If you live in a location with limited infrastructure, you’ll almost certainly need to install an EV charger at home. Best Home EV Chargers.
One of the main advantages of owning an electric vehicle is that you never have to stop at a gas station to refuel, yet public EV chargers can be difficult to come by or quite crowded.
EV users will want to install a home charger if they can to avoid running out of electricity.
Not only will having an EV charger at home allow you to charge whenever you want, but you won’t have to worry about standing in line if all public chargers are full.
It also increases the value of your home if you decide to sell.
Chargers for the home come in a wide range of prices, but they’re well worth the money.
You should also look into local rebates, tax credits, and other incentives for installing an EV charger at home.
The NCSL has a helpful interactive map to get you started. Many EV chargers aren’t UL listed, therefore they could not be eligible for an installation refund.
When it comes to selecting the best electric car charger, there are a few things to consider.
Is your vehicle a plug-in hybrid or a battery-electric vehicle, for starters?
A plug-in vehicle having both a battery and an engine, such as the Chevrolet Volt or Jeep Wrangler 4Xe, may not require a costly charger.
Fully electric vehicles, such as the Chevrolet Bolt or a Tesla, have no other means of transportation and take a long time to charge when using a sluggish charger.
You might also want to plan ahead and have the ability to charge a fully electric vehicle in the future.
If you’re looking for a car charger, you’ve probably learned that a regular power outlet won’t suffice.
Level 1 chargers are inexpensive and plug into a conventional wall outlet.
Level 2 chargers are faster than Level 1 chargers, but they require an electrician to install and may require a different power outlet and circuit than you presently have in your home.
Hardwired chargers are available, although plug-in chargers are also available.
Choose between a plug-and-play charger and one that requires professional installation by an electrician.
Finally, if you’re not going to install your charger in a garage, be sure it’s rated for exposure to the sun, wind, dirt, and water.
See our Table of Contents for more information on charging your car at home.
Everything You Need to Know About Home EV Chargers
Chargers for electric vehicles (EVs) are a bit of a misnomer. Because your EV charger is built within the vehicle, it converts the AC supply from your “wall charger” to DC, allowing you to replenish your car’s battery pack.
It’s also why they’re formally known as Electric Vehicle Service Equipment (EVSE), even if they’re more commonly referred to as a charger.
Essentially, you’re searching for an EVSE that can securely recharge your car while shopping for a home EV charger.
Before you spend hundreds of dollars on a home EV charger, read this guide to learn everything you need to know about them.
Do I Really Need One?
At the end of the day, only you can answer that question. However, there are a few things to consider as you search for the correct answer.
Do you have a plug-in hybrid electric car (PHEV) or a battery-electric vehicle (BEV) for starters?
Because most PHEVs, such as the Chevrolet Volt, have a short-range, they only need a few hours to fully charge when utilizing a Level 2 charger.
Some PHEVs can even recharge their whole range using a basic 110-volt Level 1 charger, removing the need for anything fancy or expensive to fully charge your car each night.
However, if you own an all-electric vehicle, a Level 1 charger is unlikely to fully charge it overnight.
If you don’t have a charger at home, you may need to use public charging depending on how far you drive each day.
The next item to consider is how convenient public charging is.
Do you have access to public charging stations near your home or at work?
Is there a long line?
If you own a BEV, having a Level 2 charger at home is the most convenient alternative, but they aren’t cheap, and most of them require professional installation.
Ideally, you purchase a charger that will last you years, one that you can even use for future new car purchases.
Do I Need a Level 1 or Level 2 Charger?
Level 2 chargers, as their names suggest, can recharge your electric vehicles multiple times faster than a Level 1 charger.
Level 1 chargers, in the most basic sense, use a common power outlet that you can locate in your home.
They move at a snail’s pace, roughly 3 to 4 miles per hour.
If you only drive a few miles to work every day, that could easily be enough, and if you own a PHEV, you’ll need even less.
If you can connect in while at work, you might be able to get by with only that for your regular commute.
Most electric vehicle owners, on the other hand, will need a Level 2 charger at home.
