Home charging: what you need and what it costs
Most people plug in overnight and wake up full. Whether you need a 240-volt charger depends on how far you drive.
| Level 1 · 120 V | Level 2 · 240 V | |
|---|---|---|
| What you need | Level 1 · 120 V:Any outlet | Level 2 · 240 V:240 V circuit + charger |
| Miles added overnight (10 hrs) | Level 1 · 120 V:~25–60 (varies by car) | Level 2 · 240 V:Full for most cars |
| Install cost | Level 1 · 120 V:$0 | Level 2 · 240 V:Depends on your home — get an electrician’s quote |
| Good for | Level 1 · 120 V:Under ~40 mi/day | Level 2 · 240 V:Everyone else |
Install costs vary by home; a panel or service upgrade adds to them. Load-management devices can often avoid an upgrade — ask your electrician.
The federal home-charger credit (30C) ended June 30, 2026
Check your utility and state: Maryland, for example, rebates 50% up to $700 through May 31, 2027 (Maryland Energy Administration, checked Sep 28, 2026).
Your car’s maximum home charging speed
A charger can’t go faster than the car’s onboard charger. Examples we’ve verified:
| Car | Onboard charger | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2027 Chevrolet Bolt LT | Onboard charger:11.5 kW | Source:news.chevrolet.com |
| 2026 Tesla Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive | Onboard charger:7.7 kW | Source:tesla.com |
| 2026 Tesla Model Y Rear-Wheel Drive | Onboard charger:7.7 kW | Source:tesla.com |
Checked Sep 29, 2026