Written by Jimco Electric | Published on June 2025
For most homeowners, a Level 2 EV charger is the better long-term choice, adding 25 to 30 miles of range per hour compared to just 3 to 5 miles for a Level 1 unit. Level 1 chargers plug into a standard 120V outlet and cost nothing extra to install, while Level 2 units run on 240V and typically cost between $400 and $1,200 installed in the Chicago area. This guide walks you through the real differences, local costs, and which option makes sense for your situation.
Understand How Level 1 and Level 2 Chargers Actually Work
A Level 1 charger is simply the cord that comes with your EV. It plugs into any standard 120-volt household outlet and requires no special equipment or wiring.
Level 2 chargers operate on a 240-volt circuit, the same voltage used by your dryer or electric range. They require a dedicated circuit and a wall-mounted EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment) unit installed by a licensed electrician.
Here is a simple breakdown of how the two systems compare on the technical side:
| Feature | Level 1 Charger | Level 2 Charger |
|---|---|---|
| Voltage | 120V | 240V |
| Amperage | 12-16 amps | 16-80 amps |
| Miles added per hour | 3-5 miles | 25-30 miles |
| Full charge time (avg EV) | 40-50 hours | 4-8 hours |
| Equipment cost | $0 (included with car) | $150-$600 for the unit |
| Installation cost | $0 | $200-$600 for labor and wiring |
| Dedicated circuit required | No | Yes |
The wiring and panel capacity of your home matters a lot here. Older homes in Chicago neighborhoods like Beverly or Bridgeport sometimes have panels that need an upgrade before a Level 2 circuit can be added safely.
Compare Real Installation Costs in the Chicago Area
Installation costs for a Level 2 EV charger in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs vary based on your panel capacity, garage setup, and how far the new circuit needs to run.
At Jimco Electric, we install Level 2 chargers throughout Chicago and up to 40 miles out into communities like Naperville, Joliet, Orland Park, and Schaumburg. Here is what you can expect to pay:
| Scenario | Estimated Total Cost |
|---|---|
| Simple install, panel is nearby and has capacity | $400 – $600 |
| Moderate install, longer wire run or subpanel needed | $700 – $1,000 |
| Complex install, panel upgrade required | $1,200 – $2,500+ |
| Level 1 charger (no installation needed) | $0 |
Illinois residents can also take advantage of the federal EV charger tax credit, which covers 30% of installation costs up to $1,000 through 2032. Some ComEd customers may also qualify for rebates through the Illinois Shines or EV programs.
Factor those savings in before deciding that Level 2 is out of budget. The net cost is often much lower than the sticker price suggests.
Identify Who Should Choose Level 1 vs Level 2
Not every driver needs a Level 2 charger. The right choice depends on your daily driving habits, your vehicle, and your home setup.
Level 1 charging makes sense if you:
- Drive fewer than 30 to 40 miles per day
- Own a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) with a smaller battery
- Park overnight and have 10 or more hours to charge
- Are renting your home and cannot make electrical changes
- Want to test EV ownership before committing to upgrades
Level 2 charging is the better fit if you:
- Own a full battery EV like a Tesla Model Y, Ford F-150 Lightning, or Chevy Equinox EV
- Drive more than 40 miles daily, which is common for Chicago suburb commuters
- Want your car fully charged every morning regardless of when you plug in
- Have multiple drivers sharing one vehicle
- Plan to own your home long-term and want to add resale value
Chicago winters are worth mentioning here. Cold temperatures reduce EV battery range by 20 to 40 percent. A Level 1 charger that barely keeps up in summer may fall significantly short during a January deep freeze in the suburbs.
Explore Popular Level 2 Charger Brands and Features
Once you decide on Level 2, you will need to pick an EVSE unit. The market has grown a lot and there are solid options at every price point.
Some of the most commonly installed brands in the Chicago area include:
- ChargePoint Home Flex: Adjustable amperage from 16 to 50 amps, works with most EVs, smart app control. Runs about $550-$700.
- JuiceBox 40: 40 amp unit with Wi-Fi, energy monitoring, and scheduling. Typically $450-$600.
- Enel X JuiceBox 48: One of the fastest home chargers available. Good for F-150 Lightning and larger battery EVs.
- Tesla Wall Connector: Best for Tesla owners. Requires a Tesla-compatible or J1772 adapter for other brands.
- Emporia Level 2 Charger: Budget-friendly option around $200-$300 with solid smart features.
Smart chargers that connect to Wi-Fi let you schedule charging during ComEd off-peak hours, which typically run overnight. That can meaningfully cut your monthly electricity costs if you charge frequently.
