https://utilityexplained.com/tags/level-1-charging/Recent content in Level 1 Charging on Utility ExplainedHugoen-usSat, 12 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://utilityexplained.com/blog/level-1-ev-charging-cost/Sat, 12 Sep 2026 00:00:00 +0000https://utilityexplained.com/blog/level-1-ev-charging-cost/<h2 id="quick-answer">Quick Answer</h2> <p><strong>Level 1 EV charging — the 120-volt cord that comes in the trunk — is not free, but it is cheap: an overnight 8-hour session adds roughly 11.5 kWh to your bill, about $2.11 at the June 2026 national average of 18.34¢/kWh, and a typical daily commute lands in the $46–64/month range.</strong> The honest way to know your own number is to measure the car&rsquo;s actual draw with a pass-through meter like the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C619YRRM?tag=utexplained-20" rel="sponsored nofollow noopener" target="_blank" class="amazon-link" data-rybbit-event="affiliate_click" data-rybbit-prop-asin="B0C619YRRM" data-rybbit-prop-format="inline">Poniie PN2500 Level 1 pass-through meter</a> — kWh read off the display, multiplied by your rate, with no guessing. This page is the Level 1 deep-dive: the outlet math, the &ldquo;free charging&rdquo; myth, and how to measure your own car. For the general question of how EV charging moves your whole bill — including Level 2, time-of-use rates, and cost-per-mile — that&rsquo;s the companion guide, <a href="https://utilityexplained.com/blog/ev-charging-impact-electric-bill/">how EV charging affects your electric bill</a>.</p>