The Hidden ROI of a Faster Charge
If you’re already convinced that public charging isn’t the long-term solution for daily EV driving, the next question is obvious: Is it really worth installing a Level 2 charger at home?
Spoiler: Yes. And here’s why: charging at home with a Level 2 charger doesn’t just save you time. It saves you money, reduces stress, and makes owning an EV more seamless and sustainable.
Time Is Your Most Valuable Asset
Let’s start with what matters most: your time.
A Level 1 charger might give you 4 miles of range per hour. That’s fine if you never drive more than 15–20 miles a day, but the average American drives 37 miles daily. That means you’re waiting around 9–10 hours per night just to catch up.
A Level 2 charger, by contrast, delivers up to 35 miles of range per hour, fully recharging your battery overnight while you sleep. And that kind of flexibility is priceless when:
- You forget to plug in one night
- You need to take an unexpected trip
- You drive more than usual during the day
- You share one charger across multiple EVs
With Level 2, you’re no longer “range anxious,” but rather you’re fully empowered.
The Real Cost of Public Charging
While some public charging is free or subsidized, most Level 2 and DC fast chargers cost 2x to 4x more per kWh than your home electricity rate.
Let’s break it down:
If you charge your EV at a public station, you could pay $0.30 to $0.60 per kWh. At home, especially with time-of-use plans, your rate might be as low as $0.12 to $0.15 per kWh.
That difference adds up fast:
- Average EV battery size: 60 kWh
- Cost to fully charge at public station: ~$30
- Cost to fully charge at home: ~$9
Do that 3 times a week and you’re saving $240 per month, or $2880 per year!
Financial Incentives = Smart Investment
Local, state, and federal programs often provide incentives for Level 2 charging including:
- Tax credits for charger hardware and installation
- Utility company rebates
- Time-of-use (TOU) discounts for EV charging
JuiceNet helps EV drivers find available incentives in their region, and many of our installations qualify for up to $1,000 in total rebates. That means your Level 2 setup could pay for itself in less than 12 months.
Lower Maintenance & Long-Term Value
By avoiding frequent DC fast charging (which stresses batteries) and cutting out public charging altogether, you’re actually extending the life of your EV battery. That’s hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars saved down the line.
You’ll also reduce wear and tear on your vehicle’s charging port, and avoid unnecessary stops that break up your day or require waiting in line.
Convenience Isn’t a Luxury. It’s a Lifeline
Let’s be honest: charging your car should be as easy as charging your phone. You don’t want to think about it every night. You don’t want to plan your trips around chargers. And you definitely don’t want to worry about long wait times, broken equipment, or surge pricing.
With a Level 2 home charger, you get:
- Set-it-and-forget-it overnight charging
- App-based control and notifications
- Reliable power whenever you need it
You don’t realize how stressful public charging is until you no longer have to do it.
It Pays to Charge Smart
Level 2 charging is not just a faster way to power your EV. It’s a smarter, more cost-effective, and stress-free way to live with one. Between time saved, money retained, and long-term battery health, a Level 2 charger pays dividends every day.
👉 Coming Up Next in Part 3: From Curb to Current—Everything You Need to Know About Installing a Level 2 Charger at Home.