Jimco Electric can help you choose the right unit based on your vehicle, your panel capacity, and your budget before we install it.
Review What Chicago Building Codes Require for EV Charger Installation
Illinois follows the National Electrical Code (NEC), and the City of Chicago has its own local amendments. A Level 2 EV charger installation must be done by a licensed electrician and must be permitted in most municipalities.
Key code requirements to know in the Chicago area include:
- A dedicated 240V circuit sized to at least 125% of the charger’s continuous load
- A GFCI breaker or GFCI-protected outlet for outdoor or garage installations
- Proper conduit and weatherproofing if wiring runs through an unheated garage or exterior wall
- A permit pulled with your local municipality before work begins
Suburbs like Oak Park, Evanston, and Naperville each have slightly different permit processes. Some require inspections before the charger can be energized. Skipping the permit is not worth the risk, as it can create insurance issues and problems when you sell your home.
Jimco Electric handles the permit process for every installation we complete in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. You do not need to track down paperwork or deal with municipal offices yourself.
Assess Whether Your Electrical Panel Can Support a Level 2 Charger
This is the question that surprises most homeowners. Your panel needs available capacity to add a 240V circuit, and not every home has it.
A typical Level 2 charger on a 40-amp circuit draws 32 amps continuously. If your panel is already running near capacity with HVAC, appliances, and lighting loads, you may need a panel upgrade or a load management device.
Signs your panel may need an upgrade before EV charger installation:
- Your main panel is 100 amps or less (common in Chicago bungalows and older two-flats)
- All breaker slots are already filled
- You have had tripped breakers or flickering lights when running multiple appliances
- Your panel brand is Zinsco or Federal Pacific, both known safety concerns
A panel upgrade to 200 amps typically costs $2,000 to $4,000 in the Chicago area, but it also future-proofs your home for additional circuits down the road. Some homeowners pair the EV charger project with adding a 240V outlet for a portable AC unit or an electric dryer circuit at the same time.
During a site visit, an electrician from Jimco Electric will assess your panel and give you a clear picture of what your home needs before any work begins.
FAQs on Level 1 vs Level 2 EV Charger Installation
Can I install a Level 2 EV charger myself to save money?
Technically you can purchase and mount the EVSE unit yourself, but the 240V circuit work must be done by a licensed electrician in Illinois. Unpermitted electrical work can void your homeowner’s insurance and create liability if something goes wrong. The installation portion is not the place to cut corners.
How long does a Level 2 EV charger installation take?
Most Level 2 EV charger installations take between 2 and 4 hours for a straightforward job. If a subpanel or panel upgrade is needed, that can extend the project to a full day. Jimco Electric typically completes standard installs in a single visit once the permit is approved.
Will a Level 2 charger increase my electric bill significantly?
Charging costs depend on your vehicle’s battery size and how often you drive. Charging a 75 kWh battery from empty at ComEd’s average rate of about $0.13 per kWh costs roughly $10. Scheduling charges overnight during off-peak hours reduces that cost further. Most drivers find EV charging cheaper than gas over the long run.
Does a Level 2 charger work in a Chicago winter?
Yes, Level 2 chargers function fine in cold weather. The charger itself is rated for outdoor and garage use in low temperatures. The bigger winter concern is your EV battery losing range in the cold, which makes the faster charging speed of Level 2 even more important for Chicago-area drivers who rely on their car daily.
Is a permit required for EV charger installation in Chicago suburbs?
Yes, in most Chicago suburbs a permit is required for any new 240V circuit installation. Requirements vary slightly by municipality, but Naperville, Joliet, Schaumburg, and most other surrounding communities all require permits and inspections. Jimco Electric manages the permit process for you so no steps are missed.
What is the best Level 2 charger for a home in the Chicago suburbs?
The ChargePoint Home Flex and JuiceBox 40 are both excellent choices for most suburban homeowners because of their flexibility, smart features, and reliability. Tesla owners should consider the Tesla Wall Connector. The best unit for your home also depends on your panel capacity and what amperage circuit you can support, which an electrician can confirm during a site assessment.
Wrap Up and Next Steps
For most Chicago-area drivers with a full battery EV and a daily commute, a Level 2 charger is the practical choice. It charges your car overnight, handles winter range loss, and adds real value to your home. Level 1 works if you drive a PHEV or have very low daily mileage and plenty of overnight charging time.
Ready to get your EV charger installed the right way? Contact Jimco Electric today for a free site assessment and quote. We serve Chicago and communities up to 40 miles out, including Naperville, Orland Park, Joliet, and Schaumburg. Call us at 708-304-8687 or reach out online to schedule your installation.