Key Takeaways
- Level 1 EV chargers, also known as trickle or granny chargers, plug into standard 10-amp power points and are ideal for low-mileage EV drivers.
- They offer a low-cost, low-impact solution for apartment residents who drive fewer than 40 kilometres per day.
- Charging speeds are slow (2.0–2.4 kWh/hour), but sufficient for overnight top-ups.
- Installation is simple and often doesn’t require new infrastructure or load management.
- A smart option for early-stage EV adoption in strata buildings without major upgrades.
- Best suited for PHEVs, light commuters, and apartments looking for a scalable EV rollout strategy.
- Limitations include slow charge times and lack of smart charging features.
If you’re living in an apartment and considering EV charging, Level 1 chargers might be the overlooked solution you’ve been searching for. Commonly referred to as trickle chargers or granny chargers, Level 1 EV chargers are simple, cost-effective, and surprisingly practical—especially for strata dwellers
In this article, part of Solar Choice’s Apartment EV Charging Education Series, we break down everything you need to know about using Level 1 EV chargers in Australian apartment buildings. From charging speeds and daily driving habits to installation and affordability, we explore why slow charging might actually be the smartest choice for many urban EV owners.
What is a Level 1 EV Charger?
A Level 1 EV charger is the most basic type of charger. It typically comes included with your electric vehicle and plugs directly into a standard 10-amp household power point. Unlike Level 2 or DC fast chargers, Level 1 charging delivers power slowly—hence the nickname “trickle charging.”
Charging Speed and Expectations
Level 1 chargers deliver around 2.0 to 2.4 kWh per hour, depending on the amperage and voltage of the power point. This translates to roughly 10 to 15 kilometres of range per hour of charging. Over a full 10-hour overnight session, you can typically recover between 100 and 150 kilometres of driving range.
For many apartment residents—especially those who drive less than 40 kilometres per day—this is more than enough to meet daily commuting needs.
Why Europe Embraces Level 1 Charging
In cities across Europe, Level 1 chargers are commonly used due to the same constraints faced by Australian apartment dwellers: limited power capacity, infrastructure costs, and space restrictions. European drivers have demonstrated that slow, consistent overnight charging is not only viable but often the most economical and scalable option in dense residential settings.
Australian Driving Habits and Charging Needs
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the average Australian drives about 35 to 40 kilometres per day. Based on this, most EV owners in apartments can comfortably recharge their daily driving range overnight with a Level 1 charger—without the need for expensive charging infrastructure upgrades.
Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Use Level 1 EV Chargers?
Ideal Users:
- Apartment residents with limited daily driving needs
- Drivers with regular overnight parking access
- Early-stage EV adopters wanting a low-cost entry point
- Owners of plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs)
Less Suitable For:
- High-mileage drivers (e.g. rideshare, couriers)
- Apartments without consistent or secure overnight parking
- Residents requiring rapid charging due to irregular usage
Installing a Level 1 Charger in Apartments
Installation is often simple. In many cases, you can plug the charger into an existing power outlet near your parking bay. However, it’s critical to coordinate with the strata committee or building manager to ensure safety, compliance, and metering requirements are met.
Key Considerations:
- Does the outlet meet safety standards and have sufficient capacity?
- Is there a way to measure or reimburse electricity usage?
- Will the charger be locked or restricted to a specific resident?
In buildings with shared power supplies, a billing method (such as sub-metering or usage tracking) may be needed to ensure fairness.
Advantages of Level 1 Charging in Apartments
1. Cost-Effective Setup
Level 1 chargers typically require no new hardware purchases and minimal installation costs. Compared to Level 2 systems, which may require switchboard upgrades, wiring, or load management software, Level 1 is by far the cheapest EV charging solution.
2. Low Electrical Demand
These chargers draw less current than kettles or microwaves, meaning load balancing is rarely an issue. This makes Level 1 chargers easier to approve in apartment buildings without complex load management systems.
3. Scalable for Early EV Adoption
With many residents still driving petrol vehicles, Level 1 chargers allow for incremental EV adoption. They’re a perfect “starter” solution for early EV drivers, enabling gradual rollout across a building over time.
Limitations and Drawbacks
While Level 1 chargers offer affordability and simplicity, they aren’t for everyone.
- Slow charging speeds mean extended downtime, which may not suit all drivers
- Infrastructure limitations (such as distance to the nearest power outlet or billing challenges) could complicate rollout
- No built-in smart features like scheduling, dynamic load control, or user access restriction
Still, for many buildings and residents, these limitations are minor compared to the financial and technical hurdles of more complex solutions.
Key Takeaways for Strata Committees
For strata bodies and property managers, Level 1 EV chargers offer a low-risk entry point into electric vehicle infrastructure. Before investing in expensive systems, it’s worth conducting a feasibility study to understand whether Level 1 charging meets the majority of resident needs.
Questions to ask:
- What are the daily driving habits of potential EV drivers?
- How many charging bays are needed over the next 3–5 years?
- Can electricity costs be fairly tracked and recovered?
- Is there a plan to scale to Level 2 or shared chargers later?
What’s Next in the Series: Understanding Level 2 EV Chargers
In the next episode, we’ll explore Level 2 EV chargers, which offer faster charging speeds and more sophisticated features. We’ll compare costs, infrastructure needs, and integration with smart billing platforms—helping you plan for future EV demand in your building
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Level 1 EV charger?
A Level 1 charger plugs into a standard household outlet and charges an EV slowly, typically delivering 2.0–2.4 kWh per hour.
Is a Level 1 charger enough for apartment residents?
For most people driving less than 40 kilometres per day, a Level 1 charger is sufficient, especially when charging overnight.
How much does it cost to install a Level 1 charger in an apartment?
Costs are minimal. If an existing power point is near the parking bay, installation may only involve a certified electrician’s safety check and approval from the strata committee.
Can Level 1 charging be shared between residents?
Yes, but it requires agreed scheduling, access controls, and a way to track or divide electricity costs.
Why are Level 1 chargers sometimes called ‘granny chargers’?
It’s a colloquial term used to describe their slow speed and simplicity—like plugging in at your grandmother’s house.
