Level 2 charging uses 240-volt AC power (the same voltage as household dryers and ovens) to charge electric vehicles at 3.3-19.2 kW, delivering roughly 12-80 miles of range per hour depending on the charger's amperage and the vehicle's onboard charger capacity. It is the most common form of EV charging in the United States.
At home, Level 2 chargers (often called EVSE — Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) are typically hardwired or plugged into a NEMA 14-50 outlet. A typical home unit delivers 7.2-9.6 kW, fully charging most EVs overnight in 6-10 hours. Workplace and public Level 2 chargers offer similar speeds and are found at shopping centers, parking garages, hotels, and municipal lots.
Level 2 makes up approximately 70% of all public charging ports in the US. While slower than DC fast charging, Level 2 is significantly cheaper to install ($500-$2,500 for home vs. $50,000-$150,000+ for DCFC) and is ideal for destinations where vehicles are parked for extended periods. For most EV owners, a combination of home Level 2 charging for daily use and occasional DCFC for road trips covers all driving needs.