Level 1 charging operates on 120 volts, which is the typical household voltage. All plug-in EV manufacturers produce vehicles that can plug into a standard 120-volt outlet.<br /> <br /> <ul> <li>Level 1 charging equipment - the plug, box and cord - is portable and comes with the vehicle. </li> <li>Charging at this level provides the smallest amount of power (roughly equivalent to a 1,500-watt hair dryer) and results in the longest charging times.</li> <li>There is no additional cost to the consumer other than making a 20-amp circuit and wall socket accessible to the car for charging.</li> </ul>

Level 2 charging operates on 240 volts and requires a separately installed charging station. Level 2 charging is generally preferred because the vehicle charges more quickly.<br /> <br /> <ul> <li>The power drawn at this level exceeds two 1,500-watt hair dryers operating at the same time. </li> <li>Installing a Level 2 charging station may require the customer to upgrade electric service at the home or workplace.</li> <li>Costs for purchasing and installing a Level 2 charging station at home can range from $1,500 to $3,000, depending on the work required. Costs for purchasing and installing larger versions at a workplace can range from $5,000 to $15,000 per charging station.</li> </ul>

Level 3 charging (or fast charging) is intended for commercial and public charging locations. It is the electric version of a local gas station. It requires 480-volt service, rarely found in homes.<br /> <br /> <ul> <li>This level of charging involves significantly higher power flows and can charge a vehicle battery to 80% capacity within 20 to 30 minutes.</li> <li>Industry standards have not yet been developed for Level 3 charging stations, but purchase and installation costs for commercial and public locations range from $25,000 to $75,000 per charging station.</li> <li>Not all EVs come equipped to accept Level 3 charging, so it could be years before this fueling method is common in our service territory.</li> </ul>

Charging times and costs have more to do with your commute and personal driving habits than with the electric vehicle you own. For this reason, it's best to talk about these in terms of the commute miles you are looking to recover with each recharge.<br/><br/> The following table summarizes average charging times and costs per day based on various daily commute miles. Actual daily charging costs may differ based on customer classification, the time of year, and rate structure differences between Ameren Illinois and Ameren Missouri. <img src="/Environment/ElectricVehicles/PublishingImages/chargingtimesandcost.png" alt="Fueling Cost Comparison Table" />