Faster isn’t always better. Slow-charging EVs could have big benefits [Video]

When Julia McNally decided to buy an EV and started her research, she came across a lot of articles and ads pushing an apparent must-have accessory — a speedy home charger designed specifically for EVs.

“Everything was pointing me to Level 2,” recalled McNally, director of climate action at Toronto Hydro.

She knew that all EVs can do Level 1 slow charging, or “trickle charging,” from a regular 120-volt wall outlet, adding about six kilometres of range per hour (except in very cold winter temperatures, which can slow charging speeds). And she already had an outlet of those in her backyard, near the alleyway where she planned to park her new Mini EV. 

But more than four out of five U.S. EV owners used Level 2 for home-charging in 2023, according to market research firm J.D. Power. Using a higher 240 voltage, often needed for a stove or dryer, Level 2 chargers can add about 30 to 50 kilometres of …