Reasons Why You Should Upgrade to a Level 2 Charger

Emily Fazio
·4 min read
3

In the ever-evolving landscape of electric vehicles and eco-minded mobility, a Level 2 charger is a game-changer for homeowners. With faster charging times and enhanced convenience, leveling up is more than just a cost-effective solution. Beyond the practicality of shorter charge time durations, Level 2 EV chargers offer versatility. Explore the benefits of upgrading your at-home charging solutions, from extended range in less time to integration with smart charging features, you're no longer just charging your EV. You're revolutionizing how it fits into your daily life.

More Convenient Charging Experience

"A Level 2 charger supplies ample charging convenience because it's a high amperage charge (like you get from a public charger) that can be accessed in the comfort of home," reminds Shawn McLaughlin, the CEO of Emporia. "Many EV drivers live in areas with little or no charging infrastructure, limited access to charging cables, or restrictions with access to an overnight charging port. Charging at home is often easier than public charging and it’s likely one of the reasons most Americans choose to charge this way. There’s no need to find a public charger or wait for one in use."

Did you know: 80% of electric vehicle charging is done at home according to the U.S. Department of Energy. This is likely due to the convenience and low cost incurred to charge an electric vehicle at home.

Related: How to Get Level 2 EV Charging Without an Electric Panel Upgrade

Faster Charging than Level 1

"Here’s a good guideline from Energy Star: If your daily drive is longer than 40 miles, you should think about an L2 EV charger," shares McLaughlin. "Level 2 charging speeds are 3- to 10-times faster than Level 1, depending on a few technical factors (the charge itself, the household circuit/circuit breaker size, and the max charge rate of the car)."

  • The Level 1 charging process is slow because it uses a normal wall outlet. Plugging in your car overnight in a standard household outlet isn't always enough energy output to support a long commute. Unless you only demand energy usage to drive a short distance, you simply need more hours of charge to support your daily routine.

  • A Level 2 charger not only adds more miles of range per hour of charging, but it increases a car’s uptime. It plugs into a 240v outlet which makes charging the lithium-ion battery a breeze. For many drivers, the speed of the charging session alone is worth the investment into a Level 2 EV charger. Others appreciate the ability to control charging using a smartphone app during off-peak hours to maximize output.

Related: How to Choose an EV Charger on a Budget

Better Energy Efficiency

"A Level 2 EV charging station is 10% more efficient than Level 1," reports McLaughlin. "Energy efficiency is important, especially in cutting home energy use, because lower consumption means less expensive electric bills. Better yet, it also means a lower carbon output for less pollution."

Emporia recommends that drivers should also look for Energy Star Certified chargers. Most Level 1 chargers are not Energy Star certified, and therefore use 40% more energy in standby. Emporia’s Level 2 EV Charger is Energy Star Certified.

<em>Smart functionality in modern Level 2 chargers is a game-changer for many households.</em><p>Emporia</p>
Smart functionality in modern Level 2 chargers is a game-changer for many households.

Emporia

Access to Rebates, Incentives, and Tax Credits

"Level 2 electric vehicle chargers come with higher price tags and additional costs, but they also qualify for ample rebates, incentives, and tax credits," points out McLaughlin. "These financial benefits can significantly reduce the burden on your wallet when it comes to upgrades and installation costs."

  • As of December 2023, the US government offers an alternative fuel tax credit. This supplies a 30% discount on the cost of the charger and its installation up to $1,000 (consult your tax professional for more information on Federal Tax Credits).

  • Also, many states, provinces, and local utility companies offer additional rebates and incentives. These can greatly reduce both the cost of an EV charger and its installation.

Energy Automation

"In the age of smart homes, internet-enabled smart charging options offer many features that can help manage your energy use, help conserve energy, and increase savings. Smart chargers can improve the EV charging experience by allowing you to control charge sessions from your phone."

To learn more about smart home systems offered by Emporia, visit: