Key Takeaways
- Level 1 EV chargers, also known as trickle or granny chargers, are the most accessible and affordable option for apartment EV charging.
- Charging speeds are slow—typically 10 to 15 km of range per hour—but sufficient for most Australian drivers.
- Ideal for low-mileage drivers, early EV adopters, and strata committees seeking low-cost infrastructure rollout.
- These chargers are versatile, can plug into a standard power point, and are often already included with new EVs.
- Installation costs are low, and most buildings won’t need load management systems to support Level 1 usage.
- Despite slower speeds, Level 1 chargers should not be overlooked when conducting a feasibility study.
Level 1 EV chargers are often dismissed as too slow—but for many apartment dwellers in Australia, they might be the smartest and most practical choice. In this article, part of Solar Choice’s Apartment EV Charging Education Series, we break down how Level 1 chargers work, how they’re installed in apartment buildings, and why they deserve serious consideration in your EV infrastructure planning.
What is a Level 1 EV Charger?
A Level 1 charger, commonly referred to as a trickle or granny charger, is the standard charging cable included with most new electric vehicles. It plugs into a regular household power point (usually 10 amps) and delivers between 1.4 and 2.4 kW of charging power, depending on the outlet.
This translates to roughly 10–15 kilometres of range per hour of charging. That means a 12-hour overnight charge could give you up to 150 km of additional driving range—more than enough for the majority of drivers.
Charging Speeds and Real-World Use
While Level 1 chargers are slower than Level 2 or DC fast chargers, they align well with real-world driving habits in Australia. The average Australian drives approximately 12,000 km per year, or about 230 km per week. At that rate, most EV owners only need to charge once or twice a week to maintain full battery capacity.
If you’re commuting locally or working from home, you may need even less frequent charging. For these users, Level 1 chargers offer a low-cost, low-disruption solution.
European Adoption of Level 1 Charging
In Europe, where EV uptake is higher, Level 1 chargers are widely used in urban areas. In some cities, data shows that more EV owners use Level 1 chargers than Level 2 chargers for home or apartment charging. This trend supports the idea that slow, steady, overnight charging is often sufficient for everyday use.
Who Are Level 1 Chargers Best For?
Ideal Users
- Apartment residents who drive short distances
- EV owners with consistent overnight parking
- Plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) drivers
- Early EV adopters in buildings with limited budget or infrastructure
Less Suitable For
- Long-distance commuters
- Tradespeople or commercial EV drivers
- Apartments with no convenient access to power outlets
- Residents needing fast daily recharge cycles
How Level 1 Chargers Are Installed in Apartments
Level 1 chargers are simple to install compared to higher-powered alternatives. There are two main configurations in apartments:
- Private Meter Connection – Plugged into a standard power point connected to the resident’s own electricity meter. This is the easiest option for billing and accountability.
- Common Area Connection – Installed with sub-metering or billing software to ensure the body corporate is reimbursed. These may include usage tracking features and more robust enclosures.
In either case, installation is affordable and quick, often requiring only minimal electrical upgrades.
Advantages of Level 1 Chargers in Apartment Buildings
1. Low Cost to Install
Level 1 chargers require little to no new infrastructure. A certified electrician can often approve or install them at a fraction of the cost of a Level 2 charger setup.
2. High Versatility
Because they connect to standard power points, Level 1 chargers can also power tools, a portable vacuum, or even a mini fridge. This makes them a multi-purpose addition to a parking bay.
3. Minimal Impact on Building Load
Level 1 chargers draw relatively little power. Most buildings won’t need load management systems to support them, making them a good choice for older apartments with limited electrical capacity.
4. Greater Stakeholder Support
Due to lower costs and greater flexibility, Level 1 solutions are often more appealing to investor owners and residents who don’t yet drive EVs. This helps with consensus-building during strata meetings.
Limitations to Consider
- Charging Speed: For high-mileage drivers, the slow speed may be insufficient.
- Electrical Layout: In some buildings, the cost of running new cabling to individual bays can make Level 1 installation nearly as expensive as Level 2.
- No Smart Features: Basic Level 1 chargers usually lack app control, load sharing, or usage reporting unless paired with external systems.
Still, these drawbacks are offset by the simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and compatibility Level 1 offers to many apartment dwellers.
Key Takeaways for Strata Committees and Developers
- Don’t overlook Level 1 chargers during your feasibility study. Include them as a baseline option and compare costs against higher-powered alternatives.
- Understand resident driving habits by surveying owners and tenants. Knowing who drives, how far, and when can help determine whether Level 1 charging is suitable.
- Plan for future adoption by installing power points or conduits in advance—even if residents aren’t yet ready to install chargers.
- Use private meter connections where possible to simplify billing and reduce admin overhead.
What’s Next in the Series?
In the next episode, we’ll explore Level 2 EV chargers, which offer faster charging speeds and are often used in shared or individually metered bays. If you’re weighing up cost, speed, and infrastructure, stay tuned.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Level 1 EV charger?
A Level 1 charger plugs into a standard 10A household outlet and charges slowly, delivering about 10 to 15 km of range per hour.
Is a Level 1 charger enough for apartment residents?
Yes—for most people driving under 250 km per week, Level 1 charging is sufficient, especially when charging overnight.
How much does it cost to install a Level 1 charger in an apartment building?
Costs vary by layout, but installations are typically low—often less than half the cost of a Level 2 setup.
Do Level 1 chargers require load management systems?
No. They draw minimal power and usually don’t require any advanced load control or smart switching.
Can Level 1 chargers be shared between residents?
Yes, but shared use requires clear rules, scheduling, and potentially sub-metering to track electricity use
