery.
Level 1 usually works for:
- A short commute, with the car home from evening to morning.
- A plug-in hybrid with a small battery.
- A second car that is driven lightly.
- Renters who cannot add a circuit, as a stopgap.
It falls short with long daily drives, large-battery trucks and SUVs, or two EVs on one outlet. For timing by vehicle, see how long home EV charging takes.
Is your outlet up to Level 1 charging?
Check before you rely on it. The Department of Energy describes Level 1 as using an outlet on a dedicated branch circuit, because the car draws close to the circuit's limit for hours. Tesla's Mobile Connector manual warns against plugging into a damaged, loose or worn outlet.
Tesla's manual also says not to use an extension cord or power strip. A receptacle installed for EV charging, 120 or 240 volts, needs GFCI protection under NEC 625.54. If the outlet needs work, compare that job with adding 240 volts. See does an EV charger need a dedicated circuit.
Does the time-of-use rate change the answer?
It can. On Rocky Mountain Power's optional Schedule 1 time-of-use rate, on-peak runs 6 to 10 p.m. on weekdays. Level 2 refills a typical day in a few off-peak hours. Level 1 needs most of the night, and a big refill can spill into the expensive window.
Off-peak energy is 6.6111 cents per kWh from October to May and 7.4705 cents from June to September, against 29.7498 and 33.6173 cents on-peak, per the tariff effective August 10, 2026. Rates and enrollment details are on Rocky Mountain Power EV programs.
Is there an option between the two?
Yes: a 240-volt outlet and the portable cord you already have. Many cars ship with a cord that works on both voltages, so a NEMA 14-50 outlet gives you Level 2 without buying a wall charger. Speeds are lower than a hardwired unit, but far above Level 1.
Tesla's Mobile Connector draws 32 amps on its 14-50 adapter. Rivian's Portable Charger is listed at 16 miles per hour on 240 volts. Chevrolet lists a Dual Level Charge Cord as standard on the Equinox EV, Blazer EV and Silverado EV trims we checked. In Utah, a 14-50 installed for EV charging goes on a GFCI breaker. The trade-offs are in hardwired vs NEMA 14-50 and on NEMA 14-50 outlet installation.
What does adding Level 2 involve?
A two-pole breaker, wire sized to it, a route from the panel to the parking spot, and a charger or receptacle at the end. It is permitted electrical work in Ogden, South Ogden, North Ogden and Ogden Valley City; see EV charger permits by city. The main questions are panel capacity and the length of the run.
A Level 2 charger is a continuous load, so a 32 amp charger needs a 40 amp breaker and a 48 amp charger needs 60 amps. Your car's onboard charger sets the useful ceiling; see 40 amp vs 48 amp chargers. The installation itself is covered on Level 2 charger installation, and typical cost factors in Level 2 charger installation cost. For cold-weather charging in Ogden and the Ogden Valley, see EV charging in Utah winters.
Stay on Level 1 if
- Your typical day is well under 40 miles and the car is home overnight.
- You drive a plug-in hybrid or a lightly used second car.
- Your outlet is on its own circuit and in good condition.
Install Level 2 if
- You drive 50 miles or more most days, or often arrive home low.
- You have a large battery or two EVs.
- You want charging to fit inside off-peak hours.
Level 1 vs Level 2 questions
Is Level 1 charging enough for daily driving?
It can be. The Department of Energy says eight hours on a 120-volt outlet replenishes about 40 miles of range. If your typical day is under that and the car sits at home most nights, Level 1 keeps up. Long commutes, big batteries or missed nights push most owners to Level 2.
Can I use any household outlet for Level 1 charging?
The Department of Energy describes Level 1 as using an outlet on a dedicated branch circuit, and the car's cord draws close to the circuit's limit for hours. Shared circuits, worn receptacles and extension cords are poor matches for that load. Have the outlet checked before relying on it nightly.
Do I need a permit to add Level 2 charging?
Yes. A new 240-volt circuit for a charger or a NEMA 14-50 outlet is permitted electrical work in Ogden, South Ogden, North Ogden and Ogden Valley City, followed by an inspection. Rules and portals for each city are on our permits page.
Can I get Level 2 without buying a wall charger?
Yes. Many cars come with a portable cord that also plugs into a 240-volt outlet such as a NEMA 14-50. Tesla's Mobile Connector draws 32 amps on its 14-50 adapter, and Rivian's Portable Charger adds about 16 miles per hour on 240 volts.
Outgrowing the wall outlet? A car model and a panel photo get the quote moving.
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