Do I need a special charger for a Plug-In Hybrid?

Plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) are a good choice for drivers who want to reduce their emissions but aren’t ready for a fully electric vehicle. American drivers average 30 miles per day, according to AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, and most plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) can handle 40+ miles on electric power alone. That means you could potentially drive to work, run errands, and get home without burning a drop of gas.

You’ll enjoy the financial benefits, too; you’ll spend less money on gas and may be eligible for state and local incentives and rebates for driving electric.

Many people switching to a plug-in hybrid wonder, “Do I need to install an electric vehicle charger at home?” The short answer is no—your plug-in hybrid will likely work just fine with what you have. But depending on your driving habits and future plans, upgrading your charging setup might be worth considering.

Most PHEVs come packaged with a Level 1 charging cord in the trunk, which is the simplest and cheapest way to charge at home. In fact, many drivers find a Level 1 charger is all they need.

As a rule of thumb, Level 1 chargers can add 3 or 4 miles of driving range for every hour they're plugged in, allowing a full battery recharge in 12 hours or less. Even if you've drained your battery by the end of the day, you can plug it in before you go to bed and it should be ready to go in the morning.

If you occasionally want to charge faster than a Level 1 plug but aren't ready to install a Level 2 charger in your home, remember you can use public charging stations for a quick boost. Many shopping centers, restaurants, and government buildings (like libraries) have Level 2 charging stations. Note: PHEVs generally aren't compatible with the really speedy Level 3 chargers.

A quick heads-up about Level 1 charging

Depending on how your home’s electrical system is set up, you’ll want to pay attention to where you plug in your Level 1 charger. That super convenient outlet in your garage or driveway might share a circuit with other things in your house.

Level 1 setup is easy—almost too easy—and if your charger shares a circuit with big appliances (like a fridge), you could overload it and trip the breaker. It’s usually not an issue if you’re using a dedicated outdoor outlet, but it’s worth double-checking before you plug in.

A Level 2 charger is the gold standard for charging an EV at home, but for PHEVs, it’s more of a nice-to-have than a must-have. With a typical 32-amp Level 2 charger, you can fully charge most PHEVs in under two hours, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.

If you ever upgrade to a fully electric vehicle (and many PHEV owners eventually do), you’ll be glad you already have Level 2 charging in place. It’s especially handy if you plan to charge two EVs at home. Once your setup is ready, you won’t need to redo the wiring later.

That faster charging does come with a bit more effort and upfront cost. Unlike a Level 1 charger—which just plugs into a standard outlet—a Level 2 charger usually requires an experienced electrician to install a dedicated 240-volt circuit (similar to what powers an electric dryer). In some cases, you might also need an electrical panel upgrade.

According to Qmerit, a leading EV charger installation company, the average cost for a Level 2 installation is about $2,448, including both the equipment and professional labor. Your exact cost will depend on your home’s electrical setup, how far your charger is from the main panel, and whether any panel upgrades are needed.