This frequently necessitates a 240-volt outlet, comparable to that required by an electric dryer or an oven.
Because not every home has an outlet ready to use, you’ll need to have one professionally installed.
You’ll probably need to upgrade to a 200 amp service if you live in an older home with a 100 amp breaker box.
Level 2 chargers are available in a variety of charging speeds, so keep that in mind while selecting one for your home.
When it comes to public charging, most public Level 2 chargers have a maximum output of 6.6 kW, or roughly 24 to 26 miles per hour.
Some Level 2 home chargers can provide you with even more.
Hardwired vs. Plug-in
When looking for chargers, you’ll note that many of them come with a hardwire option, which means they don’t plug into an outlet.
Avoid hardwired chargers if at all feasible, and instead, get an electrician to install the proper plug for your charger.
The biggest advantage is that if you ever need to move the charger, it will be much easier.
Having someone professionally hardwire a charger or install the necessary outlet costs around the same, so obtain an outlet if you can.
Plus, if you utilize a NEMA 6-50 outlet (see below), you or anyone who buys your house will have more possibilities than just car charging.
One thing to keep in mind is that some outdoor chargers may be required to be hardwired by local codes.
If you need a charger to be hardwired, make sure you verify your local standards before buying one.
What to Look For in a Home EV Charger
When buying a home EV charger, look at the amperage to see how much range you’ll get per hour.
Even if your vehicle can’t take full use of it, it’s a good idea to get a charger that can handle at least 30 amps.
There’s a strong possibility you’ll update your electric vehicle to a better model in the future, so getting the correct charger now can help protect your investment.
Pay special attention to the circuit breaker rating required for your charger and whether your electrical panel will be able to accept it.
You must also decide whether your charger will be installed indoors or outdoors. If you don’t have access to a garage, be sure the charger you buy is weatherproof.
There are also portable EV chargers that don’t require you to set up a permanent “station” in your garage or outside.
When using a portable charger, you’re usually sacrificing performance for convenience, but for many people, it’s worth it.
It’s often just easier to plug anything into a wall outlet before putting it in your car.
Some chargers will also be UL- or ETL-listed, indicating that they have passed generally recognized EVSE product safety criteria. Look for the UL or ETL logo on a charger to ensure it is safe to use.
Finally, check with your local electric utility company to see if you qualify for any rebates or incentives for installing a charger at home.
A rebate may be available to help you recoup some of the cost of your charger.
Additional Features of Home EV Chargers
It’s no surprise that some EV chargers have WiFi capabilities in this connected world.
These chargers allow you to download an app on your smartphone and operate the charger from afar.
Charge scheduling, energy metering, and other features are included.
There are even Amazon Alexa-compatible chargers, allowing you to use voice commands with any Alexa device, such as an Echo Dot.
Keep in mind that your charger will most likely be put in a location where your home WiFi may not be available.
If you want to buy a WiFi-enabled charger, keep that in mind, and make sure your wireless network has a strong enough signal to reach anywhere you want to put it.
Other chargers may allow you to schedule charging without the need for WiFi or an app.
It’s a convenient feature to have because it allows you to plug in your car and charge it during off-peak hours when electricity is less expensive.
The scheduling feature may not be compatible with all vehicles, so check with the manufacturer or read reviews to see if yours is.
What are the Power Requirements for EV Charging, and What are the Different Types of Outlets?
Level 1 chargers can and usually do operate on the same household electricity as your small appliances, and they plug into the same standard outlets.
You can only take so much electricity from them safely, as everyone who has ever tripped a circuit breaker by running too many items knows.
New homes should have 20-amp circuits, however, 15-amp circuits are typical in homes older than 25 years.
Most Level 1 chargers use 16 amps, which can be problematic if you don’t have enough power.
Level 2 chargers always require a dedicated circuit, usually either 40 or 50 amps.
You could already have one if you’re lucky—people who use things like welders or large air compressors in their garage require that much power.
Although an electrician will still need to verify the circuit and install the charger, you should be able to plug it in right away, albeit you may require an adaptor.
