Level 2 charging speed has gotten complicated with all the different amperages and claims flying around. As an electrician who installs home charging systems throughout the Pacific Northwest, I learned everything there is to know about what speeds you can actually expect. Today, I’ll share it all with you.
The Quick Answer
Probably should have led with this section, honestly — Level 2 charging typically adds 12-40 miles of range per hour, depending on your charger’s amperage and your vehicle’s onboard charger capacity. Most home installations deliver 25-30 miles per hour.
What Determines Speed
Circuit Amperage
Level 2 chargers use 240-volt circuits with varying amperage: 16A, 24A, 32A, 40A, or 48A are common. Higher amperage means faster charging. That’s what makes the electrical installation endearing to us — sizing it right matters.
Charger Output
The charging unit itself has a maximum output. A 32-amp charger on a 40-amp circuit still only delivers 32 amps. Match your charger to your circuit, or slightly undersize the charger for the circuit you have.
Vehicle Acceptance Rate
Your car’s onboard charger limits how fast it can accept power. A vehicle with a 7.2 kW onboard charger can’t use all the power from a 48-amp, 11.5 kW charging station — it maxes out at 7.2 kW regardless.
Typical Home Installations
Most home installations use 40-amp circuits with 32-amp chargers (continuous-use rating requires 80% derating). This delivers about 7.7 kW, adding roughly 25-30 miles per hour. For typical daily driving, overnight charging provides plenty of range.
When You Might Want More
Larger EVs with big batteries and higher onboard charger capacity benefit from 48-amp or 60-amp circuits. If your panel has capacity and you drive a lot, faster home charging reduces the time your car spends plugged in.
For most Northwest homeowners, 32-amp Level 2 charging handles daily needs without requiring expensive electrical upgrades.
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