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Home BackupJune 15, 2026

Level 1 vs Level 2 vs DC Fast Charging: Complete Guide

Short answer: Level 1 (120V) adds 3-5 miles/hour — adequate for PHEVs or very low mileage. Level 2 (240V) adds 20-37 miles/hour — the standard home charging solution. DC Fast Charging adds 100-300+ miles in 20-30 minutes — for road trips only. For home use, Level 2 at 32-48A is the right choice for 95% of EV owners.

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Charging Level Comparison

Level Voltage Miles/hr Full charge Cost to install
Level 1 120V 3-5 24-40 hrs $0 (uses outlet)
Level 2 240V 20-37 6-12 hrs $400-$1,200
DC Fast 400-800V DC 100-300+ 20-40 min $10,000+ (commercial)

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