Level 1 charging is electric-vehicle charging from a 120-volt AC supply in the common U.S. setup. A portable charging cord connects a suitable household outlet to the car, whose onboard charger converts the incoming AC power into DC for the battery. The U.S. Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) estimates roughly 2 to 5 miles of range per charging hour, but the actual rate varies by vehicle and electrical setup.
What Level 1 charging means
In U.S. consumer charging terminology, Level 1 uses a 120 V AC plug. The cordset—also called EVSE, or electric vehicle supply equipment—delivers AC power to the vehicle; the car’s onboard charger converts it to DC for the battery. The AFDC describes Level 1 as charging through a 120-volt AC plug.
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A common U.S. portable cordset has a NEMA 5-15 household plug at the wall and an SAE J1772 connector at the vehicle. Connector arrangements vary, so check the vehicle’s inlet and manufacturer instructions rather than assuming every car uses the same connection. AFDC guidance covers charging at home, work, and public locations.
How fast is Level 1 charging?
AFDC gives a general estimate of about 2 to 5 miles of driving range added per hour. Its station information also cites approximately 5 miles per hour under an assumption of 1.9 kW. These are approximate figures, not guaranteed rates for a particular car or outlet. AFDC explains the charging levels and their typical rates.
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- LEVEL 1 CHARGING - The Lectron Level 1 Charger lets you quickly charge your EV with a standard 120V outlet; You get 15 amps and 1.65 kW of power for the standard full-charge time for your car, at home or at wor
- CONVENIENT OVERNIGHT CHARGING - The Lectron 15 Amp EV Charger is a more affordable and faster charging option compared to other Level 2 EV chargers, delivering an extra 40-50 miles of overnight charge at home — without breaking the bank
- J1772 COMPATIBILITY - This J1772 charger is compatible with all electric vehicles that use the J1772 standard, including BMW, Ford, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Porsche, Nissan, and Chevy
- SAFE AND RELIABLE - FCC and ETL certified (UL2594 standard) for safety with overvoltage, overcurrent, and short circuit protection; Energy Star certified for efficiency; IP65 rated for dust and water resistance
- PORTABLE CONVENIENCE - Whether you're on a road trip or visiting a friend, you can easily plug in your EV and charge with our portable EV charger. Please refer to the included User Manual for complete operating instructions and compatibility requirements
Charging time depends on several factors:
- How depleted the battery is: the starting state of charge affects how much energy needs to be replenished.
- Battery capacity and type: a larger battery generally takes longer to fill than a smaller one under similar conditions.
- Vehicle equipment: the onboard charger’s capacity and the EVSE’s available power affect the rate.
- Electrical service: the circuit and supply available at the outlet constrain what the vehicle can draw.
When a 120 V outlet can be enough
Level 1 can be useful where a suitable outlet is available at home or work and the vehicle stays parked for many hours. AFDC says it can charge a smaller plug-in hybrid (PHEV), or a partially depleted all-electric vehicle, overnight. That does not mean every EV can recharge from empty overnight: the result depends on the battery, the energy needed, and the charging rate. AFDC discusses overnight charging and home and workplace charging options.
