How fast Level 2 charging is
The Alternative Fuels Data Center says Level 2 can run from 2.9 to 19.2 kW, with residential units operating at up to 30 amps and 7.2 kW on a dedicated 40 amp circuit, and lists about 25 miles of range per hour of charging.
| Hours plugged in | Miles added | kWh from the wall | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 hour | about 25 | 7.2 | $1.24 |
| 2 hours | about 50 | 14.4 | $2.48 |
| 4 hours | about 100 | 28.8 | $4.96 |
| 8 hours | about 200 | 57.6 | $9.93 |
Source: Range per hour and power levels from the DOE Alternative Fuels Data Center. Cost: 17.23 cents per kWh, the 2025 US residential average from EIA Form EIA-861. A car may charge below the charger's maximum.
What the equipment and installation cost
The Department of Energy puts a residential Level 2 charger at $380 to $690 for the equipment. Installation is extra. Some homes lack spare panel capacity, and an electrician can add a circuit. State and utility incentives may help offset equipment costs, and the Department of Energy notes this on its home charging page.
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What a month costs
The price per mile depends on the car and your electricity price, not on the charger level. With the 33.4 kWh per 100 miles average of the 17 models on this site and the US average price, a mile costs about 5.8 cents and 1,000 miles about $58. A 7.2 kW charger adds about 25 miles of range per hour, so that month is roughly 40 hours on the charger.
| 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.
Public Level 2 chargers
Public Level 2 stations are common, and the Department of Energy reported that nearly 80 percent of US public charging ports were Level 2 as of 2023. Public owners set their own prices. Some charge per kWh, some per hour and some are free, so check the posted price. At 7.2 kW a price of $0.30 per kWh would be about $2.16 an hour, and the same per-kWh price at 19.2 kW would be about $5.76 an hour, for the same cost per kWh.
Level 2 charging questions
How much does Level 2 charging cost?
At home it costs your normal price per kWh. At 7.2 kW, an hour of charging uses 7.2 kWh and costs about $1.24 at the 2025 US average price of 17.23 cents.
How many miles does Level 2 charging add per hour?
About 25 miles of range per hour, according to the Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center. The real number depends on the car’s efficiency and how much power it accepts.
How much does a home Level 2 charger cost?
The Department of Energy lists a range of $380 to $690 for a residential unit. Installation is extra and depends on your electrical panel and the distance to the charger.
Is a Level 2 charger worth it?
If you drive more than a Level 1 outlet can replace overnight, usually yes. It does not change the price per kWh. It saves time and lets you use cheap off-peak hours even if you arrive home late.