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EV owner guide · Michigan City Ford · Michigan City, IN
EV Charging Levels Explained: Level 1, Level 2 and DC Fast
Electric vehicle charging comes in three levels, and the one you plug into decides how fast range comes back. Here is what the U.S. Department of Energy's Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC) and fueleconomy.gov say about each level, charging at home, connectors and how long a charge takes.
About 5 milesof range per hour on Level 1 (120 volts, 1.9 kW)
About 25 milesof range per hour on Level 2 (240 or 208 volts)
100 to 200+ milesof range per 30 minutes on DC fast charging
Nearly 80%of U.S. public charging ports were Level 2 as of 2023
The short answer
Level 1 charging uses a 120-volt household outlet and adds about 5 miles of range per hour. Level 2 uses 240-volt (home) or 208-volt (commercial) service and adds about 25 miles per hour, enough to charge a typical EV battery overnight. DC fast charging, also called Level 3, can add about 100 to 200 or more miles in 30 minutes. Actual times depend on the battery, the vehicle's charger and how empty the battery is.
The three charging levels
The AFDC classifies charging equipment by the rate at which it charges the battery:
| Level | Power supply | Range added (approx.) | Connectors | Where it is used |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AC Level 1 | 120-volt AC plug, such as a common three-prong NEMA 5-15 household outlet | About 5 miles per hour of charging (assumes 1.9 kW) | J1772 | Typically used where only a 120-volt outlet is available, such as at home, with the portable cordset most EVs come with. Less than 1% of U.S. public charging ports as of 2023. |
| AC Level 2 | 240 volts (typical at home) or 208 volts (typical commercial); units range from 2.9 to 19.2 kW | About 25 miles per hour of charging | J1772; J3400 (NACS) | Home, workplace and public charging. Nearly 80% of U.S. public charging ports as of 2023. |
| DC fast (also called Level 3) | Typically three-phase AC input; power outputs up to 500 kW | About 100 to 200+ miles per 30 minutes of charging | CCS; CHAdeMO; J3400 (NACS) | Installed stations along heavy traffic corridors. More than 20% of U.S. public charging ports as of 2023. |
From the AFDC Electric Vehicle Charging Stations page, read November 8, 2026. Charging power at a DC fast charger varies by vehicle and battery state of charge. All commercially available EVs in the United States can charge on Level 1 and Level 2 equipment.
How long charging takes
The AFDC lists what sets charging time: how depleted the battery is (state of charge), how much energy it holds (capacity), the type of battery, the vehicle's internal charger capacity, and the charging equipment (charging level, charger power output and electrical service).
Across those factors, charging can take from less than 20 minutes on a DC fast charger to 20 hours or more on Level 1. As an example, the AFDC says 8 hours of charging at 120 volts can replenish about 40 miles of electric range for a mid-size EV, and Level 2 equipment can charge a typical EV battery overnight.
Fueleconomy.gov puts it this way: fully recharging the battery pack can take 3 to 12 hours, and even a fast charge to 80% capacity can take 30 minutes. The AFDC also notes that many EVs on the road today are not capable of charging at rates higher than 200 kW.
From the AFDC Electric Vehicle Charging Stations page and the fueleconomy.gov All-Electric Vehicles page, read November 8, 2026.
2026 Ford Mustang Mach-E charge times at 240 volts
On EPA labels, charge time is how long it takes to charge a fully empty battery using 240-volt service. Fueleconomy.gov lists these for the 2026 Mustang Mach-E:
| 2026 version (as listed) | EPA range | Charge time at 240V |
|---|---|---|
| Mustang Mach-E RWD | 260 miles | 7.8 hours |
| Mustang Mach-E RWD Extended | 320 miles | 9.6 hours |
| Mustang Mach-E AWD | 240 miles | 7.7 hours |
| Mustang Mach-E AWD Extended | 300 miles | 10.2 hours |
| Mustang Mach-E GT | 280 miles | 9.9 hours |
| Mustang Mach-E Rally | 255 miles | 10.0 hours |
From the 2026 Ford Mustang Mach-E records on fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE/EPA) (records 50200 to 50205) and the electric vehicle label page, read November 8, 2026. Using a lower voltage, such as a 120-volt household outlet, results in longer charging times. For comparison, the 2026 Escape FWD PHEV plug-in hybrid is listed at 3.2 hours at 240V (record 49763).
Charging at home
The AFDC says most EV drivers, including plug-in hybrid drivers, charge overnight at home with Level 1 or Level 2 equipment.
Level 1 at home: many owners meet their daily driving needs by charging overnight with the Level 1 cordset, with no added equipment or installation, provided an outlet on a dedicated branch circuit is available near where they park.
Level 2 at home: worth considering for less regular schedules, longer commutes, or EVs with large batteries that need more than overnight to fully charge on Level 1. Most residential Level 2 chargers run at up to 30 amps, delivering 7.2 kW, and need a dedicated 40-amp circuit to comply with National Electrical Code Article 625.
Before you install: an electrician can tell you whether your home has enough electrical capacity, and a qualified electrician can add circuits if needed. Installations must comply with local and state codes, and permits may be required. The AFDC recommends safety-certified equipment, such as ENERGY STAR certified chargers, and outdoor installations need outdoor-rated equipment. If possible, check the vehicle manufacturer's guidance on charging equipment first.