You can also have your Level 2 charger wired indirectly, which is less expensive than installing an outlet but offers less flexibility.
NEMA 14-50 and NEMA 6-50 are the two types of plugs you may encounter or require. It’s simple to find an adaptor for either one.
You probably have a NEMA 15-40 outlet in your home if you have an electric stove or clothes dryer.
These are the most common Level 2 plug-in charging outlets, and they’re also the most adaptable.
Tesla, on the other hand, has shifted to the 6-50, and the rest of the industry is expected to follow suit.
The 6-50 outlet is for heavy-duty electrical tools.
The only real difference is that the 6-50 has three rather than four holes, like the 14-50 does because it lacks a neutral circuit.
What About Supercharging?
Different standards of Level 3 chargers, such as DC Fast Charging, Tesla’s Supercharging, and CHAdeMO, can charge your EV anywhere from three to 20 miles per minute.
Most of them can provide an 80 percent charge in 30 minutes.
They often require 400-480 volts, which is twice as much as most homes receive.
You could have one installed for home usage if money was no object.
Tesla Superchargers are not available for installation because the company does not make them available.
However, Tesla charging adaptors exist for CHAdeMO chargers.
An electrical engineer would be required to design a site and secure the relevant licenses from your city or town.
You may be required to form a business and have it insured, which may not be permitted in some areas.
Your engineer would collaborate with a commercial electrician and the power company to run dedicated cabling from the pole to a transformer, which could need a concrete pad.
A 480-volt switchboard would supply electricity to a subpanel, which in turn would supply power to your Level 3 charger.
Fortunately, there are several Level 3 chargers that may be used at home rather than only in commercial settings.
It’ll be the cheapest element of your project because there are so many possibilities under $5,000.
You might be able to install a Level 3 charger at home for $20,000 on the low end, but we’d budget $50,000 and hope for the best.
If you have five pure battery electric vehicles (BEVs) in your home and have limited access to public chargers, a two-head Level 3 charger would be a good investment.
A Level 2 charger, on the other hand, is sufficient for 99.9% of individuals.
The Best Home EV Chargers
1. JuiceBox Smart EV Charger
The JuiceBox series of home EV chargers comes in three different configurations: 32 amp (7.7 kW), 40 amp (9.6 kW), and 48 amp (9.6 kW) (11.5 kW).
The JuiceBox 32 and 40-amp models can be used as a plug-in charger (NEMA 14-50) or hardwired, whereas the JuiceBox 48 is only offered as a hardwired option right now.
All variants of the JuiceBox are WiFi-enabled, Level 2 charging stations that can charge all-electric vehicles on the market, including Teslas with an adaptor, according to the universal J1772 charging standard.
The JuiceNet mobile app and web interface can be used to handle scheduling, energy metering, notifications, and LED charging light indicators with these chargers.
If you’ve set up a daily charging schedule, you can even ask JuiceNet to remind you to plug in your vehicle.
These chargers are compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home, allowing you to monitor, manage, and control your charger with voice queries.
Each charger is protected by a waterproof, dust-tight polycarbonate enclosure that may be used both indoors and outdoors.
They come with a 25-foot wire that terminates in a standard SAE J1772 connector, and the manufacturer backs them up with a three-year warranty for usage in normal household settings.
Pros: Built-in WiFi, JuiceNet support, Amazon and Google compatibility, small size, multiple variations to pick from.
Cons: WiFi issues have been reported by some users.
2. ChargePoint Home Flex WiFi Enabled EV Charger
If you’ve ever utilized public charging, there’s a good chance you’ve seen a ChargePoint charger.
The company’s home charger is WiFi-enabled and comes in hardwired or plug-in variants, with a 40 or 50 amp NEMA 14-50 or NEMA 6-50 socket that an electrician can simply install. A 23-foot cable is included in both versions.
The ChargePoint home charger, like the JuiceBox, integrates with Alexa, so you can operate it with an Alexa device.
The software allows you to plan to charge when electricity is lowest, as well as create reminders so you never forget to plug in your vehicle.
