Level 1 uses a standard 120V wall outlet. Level 2 uses a dedicated 240V circuit, like your dryer. Level 2 charges 5 to 8 times faster. For most Courtice homeowners, Level 2 is the right call, but Level 1 works if your daily driving is short and predictable.
Here is what you need to know to make the decision.
What Level 1 and Level 2 Mean
Level 1 is a standard 120V outlet. No installation required. You plug in using the cord that comes with the car.
Level 2 runs on 240V and requires a dedicated circuit, proper wiring, and a licensed electrician to install it. The wall-mounted unit (called an EVSE) is what you see in most garages.
Charging Speed Comparison
Level 1 adds roughly 6 to 8 km of range per hour. A 10-hour overnight charge gives you 60 to 80 km.
Level 2 adds roughly 30 to 50 km of range per hour. Most EVs go from near-empty to full in one overnight charge.
| Vehicle | Approx. Range | Level 1 Full Charge | Level 2 Full Charge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Model 3 (Standard) | 490 km | 60-70 hours | 8-10 hours |
| Chevy Equinox EV | 480 km | 60-70 hours | 7-9 hours |
| Ford F-150 Lightning (Std.) | 370 km | 45-55 hours | 8-10 hours |
| Hyundai Ioniq 6 | 500 km | 60-75 hours | 6-8 hours |
A full charge from empty on Level 1 takes two to three days. Most people underestimate this until they live with it.
When Level 1 Is Enough
Level 1 works if you:
- Drive fewer than 60 km per day
- Are home for 10 or more hours overnight consistently
- Use the EV as a second vehicle for short local trips
If your driving is predictable and light, Level 1 replenishes enough range overnight to cover the next day. No installation, no cost.
When Level 1 Becomes a Problem
Level 1 leaves no margin for anything off-routine. You forget to plug in one night, take a longer drive on the weekend, or come home later than usual – and now you are spending the next day or two recovering range.
If you drive more than 60 to 80 km regularly, have a variable schedule, or this is your primary vehicle, Level 1 will create frustration quickly. Level 2 solves all of that with a single installation.
What a Level 2 Installation Involves
1. Panel assessment. Before anything else, an electrician checks whether your electrical panel has capacity for a 240V, 40 to 50 amp dedicated circuit. Many older Courtice and Oshawa homes run 100-amp service, which can be near capacity depending on what else is on the panel. Some homes need an electrical inspection first to see the full picture.
2. Dedicated circuit. Your EV charger needs its own breaker and wiring. It cannot share a circuit. Wire gauge, breaker size, and run length all factor into the installation.
3. The charger unit (EVSE). The wall-mounted unit your car plugs into. You can supply your own or have one recommended based on your vehicle.
4. Permit and ESA inspection. Required by law in Ontario – not optional. All electrical work must be permitted and inspected by the Electrical Safety Authority. This protects your home and your insurance coverage. For more detail on what Ontario law requires, see our post on DIY electrical work.
Check Your Panel Before You Book Anything
This is the step people skip and then regret.
If your home runs on 100-amp service and the panel is already carrying a heat pump, electric stove, dryer, and baseboard heaters, there may not be room for a 40 to 50 amp EV circuit without an upgrade.
An upgrade to 200-amp service is the modern standard for homes with significant electrical load. It handles the EV charger and gives you room for anything else you add later.
If your panel is a Federal Pacific or Zinsco, that needs to be addressed regardless of the EV charger. These panels carry documented safety risks that go beyond capacity.
Summary
| Level 1 | Level 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Voltage | 120V | 240V |
| Installation required | No | Yes |
| Range added per hour | 6-8 km | 30-50 km |
| Good for | Light, predictable driving | Most homeowners |
| Full charge time | 2-3 days | Overnight |
Level 1 is free to start and works in specific situations. Level 2 is a one-time installation that makes EV ownership practical for most people.
If you are not sure whether your panel can support a Level 2 installation, contact us for an assessment. We serve Courtice, Oshawa, Whitby, Bowmanville, Ajax, and the rest of Durham Region.
