How Much Does It Cost to Run a Electric Car Charger (Level 1)?
A typical Electric Car Charger (Level 1) uses 1440W and runs about 8 hours/day. At the national average rate of 16.72¢/kWh, that costs approximately $57.78/month.
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What Affects the Cost of Running a Electric Car Charger (Level 1)
Level 1 Is Slow but Costs the Same Per kWh as Level 2
Level 1 charging (standard 120V outlet) delivers 1.2-1.4 kW. Level 2 (240V circuit) delivers 3.6-11.5 kW. Both cost the same per kWh of electricity delivered to the car. The difference is speed: Level 1 adds 3-5 miles of range per hour, while Level 2 adds 15-40 miles. You pay the same total for a full charge; Level 1 just takes 3-5x longer.
Level 1 Is Sufficient for Most Daily Commuters
If your daily commute is under 40 miles, Level 1 charging overnight (10 hours) adds 30-50 miles of range, more than enough to replace what you used. For daily commuters with short-to-moderate drives, Level 1 eliminates the need for a $500-$2,000 Level 2 installation. The electricity cost is identical either way.
Electric Car Charger (Level 1) vs. Alternatives
How the monthly cost of a Electric Car Charger (Level 1) compares to other options:
| Alternative | Est. Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electric Car Charger (Level 1) (this page) | $57.78 | At national average rate, 8hrs/day |
| Level 2 charger (home) | Same per kWh | 3-5x faster. Same electricity cost. $500-$2,000 installation cost. |
| DC fast charging (public) | ~$0.30-0.60/kWh | 2-3x the cost of home electricity. Use only when away from home. |
| Gasoline (equivalent miles) | ~$100-200 | 3-5x more expensive per mile than home electricity in most states. |
| Free workplace charging | $0 | Many employers offer free Level 2 charging. Check with your workplace. |
Electric Car Charger (Level 1) Cost by State
What a Electric Car Charger (Level 1) costs to run at 1440W for 8 hours/day in every state:
| State | Rate | Monthly Cost | Yearly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 14.82¢ | $51.22 | $614.62 |
| Alaska | 25.34¢ | $87.58 | $1050.9 |
| Arizona | 13.81¢ | $47.73 | $572.73 |
| Arkansas | 12.63¢ | $43.65 | $523.79 |
| California | 31.41¢ | $108.55 | $1302.64 |
| Colorado | 15.24¢ | $52.67 | $632.03 |
| Connecticut | 29.35¢ | $101.43 | $1217.2 |
| Delaware | 15.24¢ | $52.67 | $632.03 |
| District of Columbia | 15.87¢ | $54.85 | $658.16 |
| Florida | 15.63¢ | $54.02 | $648.21 |
| Georgia | 14.12¢ | $48.8 | $585.58 |
| Hawaii | 43.21¢ | $149.33 | $1792.01 |
| Idaho | 10.87¢ | $37.57 | $450.8 |
| Illinois | 16.37¢ | $56.57 | $678.9 |
| Indiana | 15.12¢ | $52.25 | $627.06 |
| Iowa | 14.23¢ | $49.18 | $590.15 |
| Kansas | 14.98¢ | $51.77 | $621.25 |
| Kentucky | 12.87¢ | $44.48 | $533.74 |
| Louisiana | 11.98¢ | $41.4 | $496.83 |
| Maine | 22.87¢ | $79.04 | $948.46 |
| Maryland | 16.12¢ | $55.71 | $668.53 |
| Massachusetts | 28.76¢ | $99.39 | $1192.73 |
| Michigan | 18.76¢ | $64.83 | $778.01 |
| Minnesota | 15.34¢ | $53.02 | $636.18 |
| Mississippi | 13.76¢ | $47.55 | $570.65 |
| Missouri | 13.12¢ | $45.34 | $544.11 |
| Montana | 12.45¢ | $43.03 | $516.33 |
| Nebraska | 11.98¢ | $41.4 | $496.83 |
| Nevada | 15.03¢ | $51.94 | $623.32 |
| New Hampshire | 25.34¢ | $87.58 | $1050.9 |
| New Jersey | 18.76¢ | $64.83 | $778.01 |
| New Mexico | 14.87¢ | $51.39 | $616.69 |
| New York | 22.87¢ | $79.04 | $948.46 |
| North Carolina | 13.98¢ | $48.31 | $579.78 |
| North Dakota | 11.87¢ | $41.02 | $492.27 |
| Ohio | 15.34¢ | $53.02 | $636.18 |
| Oklahoma | 11.98¢ | $41.4 | $496.83 |
| Oregon | 13.12¢ | $45.34 | $544.11 |
| Pennsylvania | 16.87¢ | $58.3 | $699.63 |
| Rhode Island | 27.12¢ | $93.73 | $1124.72 |
| South Carolina | 14.98¢ | $51.77 | $621.25 |
| South Dakota | 13.76¢ | $47.55 | $570.65 |
| Tennessee | 12.87¢ | $44.48 | $533.74 |
| Texas | 14.98¢ | $51.77 | $621.25 |
| Utah | 10.87¢ | $37.57 | $450.8 |
| Vermont | 21.34¢ | $73.75 | $885.01 |
| Virginia | 15.34¢ | $53.02 | $636.18 |
| Washington | 10.76¢ | $37.19 | $446.24 |
| West Virginia | 13.12¢ | $45.34 | $544.11 |
| Wisconsin | 16.98¢ | $58.68 | $704.19 |
| Wyoming | 11.23¢ | $38.81 | $465.73 |
Energy-Saving Tips for Your Electric Car Charger (Level 1)
- Level 1 adds about 3-5 miles of range per hour of charging
- Charge overnight to take advantage of off-peak rates
- Level 1 is sufficient for most daily commutes under 40 miles
- The charger itself is typically included free with the car
Frequently Asked Questions
At the national average rate, charging 30 miles of range per night (about 10 kWh) costs roughly $1.67/day or $50/month. The equivalent gasoline for 30 miles/day costs $120-$150/month (at $3.50/gallon, 25 MPG). Home EV charging saves $70-100/month compared to gasoline even at average electricity rates.
For daily commuters driving under 40 miles/day, Level 1 is perfectly adequate. Plug in when you get home, unplug in the morning, and you have a full day's range. Level 1 is insufficient if you drive 60+ miles/day, need to charge multiple vehicles, or need a quick top-up for an unexpected trip. In those cases, Level 2 is worth the installation cost.
Yes. Level 1 charging uses a standard 120V, 15-20A household outlet. The charger (EVSE) that comes with most EVs plugs directly into any grounded outlet. No special wiring or installation is needed. Just make sure the outlet is on a dedicated circuit (not shared with other high-draw appliances) and is in good condition.
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Electricity cost estimates are based on typical wattage and average residential rates from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Your actual costs may vary based on your appliance's specific wattage, usage patterns, and your utility's rate structure. See our full disclaimer.