Level 1 vs Level 2 EV Chargers: What’s the Difference?
The biggest difference between Level 1 and Level 2 EV chargers is the charging speed.
A Level 1 charger plugs into a standard household power point and typically adds around 10–15 km of driving range per hour. A professionally installed Level 2 charger delivers around 40–80 km of range per hour, making it the preferred choice for most Australian EV owners who charge overnight.
Choosing the right EV charger can make a big difference in how convenient it is to own an electric vehicle.
In this guide, we’ll compare charging speed, installation, costs, power requirements, and help you decide which EV charger is best for your driving habits.
What Is a Level 1 EV Charger?
A Level 1 EV charger is the simplest way to charge an electric vehicle at home. It uses the portable charging cable supplied with most EVs and plugs into a standard Australian 10A household power point.
Because it doesn’t require any special equipment or installation, it’s a convenient option for new EV owners or those who only charge occasionally.
Level 1 chargers typically deliver 1.8–2.4 kW of power, adding around 10–12 km of driving range per hour. While this is enough for short daily trips or plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), charging a fully electric vehicle from near empty can take more than 20 hours.
| PROS of Level 1 Charging | CONS of Level 1 Charging |
| No installation required | Slow charging speeds |
| Lowest upfront cost | May not fully recharge your EV overnight |
| Uses an existing 10A household powerpoint | Less suitable for full battery EVs with larger batteries |
| Convenient for occasional charging | Not ideal for drivers who travel long distances every day |
| Suitable for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) | Longer charging times can become inconvenient for daily use |
For many drivers, a Level 1 charger works well as a basic charging solution. However, if you rely on your EV every day, the slower charging speed may become inconvenient over time.
What Is a Level 2 EV Charger?
A Level 2 EV charger is a dedicated wall-mounted charging unit, also known as Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE), that provides much faster charging than a standard household powerpoint.
Unlike a Level 1 charger, it must be professionally installed by a licensed electrician and connected to its own dedicated circuit for safe and reliable operation.
Most Level 2 chargers deliver between 7 kW and 22 kW, adding around 40–80 km of driving range per hour, depending on your vehicle and charger. This means most electric vehicles can recharge from near empty to full in 4–8 hours, making overnight charging easy and convenient.
If you’d like to understand the charging process in more detail, read our guide on how home EV chargers work.
| PROS of Level 2 Charging | CONS of Level 2 Charging |
| Much faster charging speeds | Higher upfront installation cost |
| Convenient overnight charging for most EVs | Requires professional installation by a licensed electrician |
| Ideal for daily commuting and regular driving | |
| Can help future-proof your home for additional EVs |
For most Australian EV owners, a Level 2 charger offers the best balance of speed, convenience, and reliability. Although it costs more to install, the faster charging times make it a worthwhile investment for drivers who rely on their EV every day.
Level 1 vs Level 2 Chargers: Key Differences
While both Level 1 and Level 2 chargers can safely charge your EV at home, they differ in charging speed, installation requirements, and cost. Understanding these differences can help you choose the option that best suits your driving habits, home, and budget.
1. Charging Speed
Level 2 chargers are much faster because they deliver more power than a standard household power point. However, charging speed also depends on several other factors, including:
- Charger output
- Your vehicle’s onboard charger
- Battery size
- Battery state of charge
- Ambient temperature
The table below shows the approximate driving range added at different charging periods.
| CHARGING TIME | LEVEL 1 | LEVEL 2 |
| 1 hour | 10–15 km | 40–80 km |
| 4 hours | 40–60 km | 160–320 km |
| Overnight (8 hours) | 80–120 km | 320–640 km (or a full charge for most EVs) |
2. Installation Requirements in Australia
The installation process is another key difference between Level 1 and Level 2 EV chargers.
While a Level 1 charger only plugs into an existing household power point, a Level 2 charger requires a dedicated electrical circuit and professional installation to ensure it operates safely and complies with Australian Standards.
| LEVEL 1 CHARGER | LEVEL 2 CHARGER |
| Uses a standard Australian 10 Amp power point | Typically requires a dedicated 32 Amp circuit |
| Some portable chargers use a 15 Amp plug, so the outlet must match the charger rating | Must be installed by a licensed electrician |
| No additional wiring required | Connected directly to your switchboard with safety protection that complies with Australian Standards |
Before installing a Level 2 charger, it’s worth checking whether your home’s electrical system can support the extra load. Learn how to tell if your switchboard is suitable for an EV charger installation in our detailed guide.
3. EV Installation Costs
A Level 1 charger uses your existing household powerpoint, so there are no installation costs. A Level 2 charger typically costs $500–$1,500 to install.
The final price depends on factors such as the distance from your switchboard, cable run length, whether circuit or switchboard upgrades are needed, and the overall complexity of the installation.
Which EV Charger Is Right for You?
The best EV charger depends on how often you drive, how far you travel, and the type of electric vehicle you own.
While a Level 1 charger is suitable for light use, most Australian EV owners benefit from the speed and convenience of a Level 2 charger.
A Level 1 charger is ideal if you:
- Own a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV)
- Have short daily commutes
- Mainly charge on weekends or occasionally
- Rarely drain your battery to a low level
A Level 2 charger is ideal if you:
- Own a full battery electric vehicle (BEV)
- Drive every day for work or regular trips
- Have more than one EV in your household
- Want the convenience of overnight charging and a full battery each morning
Choosing the right charger now can make owning an EV more convenient and help ensure your home is ready for your future charging needs.
Is a Level 2 EV Charger Worth the Upgrade?
For most full EV owners, a Level 2 charger is a worthwhile investment. Although it costs more to install, the long-term benefits often outweigh the upfront expense.
Some of the biggest advantages include:
- Faster charging at home
- Greater convenience for everyday driving
- A better overall home charging experience
- Future-proofing your home for additional EVs
- Potential appeal to future buyers
Installing a Level 2 charger can make daily charging easier and help prepare your home for the growing shift to electric vehicles. If you’re planning to sell your home in the future, learn how installing an EV charger can increase your home’s value.
Find the Right Home Charging Solution
Choosing between a Level 1 and Level 2 EV charger comes down to how you use your vehicle each day. A Level 1 charger is a good fit for plug-in hybrids, occasional drivers, and anyone who has plenty of time to recharge.
For most Australian EV owners, however, a Level 2 home charging station offers faster charging, greater convenience, and the confidence of starting each day with a fully charged battery. While it requires an upfront investment, it can improve your daily routine, prepare your home for future EVs, and even boost your property’s appeal.
To get started, explore our professional EV charger installation services in Melbourne or contact Canny Electrics on 1300 522 446 to speak with our licensed electricians.
