Level 1 EV charging vs. level 2 EV charging: running cost
A level 2 EV charging is cheaper to run: about $802 a year versus $827 for a level 1 EV charging at typical use and 17.99¢/kWh, a $24 difference.
| Level 1 EV charging | Level 2 EV charging | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical watts | 1,440 W | 7,200 W |
| Watt range | 1,200–1,920 W | 3,300–11,500 W |
| Typical use | 37 miles a day | 37 miles a day |
| Energy per year | 4,595 kWh | 4,460 kWh |
| Cost per hour | 26¢ | $1.30 |
| Cost per day | $2.26 | $2.20 |
| Cost per month | $68.88 | $66.86 |
| Cost per year | $827 | $802 |
| Per year in Hawaii (43.51¢) | $1,999 | $1,940 |
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What drives the difference
- Level 1 EV charging: A 120 V outlet at 12 A delivers about 1.4 kW, adding 4-5 miles of range per hour; it loses a bit more energy than Level 2.
- Level 2 EV charging: A typical Level 2 charger delivers 7-11 kW and adds 25-35 miles of range per hour; charging losses are about 10%.
Ways to cut either cost
Schedules charging around time-of-use rates.
See options on AmazonCuts charging losses and charges in 1-3 hours.
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Frequently asked questions
Which costs more to run, a level 1 EV charging or a level 2 EV charging?
At typical use and the U.S. average rate (17.99¢/kWh), a level 1 EV charging costs about $827 a year versus $802 for a level 2 EV charging. That's $24 more.
How many watts do level 1 EV charging and level 2 EV charging use?
A level 1 EV charging typically draws 1,440 W (range 1,200–1,920 W). A level 2 EV charging draws 7,200 W (range 3,300–11,500 W). Watts alone don't decide cost. Hours of use, cycling and standby matter just as much.
Rates: EIA, 12 months ending 2026-07. Methodology.