How many kW is level 2 charger

Level 2 EV chargers range from about 3.8 kW to 19.2 kW. Most home chargers land between 7.2 kW and 11.5 kW. Here’s what those numbers actually mean for your charging.

The Math Behind kW

Kilowatts = volts × amps ÷ 1000. A Level 2 charger runs on 240 volts. So:

• 32 amps × 240V = 7,680W = 7.7 kW
• 40 amps × 240V = 9,600W = 9.6 kW
• 48 amps × 240V = 11,520W = 11.5 kW

Most home chargers max out at 40-48 amps because that’s what typical residential electrical systems can handle without major upgrades.

What kW Means for Charging Speed

EVs get roughly 3-4 miles of range per kWh of battery. So a 7.7 kW charger adds about 25-30 miles of range per hour. An 11.5 kW charger adds about 35-45 miles per hour.

Real-world example: A Tesla Model 3 Long Range with a 75 kWh battery, completely empty:

• At 7.7 kW: ~10 hours to full
• At 11.5 kW: ~6.5 hours to full

Since most people don’t drain their battery completely and charge overnight (8+ hours available), even a 7.7 kW charger handles daily driving easily.

Your Car Limits the Speed

Important detail: your car has an onboard charger that limits how fast it can accept AC power. A Nissan Leaf has a 6.6 kW onboard charger. Even if you plug it into an 11.5 kW home charger, it’ll only charge at 6.6 kW.

Most EVs have 7.2-11 kW onboard chargers. Some (like certain Tesla models) can accept up to 11.5 kW. Check your car’s specs before buying the most expensive high-amperage charger.

Typical Home Installations

32-amp circuit (7.7 kW): Adequate for most EVs and most driving patterns. Requires a 40-amp breaker (circuits are sized at 125% of continuous load).

40-amp circuit (9.6 kW): A common sweet spot. Requires a 50-amp breaker. Works with ChargePoint Home Flex, JuiceBox 40, and similar units.

48-amp circuit (11.5 kW): Maximum for most residential setups. Requires a 60-amp breaker and heavier wiring. Only worthwhile if your car can actually use the extra power.

Bottom Line

For most Pacific Northwest EV owners, a 32-40 amp charger (7.7-9.6 kW) handles daily driving with overnight charging. Unless you have a very large battery and drive it empty regularly, you don’t need the fastest possible home charger.