How fast Level 1 charging is
The Alternative Fuels Data Center lists about 5 miles of range per hour of Level 1 charging, and its footnote assumes 1.9 kW of charging power. Eight hours overnight adds about 40 miles for a mid-size electric car.
| Hours plugged in | Miles added | kWh from the wall | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 hours | about 20 | 7.6 | $1.31 |
| 8 hours | about 40 | 15.2 | $2.62 |
| 12 hours | about 60 | 22.8 | $3.93 |
| 16 hours | about 80 | 30.4 | $5.24 |
Source: Range per hour from the DOE Alternative Fuels Data Center. Cost: 17.23 cents per kWh, the 2025 US residential average from EIA Form EIA-861. Real speed depends on the car.
Who Level 1 is enough for
The question is how many miles you drive between charging sessions. At about 40 miles a night, Level 1 covers many short commutes. Divide your daily miles by 5 to see the hours you need: a 30 mile day needs about 6 hours, a 60 mile day about 12 hours.
If you drive more than that, or park away from home on some nights, a Level 2 charger is the usual step up. See Level 2 charging cost.
What the equipment costs
A Level 1 cord set often comes with the car. The Department of Energy says residential Level 1 charger costs can run from $0 if no extra equipment is needed to $900. It also says the outlet should be on a dedicated branch circuit near where you park. If the outlet is shared with other loads or is far from the car, have an electrician check it first.
What a month costs
The cost per mile depends on the car and your electricity price, not on the charger level. At the US average price and the 33.4 kWh per 100 miles average of the 17 models on this site, a mile costs about 5.8 cents, so a 1,000 mile month costs about $58. One kWh adds roughly 3.0 miles at that efficiency.
| Place | Cents per kWh | Cents per mile | 1,000 miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | 11.82 | 4.0 | $40 |
| Idaho | 11.83 | 4.0 | $40 |
| Nebraska | 12.05 | 4.0 | $40 |
| United States average | 17.23 | 5.8 | $58 |
| Hawaii | 40.40 | 13.5 | $135 |
| California | 31.35 | 10.5 | $105 |
| Massachusetts | 30.41 | 10.2 | $102 |
Source: Home charging priced at each state's 2025 average residential price from EIA Form EIA-861. Your plan may differ, and time-of-use plans can make overnight charging cheaper.
Level 1 charging questions
How much does Level 1 charging cost?
About the same per kWh as your home electricity. At the 2025 US average price of 17.23 cents, an 8 hour night at 1.9 kW costs about $2.62.
How many miles does Level 1 charging add per hour?
The Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center lists about 5 miles of range per hour, assuming 1.9 kW of charging power.
Is Level 1 charging cheaper than Level 2?
The electricity costs the same per kWh. Level 2 is faster, and the equipment costs more. A slow charger can need many hours, which matters if your plan has expensive peak hours.
Do I need a special outlet for Level 1?
A standard 120 volt outlet works. The Department of Energy says it should be on a dedicated branch circuit near your parking spot.