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Level 1 charging

Level 1 charging uses a standard 120-volt household outlet to charge an electric vehicle, adding roughly 3 to 5 miles of range per hour.

Electrical, Power, and Lighting

Why it matters

It works with any outlet but is very slow. It is practical only for plug-in hybrids or drivers with very short daily commutes.

Where people get this wrong

Level 1 does not require any special equipment. The charging cord that comes with the car plugs into a normal outlet.

Real-world example

You drive 20 miles a day. Plugging into the garage outlet overnight on Level 1 adds about 40 miles, which covers your needs.

Where this hits your build

This matters during rough-in and before drywall. Once walls close, adding or moving wiring becomes expensive. Plan ahead.

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