How is this page expert verified? NerdWallet's content is fact-checked for accuracy, timeliness and relevance. It undergoes a thorough review process involving writers and editors to ensure the information is as clear and complete as possible. .Level 1 charger. Level 1 chargers plug directly in to a standard 120-volt wall outlet using a connector that comes with most EVs. This option can be cost effective, depending on your electricity rates, but it’s the slowest way to charge an EV — you’ll get up to five miles of range per hour of charging. Level 2 charger. This will give you a faster charge than a Level 1 charger — up to 250 miles of range per hour of charging — but it's more expensive than the former. Level 2 chargers don’t come with the vehicle, which means you’ll have to purchase these chargers separately. They typically cost from $400-$1,000, depending on your vehicle. You’ll also need a midlevel voltage (240-volt) wall outlet, which is typically reserved for large appliances like dryers and ovens. Such voltage is not common in most home garages, which means additional electrical work may be required. Level 2 wiring and installation can cost up to a few thousand dollars. Tesla charging. Unlike most manufacturers that use a standard EV charging connector, Tesla uses a unique connector known as an NCAS, and sells its own at-home charging hardware, which is comparable to a Level 2 charger — both the connector and hardware have to be purchased separately. EV battery size. Your vehicle’s battery size is measured in kilowatt-hours or kWh. EV battery capacities range from 20 kWh to more than 100 kWh. Larger batteries have a higher capacity, and the larger your vehicle’s battery capacity, the longer it will take to get to a full charge. For example, a 100 kWh battery will take longer to completely charge than a 20 kWh battery. How to shop for an EV Many aspects of shopping for an EV are the same as shopping for a gas-powered vehicle. For example, do you prefer a family car with more space or a luxury car with more amenities? Aside from the commonalities though, shopping for an EV has some distinct differences. Range and battery size. The distance an EV can travel on a single charge is referred to as its range, and EV battery size (measured in kilowatt-hours) affects the range. Battery capacity differs by EV model, and typically the range for different EVs can vary from about 110 miles to over 300 miles on a single charge. This variation means you’ll want to determine which EVs have sufficient range to support the average number of miles you drive. Also, it’s important to keep in mind that EV ranges provided by the EPA are just estimates. Factors like cold weather can significantly reduce the actual number of miles you can drive on a single charge. Price and incentives. Several years ago, buying a new EV cost on average $17,000 more than buying a gas-powered vehicle. The price gap between EVs and gas vehicles is closing, but cost is still an important consideration when EV shopping. New electric vehicle prices vary greatly, from EV models that cost less than $40,000 to luxury models costing more than $100,000 before any discounts. Determine which models fit your budget, and make sure to check whether you and the car qualify for any state, local or electric company incentives to reduce the price. Ride and handling. If you’re new to driving an EV, it can take some getting used to. Expect instant acceleration, since electric motors hit maximum torque at low speeds. Also, EV regenerative braking slows the car without use of the brake pedal. Compared to a gasoline-powered car, EVs are built and drive differently — and some are better at it than others. Some EV models have been described as having a peculiar ride quality, so it’s especially important to take some test drives before deciding on a specific make and model. How to shop for an auto loan The process of getting an auto loan can go quickly: If you meet credit requirements, you may be able to walk into a dealership and drive away with a car and loan today. Still, it pays to take your time to tick off the following steps, to ensure you find the best loan with the lowest rate for your financial situation. 1.