A Level 1 EV charger draws about 12 A at 120 V. Level 2 home chargers typically draw 16 A to 48 A at 240 V, and the most common choice is 32 A or 40 A. Each needs a circuit rated at 125% of its current, because EV charging is a continuous load: 32 A needs a 40 A circuit, 40 A needs 50 A and 48 A needs 60 A.
Amps, Circuit and Speed
| Charger current | Circuit (breaker) | Power | Range per hour (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 A | 15 A, 120 V | 1.4 kW | 3–5 miles |
| 16 A | 20 A, 240 V | 3.8 kW | 12 miles |
| 24 A | 30 A, 240 V | 5.8 kW | 18 miles |
| 32 A | 40 A, 240 V | 7.7 kW | 25 miles |
| 40 A | 50 A, 240 V | 9.6 kW | 30 miles |
| 48 A | 60 A, 240 V hard-wired | 11.5 kW | 35 miles |
How to Choose
- Your car: find its maximum AC charging rate. A car with a 7.2 kW on-board charger draws about 30 A at most.
- Your panel: an electrician’s load calculation shows how much spare capacity you have; see what size EV charger can I have at home.
- Your driving: most drivers are well served by 32 A or 40 A.
Adjustable chargers let you set a lower current if your panel is tight. In the US, 32 A vs 40 A is the most common decision; the extra speed only helps if your car accepts it.
Chargers by Current
- EVDANCE EV-ACS3210T 32A NACS portable charger: six steps from 10 A to 32 A.
- EVDANCE EV-ACS4005T 40A NACS portable charger: 16, 24, 32 or 40 A.
- EVDANCE EV-ACT5006T 48A Level 2 wall charger: up to 48 A hard-wired.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 32 A or 40 A better for an EV charger?
40 A is about 25% faster if your car and panel support it; 32 A suits smaller panels and many cars.
How many amps does a Tesla charger need?
Depends on the model and charger; many Tesla home setups use 32–48 A on a 40–60 A circuit.
Do I need a 100 A panel upgrade for an EV charger?
Not always. A load calculation decides; load management can avoid an upgrade.
Related Reading
- What Size Breaker Do I Need for an EV Charger?
- What Is the Fastest Home EV Charger?
- EV Charger Building Load Calculation Basics
- NEMA 14-50 vs 6-50 vs 5-15
Key Takeaways
- Level 1 draws about 12 A; Level 2 home chargers draw 16–48 A.
- The circuit must be rated at 125% of the charger current.
- 32 A or 40 A suits most drivers.