How Many AMPs Should an EV Charger Have?
Learn more about amps as it relates to charging EVs and how many amps you should consider in a level 2 EV charger to ensure the safest, fastest, and most reliable charging experience both now and in the future as EVs evolve.
EV owners hear a lot about “amps” and how they can speed up charging. More amps generally mean a faster charge — but not every EV can take advantage of higher amperage, and not every home’s electrical panel can handle it.
Amperage matters most when charging overnight with a Level 2 home EV charger. Level 2 chargers — the optimal choice for overnight home charging — run between 40 and 48 amps, offering fast, reliable speeds for daily use. But is that always the best fit?
This guide explains what those ‘amps’ mean, how to determine the number of amps that work for your vehicle, and how to future-proof your EV charging station.
What Does “Amps” Mean for an EV Charger?
Think of amperage as the speed of electricity through the circuit — the higher it is, the more power your charger can supply to your car.
Most residential Level 2 chargers range from 16 to 48 amps.
- 40–48 amps is today’s standard for new EVs — a good balance of speed and compatibility.
- If your car’s onboard charger maxes out at 32 amps, installing a 48-amp charger will not speed things up — the car will still draw only 32 amps.
- If your car supports 48 amps, upgrading from 32 amps can shorten charging time, as long as your electrical panel can handle it.
The “right” number isn’t always the biggest. It’s the one that fits your car, your driving habits, and your home’s capacity.
How Amps Affect Charging Speed and Why 40–48 Amps Is the New Norm
Amperage plays a big role in how quickly your EV charges at home. In simple terms, more amps generally mean more miles of range added per hour. The catch? Not all EVs can handle the highest amperage levels — as shown in the table below, each model has its limit.
While DC fast charging pushes electrical current directly into your battery for rapid refills, a high-amp Level 2 EV charger at home offers a slower charge. Still, it is far more convenient for daily use.
Choosing the Right Amp Level for Your Needs
No one-size-fits-all answer to the “how many amps” question, which depends on your driving habits, vehicle, and your home’s electrical setup. Follow these guidelines.
- 32–40 amps are ideal for most EV owners. They are fast enough to recharge overnight and work with most EVs.
- 48 amps is a better choice to future-proof your setup for larger batteries or multiple EVs in the household.
- 16–24 amps are best for plug-in hybrids, light daily driving, or limited panel capacity.
If you’re unsure, start by looking at your EV’s maximum onboard charging capacity — there’s no benefit to installing a higher-amp charger than your car can accept. From there, consider how much driving you do each day and how quickly you want to replenish that range.
ChargerPro can help match you with the perfect charger so you’re not overpaying for speed you won’t use — or undercharging your potential for faster refills.
The Role of Your Electrical Panel For Most Electric Vehicles
Your home’s electrical panel is the traffic controller for all the power flowing through your house. Every circuit — from your lights to your oven — draws power from that panel, which has a maximum load it can safely handle; otherwise, you might trip the circuit breaker.
Most newer homes have a 200-amp panel, which is usually enough to support a 40- or even 48-amp Level 2 charger without any upgrades. Installing a charger is straightforward in these cases: a dedicated 240-volt circuit is added, and you’re ready.
If you have a 100-amp panel, you may have to upgrade to 200 amps. Adding a high-amp charger could push the panel past its safe capacity if you don't.
Future-Proofing Your EV Charging Station For Fast Charging
Electric vehicle technology is evolving quickly, and the next car you buy could have a larger battery or higher onboard charging capacity. Installing the proper wiring and breaker now can save you the time and cost of an upgrade later.
For example, a homeowner who installs a 32-amp charger today might find it perfectly adequate for a plug-in hybrid or first-generation EV. But if they upgrade to a newer long-range model in a few years, they may wish to charge at 48 amps. In that case, they’d be paying twice for electrical work — once now, and again for the upgrade.
Future-proofing doesn’t always mean going with the highest-amp charger available — it can be as simple as running a larger gauge wire and installing a breaker that can handle more load, even if you start with a lower-amp charger. This approach lets you swap in a higher-powered unit later without redoing the electrical work.
ChargerPro can help design your installation with that flexibility in mind, so you’re ready for the EV you have today — and the one you might own tomorrow.
Max Out Your EV’s Charging Potential With ChargerPro
The key to a faster charge is understanding how amps work relative to EV chargers and your electric vehicle. In this article, we’ve learned how amperage is defined for Level 2 EV chargers and how they apply to your EV. Choosing the right EV charging equipment will increase your charging speeds while decreasing downtime.
ChargerPro installs all level 2 chargers to work with any car brand. Popular choices from our customers typically include the Emporia Level 2 Charger and the Tesla Universal Wall Connector, both of which are 48 amps and easily future-proof any plans for a larger battery or a new EV that can handle a 48-amp charge.
If you have further questions about how amps work and whether your EV can benefit from them, start a live chat with us and get answers. If you’re ready for a Level 2 home EV charger, you can book an installation appointment online or get an instant quote so you can start charging up faster and out on the road safely and securely.