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- Road-Trip Ready & Apartment-Friendly: Comes with a 20ft heavy-duty cable that easily spans a standard parking space, plus a NEMA 5-15 adapter for plug and play convenience. Whether you're charging at home or hitting the highway, this portable EV Charger is your ultimate travel companion for weekend getaways and camping trips
- Delay Timer & Adjustable Current: Use the built-in timer to delay your start by 1-12 hours and easily harvest off-peak energy savings. Then pick from 6/8/10/12/16A (Level 2) to match your garage grid. It automatically locks in your favorite setting and never forces you to re-adjust. No complicated apps or Wi-Fi needed, just straightforward, reliable control
- Tactile Buttons & LED Screen: No glitchy smartphone apps or finicky touchscreens that lag, freeze, and misfire in winter. Our EV charger is engineered with a high-definition LED display that tracks critical real-time data, including live voltage and current. Tactile buttons deliver direct, satisfying click feedback that remains highly responsive even when wearing heavy winter gloves or operating in torrential downpours—conditions where standard touchscreens completely fail
- ETL Certified Safety & IP65 All-Weather Shield: ETL certified to meet US safety standards for charging. Engineered with a certified IP65 dust-and-waterproof enclosure and a heavy-duty TPE cable that operates reliably across a wide -22°F to 130°F range. An intelligent multi-protection defense system (GFCI, over-voltage, over-current, surge, short-circuit, and over-temp) keeps a 24/7 watch for 100% safe, unattended overnight charging in any weather
- J1772 Compatible + Dual-Level Charging: Works with all J1772 EVs (Tesla requires a separate J1772 adapter). Level 2: built-in NEMA 6-20 plug. Level 1: included NEMA 5-15 adapter fits any standard outlet. Please confirm your outlet is NEMA 6-20 or 5-15 before purchase
For a driver who adds modest daily mileage and can leave the vehicle plugged in regularly, the slow rate may fit the routine. If the car must recover a large amount of range during a short stop, Level 1 may not provide enough energy in time.
Level 1 compared with Level 2
| Factor | Level 1 | Level 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Typical U.S. supply | 120 V AC | 208 or 240 V service |
| AFDC range-rate estimate | About 2 to 5 miles per hour | About 10 to 30 miles per hour |
| Practical fit | Long parking periods and lower charging needs | More range needed in less time |
| Planning | Verify outlet, circuit, cordset, and local requirements | Check compatible equipment, available service, and installation needs |
Rates are broad estimates; the vehicle and equipment affect both levels. AFDC provides the Level 1 and Level 2 rate ranges. Choosing between them depends on the range you need between parking periods, how long the car is typically parked, the vehicle’s compatibility, and what the home’s electrical service can support.
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- Flex Level 1 EV Charger - The EVDANCE Level 1 electric car charger is compatible with J1772 electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid vehicles (North American Standard). *Tesla requires a SAE J1772 adapter.
- Convenient to Use - This charger has both NEMA 6-20 plug for 16A 240V charging (3.68kW, 10-12 mi/h) and a NEMA 6-20 to 5-15 plug adapter for 12A 120V charging (1.44kW, 2-5 mi/h). The included bag makes it easier to carry on the go. It also has a 25ft cable length, you can use it flexibly from anywhere in the garage or driveway.
- Check Your Outlet Type -This charger works with standard 120V NEMA 5-15/5-20 outlets (2-5 mph charging speed) and 240V NEMA 6-20 outlets (10-12 mph) . It's not compatible with NEMA 6-15/10-30/14-30/14-50/6-50 outlets – you'll need a NEMA 14-50/14-30/10-30/6-50 to 6-20 adapter (sold separately) to connect.
- Compatible EV Models -This EV charger works with most major electric vehicles, including Ford, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Audi, Nissan Ariya, Rivian R1S, Kia, and others. However, it's not compatible with Mini Cooper Electric Hardtop,Toyota Prus Prime/Z4X/RAV4Prime, Porsche Taycan Base/4S/Turbo/Turbo S or Tesla models (Tesla requires a J1772 to Tesla Adapter, sold separately). For a full list of compatible models, check out the Full Compatibility List on our product page.
- Indication Displays - LED display that can tell you the status as well as indicate errors while charging your electric vehicle.
Outlet and circuit safety
A household outlet should not be treated as automatically suitable just because the plug fits. The consumer handbook says Level 1 EVSE requires a dedicated branch circuit under the National Electrical Code. AFDC also advises checking with a utility and electrical contractor about home-charging estimates and following applicable codes and regulations. Read the AFDC Plug-In Electric Vehicle Handbook for Consumers.
- Follow the vehicle and EVSE manufacturers’ instructions for the cordset, outlet, and charging conditions.
- Have a qualified local electrician assess circuit suitability when needed; requirements can depend on the installation and jurisdiction.
- Do not improvise with adapters or extension cords unless the equipment manufacturer and applicable local requirements explicitly support that configuration.
Do you need to buy a Level 1 charging cord?
