charging basics

One of the benefits of driving an electric vehicle is that you can charge it at home and on the road, unlike its gasoline counterpart.

Charging levels

EVs charge at different speeds or levels. The lower the level, the slower the charging speed.

Level 1 offers the slowest speed and uses a standard outlet, like the one you use for the toaster. Level 2 is the next speed, which uses a 240-volt outlet, like the one on which some clothes dryers operate. EV home chargers also offer charging rates at a Level 2 speed. Then, you have DC fast chargers, whose speeds vary – there's a whole range of those – but they are significantly faster than what you get at home.

Levels 1 and 2 work on alternating current (AC), and the "DC" in DC fast charging stands for "direct current." EV batteries store electricity in direct current form, which is why DC fast charging is expedited. Homes operate on AC, which then must be converted to DC during the charging process. Since that conversion takes time, we get slower charging speeds at home. However, the speeds you can get at home are often just what you need.

Home charging

• Get up to 40 miles of range overnight
• Great for overnight or workplace charging
• Ideal for average commutes, which are up to 40 miles daily

• Get up to a full charge in 4-8 hours for a fully electric EV
• Offers faster charging for longer drives
• Great for EVs with longer range

Use our All Incentives tool and check with your local electric utility for incentives to reduce the cost of a home charger, home charging, or installation.

On the go

While there are level 2 public charging stations, you'll look for fast charging stations when you're making long drives.

Right now, there are three different charging connectors depending on the vehicle. However, all major auto manufacturers have committed to using the North American Charging Standard (NACS) created by Tesla, and some of the 2025 models from other automakers will start to feature the NACS connector.

Here are the three connectors:

• CCS Combo gives you up to 160 miles of range in 20 minutes
• CHAdeMO adds up to 67 miles in 30 minutes
• Tesla Supercharger offers up to 200 miles in 20 minutes

All charging times listed are approximate. Charge time will vary depending on the vehicle, remaining charge, station power, and ambient temperature.