A Level 2 charger, which can charge up to 50 amps and give up to 37 miles of range per hour to most electrified vehicles, is recommended.
The plug-in station may be set to charge from 16 to 50 amps, allowing you to customize your charging experience based on your home’s electrical supply.
This charger is UL-listed, which means it was designed and built with electrical safety in mind, as well as being Energy Star certified.
The charger comes with a three-year warranty and 24-hour customer service.
Pros: Level 2 charger, Energy Star Certified, WiFi, Alexa compatible, hardwired or plug-in, up to 50A charging for 37 miles of range per hour, available in hardwired or plug-in.
Cons: Some customers are having problems with the app, which is necessary for charging.
3. Lectron 240V 40 Amp Level 2 EV Charger
Lectron produces so many EV chargers that we can’t keep track of them all, and they’re not great on catchy names.
They do, however, have a charger for every need and budget, ranging from a 16 amp Level 1 charger that can be plugged into a kitchen outlet (if you don’t have much to charge) to considerably faster and more feature-rich EV chargers like this 40 amp Level 2 charger.
It requires a NEMA 14-50 outlet (or a clothes dryer outlet with a converter) and charges at 240 volts at 40 amps and 9.6 kWs, which is up to seven times faster than a Level 1 charger on household electricity.
The casing is dust and water-resistant, and the always-on LED display shows current, voltage, temperature, and charging time.
If you’re looking for a rugged EV charger to put outside in the elements, the Bosch device is the next best option; but, it’ll set you back several hundred dollars.
The fact that the charging circuitry is housed in a module in the cable may be inconvenient, but the Lectron is a great choice for a garage charger.
Pros: There are several variants available, including a Level 2 charger that is tiny and light.
Cons: It’s not actually wall-mounted, it’s not waterproof, and it only comes with a one-year warranty.
4: Siemens US2 VersiCharge Universal
The Siemens VersiCharge comes in three different configurations: hardwire, universal, and smart grid.
The Hardwire variant is the least expensive of the three, but it requires a direct connection to your electrical grid for indoor use.
The VersiCharge Universal model is the most cost-effective option, as it is a plug-and-play solution that can be used both indoors and outdoors.
Finally, the Smart Grid is similar to the Universal model in that it is plug-and-play, but it is also a WiFi-connected charger that can be controlled remotely using an iOS or Android app. There is also a cellular gateway available.
240V x 30A, or 7.2 kW, is the power output of all three chargers.
A 14-foot cable is included with the Hardwire type, while a 20-foot cable is included with the Universal and Smart Grid variants.
It works with all J1772 compliant automobiles as well as Tesla vehicles utilizing Tesla’s charging adapter and offers approximately four times faster charging than a Level 1 charger.
You’ll need a two-pole, 40A circuit breaker regardless of the type you choose. The outdoor-rated charger spans 14.5 inches wide by 16 inches tall by 6.5 inches deep.
The Siemens charger, which is made in California, also has pause and 2/4/6/8-hour delay capabilities that are accessible from the front of the charger, albeit the delayed charging may not work for all vehicles.
For the Universal and Smart Grid variants, it comes with a mounting bracket, charging cord, and NEMA 6-50 plug. One of the most appealing features of this charger is its three-year warranty.
Over 850 reviews have given the US2 VersiCharge a 91 percent good rating.
The Siemens website has an online form for US-based customer service, but you’ll have to hunt through product manuals to discover email or the toll-free tech support number, which is (800) 333-7421.
We had previously removed the VersiCharge from our list because to claims of customer service issues, but we called them anonymously with technical queries and were impressed with their ability to respond.
Pros: UL listed, time-delay start, NEMA 4 outdoor rating, three-year warranty.
Cons: Expensive, many features require apps
5. Pulsar Plus Level 2 EV Charger
You don’t want a giant, unattractive charger hanging from your garage wall, so you’re looking for a more compact design.
Wallbox’s elegant Level 2 charger fits the bill, providing 240-volt charging in a compact form.
The Pulsar Plus has a maximum power output of 40 amps, but it automatically adjusts to different charging needs down to 16 amps.
