Upgrading from a Level 1 to a Level 2 charger means moving from charging on a standard 120-volt outlet to a dedicated 240-volt circuit and a Level 2 charger, which charges several times faster. The upgrade involves confirming your panel has capacity, installing a dedicated 240-volt circuit, and installing the Level 2 charger (plug-in or hardwired). Because this is 240-volt electrical work, it is done by a licensed electrician. Understanding the steps helps you know what the upgrade involves.

Here is how to upgrade from a Level 1 to a Level 2 charger.

Level 1 vs Level 2

Level 1 charging uses a standard 120-volt household outlet and charges slowly, often adding only a few miles of range per hour. Level 2 uses a 240-volt circuit and charges several times faster, typically restoring a full day's driving overnight. Upgrading to Level 2 means a much faster, more practical home charging experience, which is why many EV owners make the switch, as our article comparing Level 1 and Level 2 charging covers.

Step 1: Confirm panel capacity

The first step is confirming your electrical panel has capacity for the new 240-volt circuit. A Level 2 charger adds a significant continuous load, so the panel needs enough spare capacity and a breaker space. In many homes there is room; in some, a panel upgrade or load management may be needed first. An electrician assesses your panel to confirm it can support the Level 2 charger, as our articles on panel capacity for EV charging cover.

Step 2: Install a dedicated 240-volt circuit

The core of the upgrade is installing a dedicated 240-volt circuit from the panel to the charging location. This involves:

• A double-pole breaker sized for the charger (for example, a 40- or 60-amp breaker)
• Properly sized wire run from the panel to the charger location
• The circuit sized at 125 percent of the charger's draw, since EV charging is a continuous load

This dedicated 240-volt circuit is what enables Level 2 charging, replacing reliance on the 120-volt outlet. A licensed electrician installs it to code.

Step 3: Install the Level 2 charger

With the circuit in place, the Level 2 charger is installed, either plug-in (into a 240-volt outlet such as a 14-50 or 6-50) or hardwired directly to the circuit. The charger is mounted securely at the chosen location, indoors or outdoors as needed, and connected. Once installed, you charge at Level 2 speeds, a major improvement over Level 1. The electrician handles mounting, connection, and testing.

Done by a licensed electrician

Because upgrading to Level 2 involves installing a 240-volt circuit and possibly panel work, it is done by a licensed electrician, not a DIY project. They confirm panel capacity, install the dedicated circuit correctly and to code, install and connect the charger, and handle any required permit and inspection. This ensures the upgrade is safe and compliant. From assessing your panel to a working Level 2 charger, the electrician manages the whole upgrade.

Upgrading from Level 1 to Level 2 means moving from a 120-volt outlet to a dedicated 240-volt circuit and a Level 2 charger, which charges several times faster. The steps are confirming panel capacity, installing a dedicated 240-volt circuit, and installing the Level 2 charger (plug-in or hardwired). Because it is 240-volt electrical work, a licensed electrician handles the upgrade, including any permit and inspection.

Stella Electric upgrades homes from Level 1 to fast Level 2 EV charging for homeowners across the Baltimore area and throughout Maryland, with flat-rate pricing and no overtime charges. If you want faster charging, we can install Level 2. Financing is available on qualifying projects.