Level 1 and Level 2 charging power
A typical 120-volt Level 1 connection may draw around 1.4 kW. Level 2 equipment commonly supplies roughly 3.3 to 11.5 kW depending on the circuit, charger, and vehicle. The car can limit power below the equipment rating.
Example: 7.2 kW for three hours
The session draws 21.6 kWh from the home. At 17¢ per kWh, it costs about $3.67. Repeating the same amount daily would cost about $110.16 over 30 days.
Charging losses and battery energy
Energy measured at the wall is usually higher than energy stored in the battery because charging electronics, battery conditioning, and temperature management consume energy. When estimating from miles or battery kWh rather than wall power, allow for charging losses.
Time-of-use rates can change the answer
Some utilities offer cheaper overnight energy or higher peak-period prices. The EIA state average is useful for comparison, but a utility's off-peak EV rate may be more accurate for scheduled home charging.
EV charging FAQ
Does a charger always draw its maximum power?
No. The vehicle, circuit, temperature, and battery state can reduce charging power.
Does this include public fast charging?
No. Public networks may charge per kWh, per minute, session, or membership. Use the posted network price instead.
Can I estimate from battery capacity?
Yes. Multiply the kWh added by your electricity rate, then increase the energy input to account for charging losses if you are starting from battery energy.