When compared to regular Level 1 charging cords, this means your EV will charge up to seven times faster. It comes with a charging cord that is 25 feet long.
You can connect the charger to your smart devices using the myWallbox app, allowing you to control and monitor it wirelessly over Bluetooth or WiFi.
You may use the app to make charge schedules to save money on charging, as well as set reminders and receive charging status updates.
Have two electric vehicles at home and require two chargers?
Because of the built-in smart power management, you can connect many of these chargers to the same electrical circuit, and they will automatically balance charging for the most efficient energy distribution.
This product is UL approved for electrical safety and NEMA Type 4 rated for water and dust resistance. It can be hardwired or plugged into a NEMA 14-50 outlet.
Pros: Compact design, Level 2 charger, and app to operate the charger wirelessly
Cons: The mounting hardware isn’t fantastic, and the app is lacking in functions.
6. AmazonBasics Level 2 EV Charging Station
It was just a matter of time before AmazonBasics, the company’s in-house brand, began producing home EV chargers.
The company’s offering is a Level 2 option, which includes an 18-foot connection and 240-volt, 32-amp charging.
This charging station may provide up to 25 miles of range per hour if you take advantage of the 32 amps.
The hardwired station can be mounted indoors or outdoors, and the home station uses a NEMA 6-50 outlet. If the 18-foot power line isn’t long enough, a 25-foot cable is available.
This item is made of robust PC material and has an IK10 impact resistance rating as well as a NEMA-4 water/dust protection rating.
This is a small charging station that has won a Red Dot Award for its design. It is 11.2 inches by 7.6 inches by 3.2 inches. A one-year limited guarantee is included with AmazonBasics.
Pros: Level 2, award-winning compact design, up to 25 miles of range per hour (32 amp).
Cons: Basic charger with only a one-year warranty
7. Grizzl-E Level 2 EV Charger
This Level 2 EV charger is made in Canada and comes with a three-year guarantee and complete customer support, making it an excellent choice for people new to home EV charging.
A NEMA 14-50 plug and a 24-foot quality wire are included with this charger for easy installation.
It has a 40A, 32A, 24A, and 16A adjustable amperage to take advantage of the most efficient charging conditions.
Charge rates range from 28 to 30 miles per hour for 40A, 22 to 25 miles per hour for 32A, 15 to 18 miles per hour for 24A, and 10 to 12 miles per hour for 16A.
It has an IP67 water resistance rating and is also fire resistant.
Built-in GFCI, over current, over-voltage, under-voltage, missing diode, ground fault, and over-temperature safeguards are just a few of the safety features available.
The charger’s exterior is made of a sturdy, rigid design with an airtight metal enclosure. If you need to move it from one spot to another, it can easily be removed from the wall mount.
This is the home EV charger for you if you prefer to keep things simple. Because there is no wireless capabilities, there is no app to install and set up.
In other words, Grizzl-E is a good option if you only want a charger that you can connect to your EV to charge it without having to fiddle with any other settings.
Pros: Heavy-duty, three-year warranty, adjustable amperage, IP67 rated
Cons: No app support, short power cord
8. Blink HQ 150 EV Charging Station
Blink, based in the United States, has been developing commercial charging stations since 2009, and with their first model, the HQ 150, they’ve lately expanded into the home market.
It’s a wall-mounted Level 2 charger that’s UL approved and NEC 625 compliant for indoor or protected outdoor use.
The simplicity of the controls and display reflects their business background—there is no app, internet, or Bluetooth connection, just a few status LEDs and a lengthy 25-foot charging cord. It is also 25 feet long, unlike some models.
It’s not as quick as 40-amp chargers, but it only requires single-phase, 240-volt power and a NEMA 6-50 socket. The output is a respectable 7.68kW.
It comes in a compact, NEMA Type 3R-rated enclosure that measures 11.14 x 7.56 x 3.11 inches and is suitable for mild outdoor use.
We wouldn’t put this out on a post in the rain, but it’s perfect for the external wall of a garage shielded by the eaves, or any other moist or dusty inside environment.
