Level 2 charger cost

• Perks Of a Level 2 EV Charger
• Level 2 Charger Cost
• Level 2 Charger Equipment Cost
• Level 2 Charger Installation Cost
• The Bottom Line

Level 2 Electric Vehicle (EV) chargers require 240V high amp circuits to operate. These chargers can reach a maximum power rate of 22 kW. On average, a level 2 EV charger can fully charge the battery in around 3 to 10 hours.

The Level 2 EV charger is the most accessible and powerful AC EV charger available for residential and commercial applications, delivering the right balance between performance and a good price. If you want to learn more about the perks and cost to install level 2 charger, then this article is for you.

Perks Of a Level 2 EV Charger

Level 2 chargers have multiple perks in residential and most commercial applications. Here are some of the most important ones:

1. Faster Charging Times

Since Level 2 EV chargers operate at a much higher power rate than their level 1 EV counterpart, the battery for the EV can be fully charged in a relatively short time. The most powerful Level 2 EV chargers, can charge the whole capacity of the battery in around 3 to 10 hours.

2. Additional Control & Monitoring Features

Level 1 EV chargers are very simple, only being used to plug and charge the EV at a low pace. On the other hand, level 2 EV chargers are more advanced, including additional monitoring & control features that provide a better charging experience with complete information about the whole process.

3. Added Value

Level 2 EV chargers add value to your home. This means that part if not all of the cost to install the level 2 EV charger, will be added to the overall value of your home when selling the place. This also applies to commercial properties.

Level 2 Charger Cost

The level 2 charging station cost varies on the application. Residential applications have to factor in low to mid-performance equipment, the electrical infrastructure, and installation labor cost. Houses designed to be expanded might have part of the electrical infrastructure in place, only requiring 240V electrical wiring going from the service panel to the installation place.

Commercial Level 2 EV charging stations require higher budgets, since the cost to install level 2 charger has to factor in a high amperage exclusive electrical infrastructure, equipment and installation labor cost, soft costs, and payments for the software.

To summarize, the cost for residential and commercial level 2 charging stations include the following:

1. Residential Level 2 EV charger:

• Electrical infrastructure (dedicated 220V electrical wiring and outlet).
• Equipment.
• Installation.

2. Commercial Level 2 EV charger:

• Electrical infrastructure (High-amp circuit breaker, protection system, wiring, installation)
• Equipment.
• Installation.
• Soft costs.
• Software.

Level 2 Charger Equipment Cost

A level 2 charging station cost varies depending on the rated power of the equipment and its additional features. Residential chargers include low and mid-power rates, while commercial Level 2 EV chargers feature mid to high power rates. Depending on the rated power and additional features of the equipment, the level 2 charger cost varies between $400 and $6,500.

Level 2 Charger Installation Cost

The residential cost to install level 2 chargers can be relatively cheap or highly expensive, depending on several factors:

• The proximity of the service panel to the installation site.
• Obstructions between service panel and installation site (walls, concrete floor, and others).
• Rated power of the service panel (60, 100, or 200 amps).
• Power rate demand for the EV charger.
• Main panel upgrade requirements.
• Trenching costs.
• Permits for the installation.
• Additional costs (varying per state).

Considering these factors, level 2 charger costs for residential applications can cost anywhere from $770 to a little more than $1,800.

Commercial Level 2 EV chargers have to consider the previously mentioned costs, but also require extra expenses. The electrical infrastructure requires a high amp circuit breaker, a power protection system, wiring, and labor costs. The overall cost to install level 2 chargers on a commercial level, goes from $600 up to $12,700.

Commercial installations involve additional costs that should be factored into the budget:

• Soft costs (An additional 5% added to the installation cost)
• Software (Around $300 for data and network services)

The Bottom Line

Level 2 EV chargers can fully charge an empty EV battery in just a couple of hours, being suited for installations in residential and commercial properties. When creating a budget to estimate the level 2 charger cost, you should factor in every aspect involved in the process like the electrical infrastructure, equipment, and labor cost. Commercial EV chargers also have to consider soft costs and software expenses. Considering all of these will allow you to truly estimate the cost to install level 2 chargers.

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