What EV Charger Do You Need for a 2023 Polestar 2 Perf Pack?
A full charge takes 7.9 hours at maximum Level 2 speed. That turnaround easily fits a standard overnight parking window. You need a 48 amp EVSE to hit that pace. Plug into a normal wall outlet and you wait 61 hours.
The numbers
| Maximum AC charging rate | 11.0 kW (48 A) |
|---|---|
| Charger size to buy | 48 A |
| Circuit breaker required | 60 A |
| Outlet / connection | hardwired (a 48 A EVSE must be hardwired -- no household receptacle is rated for it) |
| Charge port | J1772 |
| Full charge on Level 2 | about 7.9 hours |
| Range added per hour (Level 2) | about 33 miles |
| Full charge on a 120 V outlet | about 61 hours |
| Range added per hour (120 V) | about 4.3 miles |
| EPA rated range | 260 miles |
| Energy for a full charge | about 87.4 kWh at the wall |
Why 48 amps and not more
Your car accepts up to 48 amps of Level 2 current through its onboard charger. Pumping more juice into the vehicle does nothing because the onboard hardware caps your intake at 11.0 kW. Buying a 50 amp or 80 amp unit wastes money. The car cannot draw it. Match the equipment to the 48 amp ceiling and stop there.
What the install involves
Feeding a 48 amp continuous load demands a 60 amp breaker. National electrical codes forbid plugging a 48 amp continuous draw into a standard wall receptacle. Hardwire the unit directly to the circuit to prevent melting plastic and house fires. Hire an electrician to run heavy gauge wire from the main panel. Safety requires professional installation for this load.
Chargers that match this car
Energy monitoring built in. Hardwire it for the full 48 A.
Compact unit, good for tight garages.
Adjustable from 16 A to 50 A in the app, which helps if your panel is tight.
Worth having as well
Common questions
- What connector does this car use?
- The car uses a J1772 connector for all standard AC Level 2 charging. Every non-Tesla EV sold in North America through 2024 relies on this plug.
- Can I use a standard 120 volt household outlet?
- You can, but Level 1 speeds deliver 4.3 miles of range per hour. A full recharge takes 61 hours.
- How many miles of range do I get per hour on Level 2?
- You add 33 miles of range for every hour connected to a max rate Level 2 supply. The EPA test rates the rate slightly lower at 32 miles per hour.
- Do I need a hardwired connection?
- Yes. A 48 amp EVSE must be hardwired because no household receptacle is rated to handle that continuous amperage.
Other vehicles
Charging times derived from EPA data for the 2023 Polestar 2 Perf Pack. Electrical requirements follow NEC 625.41, which sizes a circuit at 125% of a continuous load. Always have a licensed electrician verify your panel.