Many EVs include a portable Level 1 cordset, so check the vehicle’s included equipment before shopping. If you need a replacement or a cord for a particular outlet, confirm the vehicle connector, wall-plug configuration, electrical rating, and manufacturer guidance. The cord must be compatible with both the vehicle and the electrical supply.
Rank #4
- Universal J1772 Compatibility: Designed with a standard J1772 connector, this J1772 charger works with most J1772 electric vehicles and PHEVs, including BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, Rivian, Ford, Chevy, Volkswagen, Toyota and more. Note: Tesla vehicles require a J1772 to Tesla adapter (not included)
- Flexible Outlet Compatibility: This portable EV charger comes with a NEMA 6-20 plug and a NEMA 5-15/5-20 to 6-20 adapter. Supports Level 1 (8–12A) and Level 2 (16A). Max 12A (1.44kW) on 120V NEMA 5-15/5-20 outlets, and full 16A (3.84kW) with a 240V NEMA 6-20 outlet. One charger is designed to cover home, garage, and travel charging needs with reliable performance
- Adjustable Smart Charging Control: Customize charging safely with adjustable current settings (8A/10A/12A/16A) to match different circuits. The 0–12 hour delay timer helps schedule overnight charging during lower electricity rates. Integrated LCD display shows real-time voltage, current, power, and charging status for clear monitoring without apps. Note: Press 'A' or 'T' for 3s to set and confirm.
- Home Charging & Travel Backup: For daily home use while remaining fully portable for travel. This level 1 ev charger includes a durable 25FT ev charging cord, providing flexible reach for garage or driveway charging. Charge overnight to take advantage of lower utility rates—potentially saving up to $500 annually on electricity costs. The included carrying case makes storage easy and keeps a dependable backup charger available in your trunk for road trips or visiting friends
- Engineered For Safety & Durability: Built for dependable daily use, this electric car charger features an IP65 waterproof rating for all weather operation. Equipped with a UL-listed cable, fully rubberized connector, and advanced protection against overcurrent, overheating, and electrical faults. Designed to ensure safe, stable, and long-term charging performance in demanding environments
How common is Level 1 at public charging locations?
In 2023, less than 1% of public EV charging ports in the United States were Level 1, according to AFDC. This figure describes public ports in the U.S.; it does not measure how often drivers use Level 1 charging at home. AFDC’s charging-station page reports the public-port statistic.
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- SAE J1772 Standard Charger: Compatible with all North American electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids, including Ford, Chevrolet, Nissan, BMW, Volkswagen, Hyundai, Kia, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Rivian, Porsche, Toyota, Honda, Jeep, and GMC. Tesla vehicles can be charged with a separate SAE J1772 adapter (sold separately).
- Adjustable Current: Choose from 8A, 10A, 13A, or 16A to match your vehicle’s charging needs.Dual Plug Compatibility,NEMA 6-20 Plug (220/240V): Delivers up to 3.84 kW/h, providing approximately 15.36 MPH charging speed at 16A.NEMA 5-15 Plug (110/120V): Supports 10A charging at 120V, offering 1.2 kW/h (around 4.4 MPH). Customizable Charging: Easily adjust current to suit different charging scenarios, giving you maximum flexibility at home or on the go
- Hassle-Free Installation: Forget complicated setups—just plug in and go. Equipped with NEMA 5-15 and NEMA 6-20 (220V/240V) connectors, it works with any standard 110V–240V outlet. The 25-foot cable gives you the freedom to reach vehicles parked at a distance, making charging convenient anywhere.
- Intelligent Charging: Featuring a 2.8-inch touch display, you can easily select the charging current (8A / 10A / 13A / 16A) and schedule charging with a 1–12 hour delayed start. Perfect for maximizing off-peak hours and cutting electricity costs. (Example: Set a 2-hour delay, and charging begins automatically after 2 hours.)
- Comprehensive Safety: Designed to meet CE and FCC safety standards, this charger offers multiple layers of protection, including overvoltage, overload, short-circuit, grounding, and leakage safeguards. The durable IP65-rated waterproof housing and reinforced cable ensure reliable charging in all weather conditions, keeping your vehicle safe year-round.
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