From the AFDC Charging Electric Vehicles at Home and Electric Vehicle Charging Stations pages, read November 8, 2026.
Connectors
J1772: the standard connector for Level 1 and Level 2 charging. The Level 1 cordset has a household plug on one end and a J1772 connector on the other.
CCS (SAE J1772 combo): lets a vehicle use the same charge port for Level 1, Level 2 and DC fast charging; the DC connector adds two pins at the bottom. The AFDC says most EV models on the market can charge using CCS.
CHAdeMO: another DC fast connector, common among Japanese automakers.
J3400 (NACS): being standardized by SAE International from Tesla's NACS design and works for all charging levels. Several vehicle manufacturers announced adopting it as early as 2025, which will allow non-Tesla EVs to charge at Tesla stations with the J3400 connector.
From the AFDC Electric Vehicle Charging Stations page, read November 8, 2026.
EV and plug-in hybrid service at Michigan City Ford
Bring your EV or plug-in hybrid to the Michigan City Ford service team.
Schedule service online and see our service specials first. Michigan City Ford is at 3930 Franklin St. in Michigan City. Get directions.
Michigan City Ford service hours
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| Mon-Fri | 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. |
| Sat | 8 a.m.-3 p.m. |
| Sun | closed |
From Michigan City Ford's website, November 8, 2026. Holiday hours can differ.
EV charging levels FAQ
What is the difference between Level 1 and Level 2 charging?
Level 1 charges through a 120-volt AC plug, usually with the portable cordset that comes with most EVs, and adds about 5 miles of range per hour of charging (assuming 1.9 kW). Level 2 charges through 240-volt (typical at home) or 208-volt (typical commercial) service and adds about 25 miles of range per hour, according to the AFDC.
Is Level 3 charging the same as DC fast charging?
Yes. The AFDC says direct-current (DC) fast charging is also referred to as Level 3 charging. It can add about 100 to 200 or more miles of range per 30 minutes of charging, at power outputs up to 500 kW.
How long does it take to charge an electric car?
It depends on how depleted the battery is, how much energy it holds, the battery type, the vehicle's internal charger and the charging equipment. The AFDC says charging time can range from less than 20 minutes on a DC fast charger to 20 hours or more on Level 1. Fueleconomy.gov says fully recharging the battery pack can take 3 to 12 hours, and a fast charge to 80% can take 30 minutes.
Can I charge an electric car from a regular outlet?
Yes. Level 1 uses a standard 120-volt household outlet and the cordset that comes with most EVs. The AFDC says many owners meet their daily driving needs by charging overnight on Level 1, provided an outlet on a dedicated branch circuit is available near where they park. About 8 hours at 120 volts can replenish about 40 miles of range for a mid-size EV.
What do I need for a Level 2 charger at home?
At home, Level 2 typically uses 240-volt service, which most homes have. The AFDC says most residential Level 2 chargers run at up to 30 amps, delivering 7.2 kW, and need a dedicated 40-amp circuit to comply with National Electrical Code Article 625. An electrician can tell you whether your home has enough capacity, and permits may be required.
Is it safe to charge an EV outside in the rain?
The AFDC says outdoor installation and use of home charging equipment are safe, even if the vehicle is being charged in the rain. Outdoor installations require outdoor-rated equipment.
How long does a 2026 Mustang Mach-E take to charge on 240 volts?
Fueleconomy.gov lists 7.7 to 10.2 hours, depending on the version: 7.8 hours for the RWD, 9.6 for the RWD Extended, 7.7 for the AWD, 10.2 for the AWD Extended, 9.9 for the GT and 10.0 for the Rally. Those times are for a fully empty battery on 240-volt service.
What connector does a CCS charger use?
The Combined Charging System (CCS), also known as the SAE J1772 combo, lets a vehicle use the same charge port for Level 1, Level 2 and DC fast charging; the DC connector adds two pins at the bottom. The AFDC says most EV models on the market can charge using the CCS connector.
Questions about your EV?
Schedule service with the Michigan City Ford team, or stop by and see us.
Sources
Charging levels, power, range added per hour, connectors, charging-time factors and home charging guidance are from the U.S. Department of Energy's Alternative Fuels Data Center, read November 8, 2026. Mustang Mach-E range and charge times, the Escape plug-in hybrid charge time, the label definition of charge time and the full-recharge and fast-charge times are from fueleconomy.gov, administered for the U.S. Department of Energy and the EPA, read the same day. Address, hours are from Michigan City Ford's own website.
- Alternative Fuels Data Center: Electric Vehicle Charging Stations, U.S. Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC), read November 8, 2026
- Alternative Fuels Data Center: Charging Electric Vehicles at Home, U.S. Department of Energy Alternative Fuels Data Center (AFDC), read November 8, 2026
- 2026 Ford Mustang Mach-E RWD, RWD Extended, AWD, AWD Extended, GT and Rally: EPA range and 240V charge time (records 50200 to 50205; link opens record 50205), fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE/EPA), read November 8, 2026
- 2026 Ford Escape FWD PHEV: 240V charge time (record 49763), fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE/EPA), read November 8, 2026
- fueleconomy.gov, Electric Vehicles: Learn More About the Label, fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE/EPA), read November 8, 2026
- fueleconomy.gov, All-Electric Vehicles, fueleconomy.gov (U.S. DOE/EPA), read November 8, 2026
- Address and service hours (structured data), Michigan City Ford, November 8, 2026