Electric cars are becoming a part of everyday life for a rising number of people. Making car charging accessible is one of the priorities for the future of EVs. With that came the question of home charging and overall availability and speed of charging.
Is it affordable to install a home charger? How many amps are enough to charge an electric car? Home chargers are the future; there is no question about it. Most electric cars can take up to 32 amps per hour while charging. The speed of the charging depends on the type of charger you have.
Choosing an EV charger is a serious topic; we will cover it from all angles. After you finish reading, you will know everything you need to choose the right charger for your home. Enjoy!
Charging Speed
The time needed to charge a battery depends on two factors: the type of charger and the capacity of the battery. Vehicles with a larger capacity battery would require faster chargers for everyday use.
The commonly used Level 1 equipment uses a regular home 120V outlet. Charging time is between 40 and 50 hours for an electric car. For a hybrid car, it takes between 5 and 6 hours for a full charge.
Level 2 equipment offers faster charging but demands 240V electrical installations. This equipment offers faster charging for both EVs and hybrid vehicles. An empty battery in an electric car can be charged for 4 to 10 hours. An empty hybrid battery can be fully charged for 1 to 2 hours.
The capacity of the battery has a significant impact on the time needed to charge. Nissan Leaf has a battery with a capacity of 40kWh, while a Tesla Model S battery has almost twice as much capacity – 75kWh. To charge a Tesla S will for sure take more time than a Leaf.
Electric Car Charger
There are 3 levels of car chargers:
- Level 1 – this method is the slowest one. Charging is done through the standard AC power plug, delivering up to 2.3 kWh. The car gets 4 to 5 miles range per hour when charging through the standard power plug. Also, it is important to know that when charging this way, there is no communication between the power outlet and the car. That can be dangerous, so avoid charging your car this way.
- Level 2 – Most of the standard charging stations are level 2 chargers. Usually, they are found in parking lots, business centers, and other commercial locations. They can deliver between 3.4 kWh and 22 kWh. With the maximum charging capacity, they can charge the battery for a range of 75 miles per hour.
- Level 3 – These chargers use direct current to charge a battery. That way, they are bypassing the onboard converter and deliver power directly to the battery. They are commonly found in gas stations, and they allow charging in a matter of minutes. They are recommended for special users.
What Breaker Size Do You Need?
Breaker size depends on the charging speed available. In the table below, we will mention all the common charger amperages used and breaker sizes needed. If you are not sure about the amperages of your breakers, contact an electrician.
| Charger amperage | Breaker size needed |
| 16A | 20A |
| 24A | 30A |
| 32A | 40A |
| 40A | 50A |
| 48A | 60A |
| 50A | 70A/80A |
How Many Amps Do You Need?
Most Level 2 chargers need 32A or 40A, but for slightly faster charging, 48A or 50A is a good choice.
Can You Use Other Outlets For Your Electric Charger?
For a level 1 charger, a regular 110V outlet is good enough. For a level 2 charger, you need an outlet that delivers 240V.
The exact type of outlet needed for the charger’s output is NEMA 14-50. It has a 50A rating with a straight neutral blade. That charger’s amperage is an excellent choice for home use and will be enough to charge most electric vehicles.
What Breaker Size Do You Need For A Tesla Charger?
The best option for charging Tesla at home is a NEMA 14-50 outlet. It has a 50A breaker, and that is enough for optimum charging speed.
Check Out Wiring The Tesla High Power Wall Charger:
FAQs
Is 100 amp service enough for an electric car?
Using a 100 amp service for an electric car charger would push a major strain on an electric system of a home. If other appliances are in use while charging a car, it can cause the dimming of the lights.
It is recommended to upgrade the electrical panel to 200 amps. That way the home gets a stable electrical system. Lights will not flicker, and there will not be any breaker trips.
How many amps does a Tesla charger draw?
Current Tesla models come with a built-in charger that has either 48 or 72 amps. To fully utilize them, it needs to be connected to a 60 or 90-amp circuit.
How many amps is a regular wall outlet?
Most wall outlets have 15 amps connected to a 15 amp fuse.
How many amps are for fast charging?
Level 3 or a fast charger can deliver between 50 and 350 kWh. It demands a minimum of 100 amps to work properly and to be able to fully utilize the power.
Final Considerations
Choosing the best charger for your home is a tricky business. Knowing the differences and performances of all charging options can help make a decision.
There are three levels of chargers, and we described their performance levels. Level 1 is for basic home use. Level 2 can fulfill most everyday needs. Level 3 is recommended for special users.
We will continue to cover all topics around EVs, so stay with us!
