Level 2 EV charger amps: How to choose the right amperage

Most EV drivers charge at home using Level 2 chargers, which are powerful enough to fully recharge most EVs overnight, if not faster. But not all Level 2 chargers are created equally: Charging speed depends on how many amps (or kilowatts) they’re designed for.

The best-selling Level 2 EV chargers typically deliver up to 40 amps when plugged into an outlet, or up to 48 amps when hardwired. Those options work well for most drivers. That said, a slower charge might meet your needs, or you might benefit from something faster. The sweet spot of Level 2 charger amps depends on your car, your home’s electrical system, your budget, and your charging needs—here’s how to pick.

When you're shopping for a Level 2 EV charger, you'll see amperage listed as one of the key specs. But what does that actually mean for your charging experience?

Amperage (amps) measures the flow of electrical current to your vehicle. Think of it like water flowing through a pipe—more amps means more electricity flowing to your car's battery, which translates to faster charging.

Your EV charger’s amperage affects three things:

1. Charging speed: Generally, the higher the amps, the faster your car can charge. However, it may depend on your vehicle’s capabilities.

2. Installation requirements: Higher-amp chargers generally need thicker wiring and larger circuit breakers to comply with National Electrical Code requirements.

3. Cost: Both the charger and the installation typically cost more as amperage increases.

Here's the simple math behind Level 2 charger amps:

Amps × voltage = power (in watts)

Level 2 chargers use 240 volts (the same as your clothes dryer or electric stove). So a 40-amp charger delivers:

40 amps × 240 volts = 9,600 watts = 9.6 kilowatts (kW)

That 9.6 kW is your charging power.

How quickly can I recharge my EV with a level 2 charger?

Here's how different Level 2 charger amp ratings compare in real-world performance:

*Range varies by vehicle efficiency. Most EVs achieve 3-4 miles per kWh, though larger trucks and SUVs may be less efficient.

Here's something important that many EV buyers overlook: Your car's onboard charger limits how fast it can accept power, regardless of how powerful your home charger is.

Think of it this way—if your EV's onboard charger maxes out at 7.7 kW (32 amps), installing an 11.5 kW (48-amp) home charger won't make it charge any faster. The car is the bottleneck, not your charging equipment.

The two most common amperage ratings for home Level 2 EV chargers are 40 amps and 48 amps, and for good reason—they hit that sweet spot between charging speed, installation complexity and cost.

The average vehicle travels about 40 miles per day, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics—a 40- or 48-amp charger can generally replenish that range in under 2 hours. Even if you roll home at the end of the day with a mostly empty battery, you’ll still be able to recharge most EVs overnight with a 40-amp charger or higher. Most manufacturers recommend filling the battery to just 80% for most day-to-day driving, so you’ll get to that setting even quicker.

The difference between 40 vs. 48 amps

You may be wondering why some Level 2 chargers stop at 40, not 48. There's actually a regulatory reason behind this split, and it has to do with how your charger connects to your home's electrical system.

Level 2 charge times, 5% to 80% capacity, for best-selling EVs

*N/A indicates the vehicle's onboard charger cannot accept that charging rate

Even if you don't think you'll need as much speed as a 40- or 48-amp Level 2 charger can offer, or your current EV doesn't support those speeds, it's still wise to install a circuit that could support a faster EV charger in the future. The work is just as easy for the contractor, and then it'll be future-proofed if you ever decide to upgrade.

That said, plenty of slower Level 2 (240-volt, two-pole) models are available, typically at 32 amps, 24 amps, or 16 amps. There are a handful of good reasons why you might pick one:

Most hardwired Level 2 chargers top out at 48 amps. That's fast enough to completely refill most EVs in about 6 hours, and even the beefiest battery packs in less than 12.

At-home chargers that charge your car even faster are becoming more common. Several big brands now sell Level 2 chargers that can safely pump out 80 amps.

If 48 amps is good, maybe 80 amps is better? It's not always that simple. Here's what you should ask yourself before you rush into installing one:

Not sure which Level 2 charger amp rating fits your driving habits? Here's a practical way to figure it out:

Step 1: Estimate Your Daily Energy Needs

Daily miles driven ÷ vehicle efficiency = kWh needed per day

Most EVs achieve 3-4 miles per kWh. Let's say you drive 45 miles per day in a mid-size EV that gets 3.5 miles per kWh:

45 miles ÷ 3.5 miles/kWh = 12.9 kWh needed

Step 2: Calculate available charging time

How many hours is your car parked at home overnight? For most people, it's 8-12 hours. We’ll go mid-range and say you have 10 hours available.

Step 3: Determine required charging power

kWh needed ÷ charging hours = kW required

12.9 kWh ÷ 10 hours = 1.29 kW minimum

This means even a 16-amp charger (3.8 kW) would work for your daily driving needs. But it's smart to have more capacity than your minimum to account for:

• Days when you drive more than usual

• Charging inefficiency (about 10-15% energy loss)

• Cold weather (reduces efficiency)

• The occasional need to charge faster

As a general rule of thumb, only opt for slower charging (24-32 amps) if you're on a tight budget, have electrical limitations, or drive very few miles daily. And only consider faster charging (80 amps) if you own a large truck or SUV with high charging capacity and genuinely need ultra-fast home charging.

The best Level 2 charger amperage is the one that matches your driving habits, your EV's capabilities, and your home's electrical system—not necessarily the highest number available.