This guide provides information on home electric vehicle (EV) chargers, which offer the utmost convenience and can save the hassle of searching for public charging points. Using public EV fast chargers regularly can shorten battery life, so a home EV charger is recommended. We answer key questions and provide recommendations for the best home EV chargers available, offering solutions for every electric vehicle.
ChargePoint is a well-established manufacturer of EV chargers with a proven track record, having installed over 100,000 public chargers worldwide.
The ChargePoint Home Flex is their consumer model, which offers superior performance and flexibility.
The charger is equipped with Wi-Fi and a smartphone app, enabling users to schedule charging during off-peak hours and access detailed charging information.
The charger also supports Alexa voice control for added convenience.
The charger’s output is flexible and can vary between 16 and 50 amps depending on the home’s power supply, offering a charging speed of up to 37 miles per hour.
The ChargePoint Home Flex comes with a NEMA 6-50 or NEMA 14-50 plug, or can be hardwired if desired.
It is recommended to install the charger outdoors using a weatherproof NEMA case, which is not included.
The charger cable is 23 feet in length.
The ChargePoint Home Flex is more expensive than other home EV chargers, but it is a high-quality product with few reported faults.
Specifications
Input
240 volts via NEMA 6-50 plug, NEMA 14-50 plug, or hardwired
Output
16 to 50 amps
Cable
23 feet with cable management
Pros
Fast and flexible charging, money-saving options via smartphone app, detailed reporting and Alexa integration, UL listed for electrical safety, Energy Star certified for efficiency
Cons
Expensive compared to other home EV chargers, waterproof case not included
The Megear Skysword II is a portable and affordable Level 2 EV charger.
Weighing under 9 pounds and coming with its own carry case, it is designed for easy transport.
The charger is equipped with a NEMA 14-50 plug and a 110-volt adapter, providing low-speed charging from any household socket.
It delivers a fixed 16 amps, providing a charging rate of 11 to 15 miles per hour.
The charger features a straightforward LED array that displays a wide range of safety features.
The J1772 vehicle plug meets the IP65 standard for weather protection, allowing for indoor or outdoor use.
While it may not be the fastest charger, there are concerns about its long-term reliability.
However, the 2023 EV charger price is very competitive, making it a good value for money option for EV owners who prioritize portability.
Specifications
Input
240 volts via NEMA 14-50 plug or 110-volt adapter
Output
16 amps
Cable
25 feet
Pros
– Budget-friendly portable EV charger works on all models, including Tesla <br> – Numerous safety features as well as straightforward LED array for status and fault alerts <br> – Includes an adapter for Level 1 use with standard 110-volt outlet
Cons
– 16-amp output typically provides a charging rate of only 11 to 15 miles per hour
The JuiceBox 40 is a rapid home EV charger that can provide around 30 miles of travel per hour.
It has a 25-foot cable and can be plugged in or hardwired for easy installation.
Its standout features include Wi-Fi connectivity, the JuiceNet smartphone app, and compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Home for voice control.
The app allows users to set schedules for low-cost off-peak charging, receive charging reminders, and control the device remotely.
The charger has an LED array on the control box that provides real-time information during charging.
It can be installed both indoors and outdoors and features a lock to prevent unauthorized use.
The polycarbonate casing is weatherproof and dust-tight, but it lacks Ingress Protection (IP) or National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) ratings.
The JuiceBox 40 comes with a premium price tag, and some buyers have reported difficulties with Wi-Fi and app setup, although it is unclear whether the issue is with the device or homeowner setups.
The Grizzl-E is a home EV charger that offers rapid charging and can be configured for 16, 24, 32, or 40 amps depending on the circuit breaker available.
It can deliver up to 30 miles of charge per hour, which is highly competitive.
The NEMA 4 aluminum case is a standout feature that meets the IP67 standard for dust and water protection and is fire-resistant.
The Grizzl-E meets the UL safety standard and can operate at very low or high temperatures.
