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Only driving about 150 miles a week -- is it actually worth installing a Level 2 charger, or should I just stick with the included Level 1 cord?

New EV owner here, car has around 280 miles of range and my weekly driving is pretty light, maybe 150 miles total. Been using the Level 1 cord that came with the car plugged into a regular outlet, and so far it's kept up fine overnight. Everyone online acts like a Level 2 charger is basically mandatory, but with my actual usage it feels like I might be paying $1500+ for convenience I don't really need. Is there a real downside to just staying on Level 1 long-term if the math works out, or is there some reason people end up regretting that decision once they've lived with it a while?
82 answers
2 ANSWERS
tobiasr82
@tobiasr82October 01, 2026
I've been using the included Level 1 cord for my daily commute for over a year now and haven't needed anything else. 150 a week is a little over 20 miles a day, which is only a few hours on the cord. The only issue I've had is the plug slowly working itself loose in the outlet.
hectorm_71
@hectorm_71October 06, 2026
The math works for you. The outlet is the weak link -- a builder-grade receptacle pulling 12A for 8-10 hours every night is a lot of duty cycle... most garage outlets were put in for a shop vac, not that. Feel the plug after a couple hours of charging. Warm = stop and replace it.