Can You Charge an Electric Vehicle at Home with a 120V Outlet?

You can charge your electric vehicle at home with a 120V outlet, your normal (standard) wall outlet and a Level 1 EV charger, but there are a few important considerations to take into account.

While the convenience of plugging into a normal household outlet (a 120V outlet) is appealing, the limitations often outweigh the benefits for EV drivers who prioritize fast charging and long-term battery performance.

The Level 1 EV charger can be a practical charging solution for low-mileage drivers or those just starting their EV journey. Still, it isn’t practical for those with long commutes, and in many cases, even the "average" driver.

In this guide, we'll break down charging speeds, outlet types, costs, and upgraded options for EV charging. If you’re just starting your EV journey or wondering if your home setup will provide the best charging experience, this guide will help you decide if sticking with a 120V outlet to charge your EV is enough, or if upgrading to level 2 at home charging is the best option.

EV Charging with a 120V Outlet

A 120V outlet is one we all see and use everyday. It’s the same outlet you use in your home when you plug in your toaster, lamps, and small appliances, to name a few. And, as remarkable as it might seem, your electric vehicle can use the same outlet. In fact, nearly every electric vehicle comes with a charging cable designed to plug right into your normal 120V home outlet.

This cable and charging method, known as Level 1 charging, works with most standard 120V outlets and comes standard with most electric vehicles at purchase. No fancy equipment or an electrician is required. You simply plug one end into your car and the other into a regular household outlet.

The downside is it is slow — there’s no way around that — but it works.

How a Level 1 EV Charger Works

Level 1 EV charging is simple. You plug in your EV and wait for the battery to charge, which can be frustrating for drivers who need a fast charge. On average, you’ll get about 3 to 5 miles of driving range per hour of charging from a Level 1 EV charger. That means if your battery is empty and your car has a 250-mile range, it could take 40 to 80 hours to recharge using a standard household plug entirely.

Most people do not drive until their EV batteries reach 0%, so when it comes charging, it is more about the various degrees of topping off.

For example, if you drive 30 miles daily and plug in overnight, Level 1 EV charging might work well for your lifestyle. But if you need faster turnaround, or you are driving more miles on average each day, you’ll quickly hit the limits of what a 120V outlet can offer.

Pros and Cons of Charging with a Level 1 Charger

There are pros and cons to charging with a Level 1 EV charger using a standard 120V outlet. Below, we break them down so you can determine what works best for you.

The Pros of Using a Level 1 EV Charger

There are many reasons to use a Level 1 EV charger, including its simplicity and costs.

• No installation required: Level 1 EV chargers work with your common 120V household outlet.
• Low Upfront Cost: You do not need to upgrade your electrical panel to accommodate the Level 1 EV charger. It’s plug-and-play and requires nothing special to work.
• Safe and Simple for Overnight Charging: If you drive less than 40 miles daily, charging your battery overnight with a Level 1 charger may just be enough to top it off for the next day.
• Ideal for Plug-In Hybrids (PHEVs): Because most PHEVs have smaller batteries, a Level 1 EV charger can fully recharge them overnight, so there's no true need for anything faster.
• No Need to Modify Your Home: The Level 1 EV charger requires no special home modifications. You don’t need to create a special place for the setup.
• Portable and Easy to Use Anywhere: The Level 1 charger is light and portable. It can be plugged in anywhere there is a standard outlet.

The Cons of Using a Level 1 EV Charger

There are also many challenges to using a Level 1 EV charging system. Below, we look into the most common:

• Very Slow Charging Speeds: The Level 1 EV charger is slow, which is the biggest downside. A Level 1 charger adds 3 to 5 miles of range per hour. If your battery is low, it could take days to recharge fully, especially if you drive a lot.
• Not Good for Daily Commuters: For daily commuters who drive more than 50 miles a day, the Level 1 EV charger won’t be able to keep up with your need to drive longer distances and maintain a charge.
• Not Good for Emergencies: If you forget to charge overnight, have an emergency, or need to head out unexpectedly, you won’t get far on an hour's charge or less.
• Ties Up an Outlet Long-Term: You’ll rely on a standard household outlet most of the time to charge your electric vehicle, which can be a problem if you also need that specific outlet (usually in your garage) for something else.

Is a Level 1 EV Charger Enough?

Level 1 EV charging may be enough for the average EV driver depending on how much you drive and how fast you need to recharge. You can charge your electric vehicle at home with a standard 120V outlet, and it will work just fine for some drivers - specifically if you have a short daily commute, don't mind slow charging, or drive a plug-in hybrid, the Level 1 EV charger will likely work for you.

When Level 1 EV Charging Is Not Enough

When level 1 EV charging is not enough, upgrading to level 2 EV charging is the most practical solution. ChargerPro specializes in quick, professional EV charger installation. Whether you are new to electric vehicles or ready to upgrade your charging setup, our locally trained and certified electricians make it easy and affordable.