It is reasonably priced and generally reliable.
The output is factory set and cannot be changed if the owner changes residence and the power supplied is different.
Product Specs
Input
240 volts via NEMA 6-50 plug or NEMA 14-50 plug
Output
16 to 40 amps
Cable
24 feet with cable management
Casing
NEMA 4 aluminum, IP67 water-resistant, fire-resistant, UL safety listed
Charging Rate
Up to 30 miles per hour
Wall Mount
Easy-to-fit with anti-theft features
Cons
Output is factory set and cannot be altered by the owner
The Wallbox Pulsar Plus can handle the 48-amp supply required by the latest generation of electric vehicles, achieving charging rates of over 35 miles per hour.
It features intelligent circuits that balance power, enabling the simultaneous charging of two vehicles without tripping breakers.
There are two models available: the 16-40 amp version which uses a 14-50 NEMA plug, and the 16-48 amp model which requires hardwiring.
Both models come with Wi-Fi integration, smartphone app control, and compatibility with Alexa and Google Home.
The mount is easy to install and allows for the unit to be moved, except for the 48-amp version which must be hardwired.
The Wallbox Pulsar Plus has a NEMA 4 watertight case, making it suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
Specifications
Input
240 volts via NEMA 14-50 plug or hardwired
Output
16 to 40 amps, or 16 to 48 amps
Cable
25 feet with cable management
Pros
Rapid charging for next-generation EVs or 2 vehicles at the same time, WiFi-enabled with smartphone app allows remote access and control via Alexa or Google Home- Bluetooth allows use of smart features if Wi-Fi is not available
Cons
-48-amp model must be hardwired, requiring professional installation that may prove expensive
Mustart EV charger is a portable device with a 40-amp output that can charge at up to 30 miles per hour, providing the performance of a fixed unit.
The charger is competitively priced and meets IP65 and IP67 safety standards for outdoor and indoor use, respectively.
It weighs 13 pounds and comes with a carry bag for easy transportation.
The built-in LED provides information on charging status, duration, and electricity consumption, but there are no smart features.
To use the Mustart EV charger, a NEMA 14-50 plug must be available in each location, and a circuit with a ground-fault circuit interrupter is recommended for safety.
Specifications
Input
240 volts via NEMA 14-50 plug
Output
40 amps
Cable
25 feet
Pros
No other portable EV charger we found can charge vehicles faster
IP65 control box and IP67 EV connector make it safe for outdoor use
LED lights and screen give comprehensive information and status alerts
Cons
Portability relies on a NEMA 14-50 plug being available at each location
F&Q
What is Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 charging?
Charging Level
Charging Speed
Voltage Required
Location
Level 1
Slow
110-volt household outlet
Anywhere
Level 2
Moderate
240-volt supply line
Home installation or some public chargers
Level 3
Fast
Very high voltage
Public electric vehicle charging stations
Note: The charging speed and voltage required may vary depending on the specific EV and charging equipment used.
Question
Answer
Should I use the charger that came with my car?
It is safe to use the Level 1 charger that comes with your EV, but an upgrade to a Level 2 charger is recommended for faster charging times and convenience.
What is the fastest Level 2 charger for home?
There is no definitive answer as several manufacturers claim their home EV chargers are the fastest. High amperage or kW may not always indicate the best performance due to battery restrictions. However, the ChargePoint and JuiceBox home EV chargers are both fast and competitive.
Is it OK to charge an EV every day?
It is generally safe to charge an EV every day, but it is not recommended to “top up” overnight if the battery still has a charge level of 20% or more. Manufacturers recommend not charging above 80% in normal usage. Smart-home EV chargers can be programmed to limit charging levels to extend battery life.
Are all home EV chargers the same?
No, home EV chargers can vary significantly in performance, features, and price. While they are categorized as Level 1 or Level 2, choosing the best home EV charger for your vehicle and usage requires careful consideration of these factors.