The Battery Tender® eCharge 16 Amp Level 1 is the most accessible entry point into home EV charging — plug it into any standard 120V outlet and start charging. No electrician, no dedicated circuit installation, no new hardware required. For plug-in hybrid owners and EV drivers with modest daily mileage, Level 1 charging through a standard household outlet delivers enough overnight range recovery for most daily driving patterns — with Energy Star certified efficiency that keeps operating costs as low as possible.What Level 1 Charging IsLevel 1 charging uses standard 120V household current — the same outlet that powers household appliances. At 16 Amps on a 120V circuit, the eCharge 16 Amp delivers approximately 1.9 kilowatts of charging power, adding roughly 3–5 miles of driving range per hour. An 8–10 hour overnight connection adds 30–50 miles of range — sufficient for the majority of daily commutes and typical plug-in hybrid usage.Who Level 1 Is Right ForLevel 1 is the correct choice when overnight charging is sufficient for daily driving needs and when the cost or complexity of Level 2 installation is not justified. Specific use cases where Level 1 is the practical answer: Plug-in hybrid owners whose smaller battery packs fully recharge overnight at Level 1 speeds EV drivers who travel under 40–50 miles daily and can plug in each evening Renters and apartment residents with access to a standard outlet but without the ability to install Level 2 equipment Travel charging at hotels, campgrounds, and remote locations where standard outlets are the only option available Second homes and vacation properties where infrequent EV use does not justify Level 2 installation Households with a second EV that charges primarily overnight and does not require fast turnaround J1772 — The North American EV StandardThe eCharge 16 Amp Level 1 uses the J1772 connector — the North American standard for Level 1 and Level 2 EV charging. J1772 is compatible with all non-Tesla electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids sold in North America, including battery electric vehicles and PHEVs from all major domestic and international manufacturers. No adapter is required for J1772-compatible vehicles.Weatherproof for Flexible InstallationWeatherproof construction allows permanent installation in garages, carports, and covered outdoor locations. The cable and connector management system keeps the J1772 handle organized and protected when not in use, extending cable life and maintaining a clean installation.Energy Star CertifiedThe eCharge 16 Amp Level 1 is Energy Star certified — meeting strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Energy Star certification ensures minimal standby power consumption and optimized charging efficiency, reducing the total cost of EV ownership over time.Charging Cost AdvantageLevel 1 charging during off-peak evening and overnight hours — when electricity rates are lowest in most utility markets — maximizes the cost-per-mile advantage of EV ownership. For drivers whose daily routine allows overnight Level 1 charging, the combination of low installation cost and off-peak charging rates produces the lowest possible cost-per-mile of any home charging option.Compatible VehiclesThe J1772 connector is the standard charge port for all non-Tesla battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids sold in North America, including electric cars, electric SUVs, electric trucks, and all plug-in hybrid configurations across all major manufacturers.Safety Features GFCI ground fault circuit interrupter protection Overcurrent protection Temperature monitoring and thermal management Weatherproof rated for indoor and outdoor installation UL Listed Energy Star certified Limited Warranty | DeLand, Florida Since 1965