Blink stated at CES 2022 that two more home EV chargers will be released this year, and we’ll be looking at them when they arrive.
When you register your HQ 150 with Blink, you will receive an additional charge credit or a discount at one of their thousands of public charging stations.
Pros: Level 2, 32 amp, Simple operation, UL listed, long cord
Cons: No programmable features
9. Morec Level 2 EV Charger
Morec offers a portable 32-amp Level 2 charger that is more convenient than a wall-mounted solution.
A 26-foot charging cable and a two-foot wire with a NEMA 14-50 outlet are included with this EV charger.
Simply ensure that your breaker is capable of 32 amps and that your vehicle can accept a 32-amp charger.
A robust ABS box with an LCD display is located beside the plug.
You’ll discover charging status as well as other vital information like charging current, charging voltage, charging device temperature, and maximum charging current there.
This charger has an IP66 certification and is CE and TUV approved, with protection against overcurrent, overvoltage, under-voltage, overheating, and leakage, which we guess means water infiltration.
It operates in temperatures ranging from -22 to 122°F, though like with all chargers, charging will be slower when it becomes really cold.
This option does not come with a bag, however, Morec does offer a holder for convenient mounting.
Pros: Level 2 charger with 32 amps, IP66 rating, CE and TUV certification
Cons: There is no bag included, and the charger is quite simple.
10. EVoCharge Level 2 EV Charger
The Level 2 charger from EVoCharge, a California-based startup, is fully compatible with all-electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles available in the United States and Canada.
This charger can charge at a maximum of 7.68kW, which is up to 8 times faster than a conventional AC Level 1 charger. It has a range of about 25 to 35 miles per hour of charging.
It’s a simple to set up home EV charger with a standard NEMA 6-50 plug and a universal mounting bracket for wall mounting, post mounting, or mounting to any other structure.
You can get a charger with an 18-foot or a 25-foot charging wire, and you can choose one with or without WiFi.
It has three current ratings (20A, 30A, and 40A), allowing you to customize the maximum output current (16A, 24A, 32A). The charger is NEMA 4 rated for both indoor and outdoor use and can be hardwired.
Pros: Level 2, 30-amp, plug-in or hardwired, holster connector, on/off switch
Cons: Price
FAQs About Best Home EV Chargers
Can I install a fast EV charger at home?
A dedicated home charger can be used to charge an electric automobile at home (a regular 3-pin outlet with an Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) connection should only be used as a last option). Drivers of electric cars pick a home charging station to take advantage of faster charging times and built-in safety features.
Who has the best EV charging technology?
- The Best Home EV Chargers
- 1. JuiceBox Smart EV Charger
- 2. ChargePoint Home Flex WiFi Enabled EV Charger
- 3. Best Value: Lectron 240V 40 Amp Level 2 EV Charger
- 4: Commercial Quality: Siemens US2 VersiCharge Universal
- 5. Pulsar Plus Level 2 EV Charger
- 6. AmazonBasics Level 2 EV Charging Station
- 7. Grizzl-E Level 2 EV Charger
- 8. Blink HQ 150 EV Charging Station
- 9. Morec Level 2 EV Charger
- 10. EVoCharge Level 2 EV Charger
Is a Level 2 charger worth it?
Level 2 chargers are 3 to 10 times faster than the charger that comes standard with most vehicles. This can mean the difference between being able to charge your battery entirely overnight and having to leave before it is fully charged the next morning. They must be able to travel further.
Should I charge my EV to 80% or 90 %?
We recommend keeping your automobile set within the ‘Daily’ range bracket, up to about 90%, for regular use. It’s advisable to save charging to 100% for when you’re getting ready for an extended vacation. The charge settings option allows you to control how fully the battery charges.
What is a Level 3 EV charger?
Level 3 charging, often known as DC fast charging, is the quickest way to charge an electric vehicle, recharging most vehicles in minutes rather than hours. Simply said, Level 3 charging provides greater power at a faster rate, making it perfect for on-the-go sites such as gas stations or fleet depots.
