Level 2 charging requires aftermarket equipment that operates on 240-volt AC household current, like some air-conditioners or other large appliances. A 32- to 40-amp charger sells for about $600, with feature-laden smart chargers topping $1,000. Portable chargers that provide about 16 amps of current are offered for less than $300, but as amperage and price go down, charging time goes up.

Level 2 chargers meant for outdoor installation are hard-wired to a 240-volt source. That will add $500 or more to the cost. Chargers for indoor use can be plugged into a 240-volt outlet. This might be the best choice for an owner with a 240-volt outlet in the garage, but installing one will cost about as much as hard-wiring a charger to the breaker box.

Most electric vehicle owners don’t drive over 200 miles on a normal day, so the battery isn’t fully drained by evening. In that case, refilling it on a Level 2 charger can take just a few hours. If the daily commute is only 20 miles and that mileage is rarely exceeded, the Level 1 plug-in might suffice, as would a portable 16-amp Level 2 charger. It gets easier if the office provides some charging stations.

Level 2 chargers for home installation are compact, and most have an 18- or 25-foot charging cord, so the vehicle doesn’t have to be parked next to the unit. More expensive Level 2 smart chargers can be switched on or off with a cellphone and programmed to charge when electricity rates are lowest, though many electric vehicles now come with firmware and apps that offer similar abilities with a basic charger.

Asked what improvements in home charging we might see in the years to come, Mr. Tal said Level 2 technology was reasonably mature. However, he does anticipate a market for chargers powered by solar panels that generate DC current, no complex inverters needed.