Level 1 chargers come free with most new electric vehicles. But they’re slow. Painfully slow. That’s why a lot of EV owners upgrade to a Level 2 charger. They’re faster, smarter, and just make more sense for daily use.
But how much does it actually cost to install one? Let’s break it down—without the fluff.
How Much Does a Level 2 EV Charger Cost?
Most solid Level 2 chargers (48 amps, UL-listed, reliable hardware) land between $500 and $700. That doesn’t include accessories or installation. Just the charger itself. You’ll pay more for smart features like Wi-Fi control, scheduled charging, and energy monitoring—but they’re usually worth it in the long run.
Installation Costs: What to Expect
The price for home installation can vary. It depends on your home’s wiring, panel capacity, and where you want the charger installed. On average, homeowners spend $300 to $1,000 for professional installation. Need a new circuit or panel upgrade? That’ll cost extra.
Pro tip: Always use a licensed electrician. This isn’t a DIY project unless you know exactly what you’re doing with 240V circuits.
Why the Price Tag Varies
Here’s what affects the price of a charger:
- Smart vs. Basic: Smart chargers cost more but offer control, scheduling, and data tracking.
- Build quality: Higher-end chargers last longer and handle weather, wear, and power surges better.
- Certifications: UL-listed and ENERGY STAR-rated chargers go through extra testing (and cost a bit more).
Rebates & Incentives Can Cut the Cost
Before you buy, check with your local utility. Many offer rebates or discounts for buying and installing an EV charger. Some state and federal tax credits are also in play. Depending on your location, you could knock a couple hundred bucks off the final bill.
Are Level 2 Chargers Worth It?
In short: yes. You’ll spend less time charging, save more over public stations, and make daily EV use painless. Even better? Most units last years with little maintenance.
Top Picks for Home Use
If you’re looking for high-quality Level 2 chargers, here are a few solid choices that work well for home installation:
- Mustart Level 2 EV Charger (48 amps) – Rugged, reliable, and fast. Plug-and-play design makes setup easy.
- Emporia Level 2 EV Charger (48 amps) – Smart-enabled with adjustable amps and energy monitoring. Great value for long-term use.
- Mach 2 Level 2 EV Charger (48 amps) – Sleek, compact, and powerful. Built for performance and simplicity.
- EVIQO Level 2 EV Charger (48 amps) – Full-featured with app control and scheduling. A smart choice for daily home charging.
The Bottom Line
Installing a Level 2 EV charger at home is a smart move if you’re serious about driving electric. Expect to pay anywhere from $800 to $1,500 total for the charger and installation. Rebates can cut that down, and a well-made charger will serve you for years.
Need help choosing the right charger or finding a certified electrician near you? Plenty of EV communities and platforms can help. Just do your homework, invest wisely, and enjoy the freedom of fast charging at home.
Products mentioned in this article:
Mustart level 2 EV Charger (48 Amps)
With a charging speed that’s 5 times faster than your regular 16 amp level 1 charger, this 40 amp mini station comes at a highly affordable price of just $261. This plugin charger is extremely sturdy and resistant to abrasion, withstanding extreme temperatures making it highly durable and reliable, excellent for outdoor use.
EVIQO level 2 EV Charger (48 Amps)
In terms of speed, this charger provides a 46-mile range per hour and can charge your EV from 0% to 100% in 6 to 8 hours. One of the brilliant features about this charger is its flexibility in how much or how little energy you choose to use. Depending on your vehicle’s needs and your energy consumption preferences, it gives you the ability to set the usage limit to as low as 16 amps and as high as 48 amps.
Emporia level 2 EV Charger (48 Amps)
The Emporia level 2 EV charger is one of our highly recommended chargers. It rates extremely well in almost all quality standards that define an excellent level 2 EV charger. Whether it’s cost and value, power and weatherproof, construction and durability, or simply just the smart features it offers.
MACH 2 level 2 EV Charger (48 Amps)
What makes this charger stand out is its sophisticated use of smart features, an easily understandable, and readable screen display, and a stylish look that makes your garage look premium. Let’s get to the real stuff, with a 30 foot cable that’s 30% longer than what an average level 2 EV charger has, the MACH 2 can charge up to 9 times faster than your standard level 1 charger.