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Charging Your EV

Charging an electric vehicle can be as simple as plugging in at home overnight. How quickly your vehicle charges depends on the vehicle, battery, charging equipment, and available electrical service.

If you live in an apartment, condo, or townhome, check with your property owner, manager, or homeowners association about available charging options.

Ready to add faster charging at home? Explore Tacoma Power’s residential EV charging incentives.

Quick links

Residential EV Charging
Community EV Charging
Public EV Charging

EV Charging Levels

Level 1 charging uses a standard 120-volt household outlet.

It is the slowest charging option but may work well for drivers with shorter daily trips or vehicles that can remain plugged in overnight.

  • Uses a standard 120-volt outlet.
  • Commonly used for home charging.
  • Typically adds a few miles of driving range for each hour of charging.
  • Usually does not require dedicated EV charging equipment.

Level 2 charging uses a 240-volt circuit and is the most common option for faster home charging.

  • Commonly used at homes, workplaces, and public charging locations.
  • Charges significantly faster than a standard 120-volt outlet.
  • Can be installed as a plug-in or hardwired charger.
  • Requires adequate electrical-panel capacity and a dedicated circuit.

Depending on your home’s electrical system, you may need electrical work before installing Level 2 charging. A licensed electrician can help determine what is needed.

DC fast charging charges much faster and is generally available at public charging stations rather than at home.

Charging speed varies significantly by vehicle and charger. Some vehicles can add substantial range during a short stop, while others charge more slowly.

DC fast charging is commonly available along major travel corridors and at commercial charging locations.

Know your charger

About J1772

  • Supports level 1 or level 2 charging speeds.
  • Works with all EVs in the U.S. including plug-in hybrids and full battery EVs (adapter required for Tesla).

An illustration of a J1772 charger for an EV

An illustration of the connector for a J1772 charger

About CHAdeMO

  • Supports level 3 (DCFC) charging.
  • Works with Kia, Nissan, Mitsubishi, and Toyota (adapter required for Tesla).
  • Older EVs and plug-in hybrids may not have level 3 charging capabilities.

An illustration of a CHAdeMO charger

An illustration of the adapter for a CHAdeMO charger

About CCS (combined charging system):

  • Supports level 3 (DCFC) charging.
  • Works with Chevrolet and BMW (adapter required for Tesla).
  • Older EVs and plug-in hybrids may not have level 3 charging capabilities.

an illustration of a CCS charging adapter for an EV

An illustration of the adapter for a CCS EV charger

About the Tesla Combo:

  • Supports level 1, 2 or 3 (DCFC) charging.
  • Only Tesla vehicles can use this type of charger.

An illustration of a Tesla Combo charging adapter for an EV

an illustration of an adapter for a Tesla Combo EV Charger

Are you interested in installing EV chargers at your business?

If you own a business, offering EV charging sets you apart and supplies your customers and employees with a place to charge while they spend time at your business. Many locations in Tacoma already offer public charging, and that number keeps growing. View a map of public charging locations here.

Special offer for DCFC charging hosts

DCFC chargers offer a unique opportunity to support EV drivers who are looking for a quick charge. DCFC chargers can deliver an 80% battery charge, or 60 to 100 miles of range for most EV models, in 20 to 30 minutes.

Tacoma Power offers eligible hosts in our service area a special DCFC charging rate as part of a new pilot program. This limited enrollment rate allows DCFC charging station owners to recover installation costs by reducing demand charges over a scheduled period. Learn more here.