Best Home EV Charger Review Guide For 2021

Best Home EV Charger Review Guide For 2023-2024

February 16, 2023

Best Home EV Charger Review Guide For 2023-2024 – If you live in an area with underdeveloped infrastructure, there’s a good chance you’re going to have to install a home EV charger. If you live in an area with underdeveloped infrastructure, there’s a good chance you’re going to have to install a home EV charger.Next, you’ll need to determine whether you want a Level 1 or a Level 2 charger. Level 2 chargers do the job quicker than Level 1 chargers, but often require a different power outlet that you may not already have available in your household. Some chargers are hardwired, while others can simply be plugged in. Decide whether you want a plug-and-play solution or a charger that requires professional installation from an electrician. Lastly, if you aren’t installing your charger inside a garage, make sure to purchase one that is durable when exposed to sun, wind, and water. You’ll want to make sure the charger you’re purchasing is outdoor rated. So keep reading our Best Home EV Charger Review Guide For 2023-2024 to find out more!

Best Home EV Charger Buyers Guide For 2023-2024

Everything You Need to Know About Home EV Chargers:

Electric vehicle (EV) chargers are actually a bit of a misnomer. That’s because your EV charger is actually onboard the vehicle, taking the AC source from your “wall charger” and converting it to DC, so your car’s battery pack can be recharged. It’s also the reason why they’re officially called Electric Vehicle Service Equipment (EVSE), although they’re widely known as a charger since it just makes more sense.

Essentially, when you’re shopping for a home EV charger, you’re actually looking for an EVSE that can safely recharge your car. This guide aims to explain everything you need to know about home EV chargers before you invest hundreds of dollars into one.

Do I Really Need One:

At the end of the day, that’s a question only you can answer. But here are a few things to guide you on your way to finding the right answer.

First, do you own a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) or a battery-electric vehicle (BEV)? Most PHEVs, like the Chevrolet Volt, don’t have a very long range, which means they only need a couple hours to fully charge when using a Level 2 charger. Some PHEVs may even recharge their entire range using a standard 110-volt Level 1 charger, which means you wouldn’t need to install anything fancy or expensive to fully charge your car each night.

But if you do own an all-electric vehicle, chances are a Level 1 charger won’t completely do the job overnight. Depending on how much range you use each day, you may need to turn to public charging if you don’t have a charger at home. The question you then have to ask is, how convenient is public charging? Do you have public chargers near your home or even at your work? Do they have long lines?

Having a Level 2 charger at your home is the most convenient option if you own a BEV, but they aren’t cheap – especially if you need it professionally installed. Ideally, you purchase a charger that will last you years, one that you can even use for future new car purchases.

Level 1 vs. Level 2:

As their names suggest, Level 2 chargers are able to recharge your electrified vehicles quicker than a Level 1 charger. In the most basic sense, Level 1 chargers use a standard power outlet that you can find around your house. They’re typically very slow, giving you around 3 to 4 miles per hour. But that may be enough depending on how much you drive per day, or if you own a PHEV. If you can also plug in while at work, that may be enough to cover you for your daily commute.

For most electric vehicle owners, however, you’ll want a Level 2 charger at home. This often means needing a 240-volt outlet, similar to what an electric dryer or an oven uses. Not all households will have an outlet ready to go, which means you will need one professionally installed. Level 2 chargers also come in a variety of charging speeds, so pay close attention when choosing one for your home.

If you’re looking at public charging, most public Level 2 chargers max out at 6.6 kW, which is around 24 to 26 miles per hour. You can get more than that from some Level 2 home chargers.

Hardwired vs. Plug-in:

You may notice once you start shopping for chargers that many of them are available as a hardwire option, which means it doesn’t plug into an outlet. If possible, avoid hardwired chargers and instead, pay an electrician to setup the correct plug for your charger. The biggest benefit is if you ever have to move the charger, you can do so easily. Typically, it costs about the same to have someone either professionally hardwire a charger or install the correct outlet, so get an outlet if you can.

One thing to note, local code may require some outdoor chargers to be hardwired. Make sure you check your local requirements before purchasing a charger if you need to have it hardwired.

What to Look For in a Home EV Charger:

Generally, when you’re shopping for a home EV charger, you’ll want to look at its amperage to determine how much range you will get per hour. It’s recommended to purchase a charger that can handle at least 30 amps, even if your vehicle can’t take full advantage of it. There’s a good chance you’ll eventually upgrade your EV to a newer model, and purchasing the right charger now helps future proof the investment. Pay close attention to the circuit breaker rating that is necessary for your charger, and whether you will be able to accommodate that in your electrical panel.

You also need to determine whether you will be installing your charger indoors or outdoors. If you don’t have a garage, make sure the charger you’re purchasing is rated for outdoor use.

There are also portable EV chargers available that don’t require you to install an actual “station” in your garage or outdoors. You’re normally trading performance for convenience when going with a portable charger, but for many, it’s worth it. Sometimes it’s just simpler to plug something into a wall outlet and then into your car.

Some chargers will also be UL- or ETL-listed, which means they have met the requirements of widely accepted product safety standards for EVSEs. If you want to be certain a charger is safe to use, look for the UL or ETL logo.

Lastly, check with your local electric utility company to see if there are any rebates or incentives available for installing a charger at home. You may be able to get back some of the cost for your charger through a rebate.

Additional Features of Home EV Chargers:

In a connected age, it’s little surprise some EV chargers come with WiFi capability. These chargers allow you to download an app onto your smartphone so that you can remotely control the charger. Features include the ability to schedule charging, energy metering, and more. There are even chargers that are compatible with Amazon’s Alexa, so you could use voice commands through any Alexa device such as an Echo Dot.

Keep in mind that typically your charger will likely be installed in an area that your home WiFi may not reach. Keep that in mind if you plan on investing into a WiFi-enabled charger, and make sure your wireless network has a strong enough signal to reach wherever you plan on installing the charger.

Other chargers may offer you the ability to set when to charge without having to use WiFi and an app. It’s a nice feature to have, allowing you to plug in your car and have it charge during off peak hours, when electricity may be cheaper. The scheduling feature may not work for all vehicles, so make sure to check with the manufacturer or look at reviews to see if your car is compatible.

Siemens VersiCharge Home Charger

The Siemens VersiCharge is available in three models: Hardwire, Universal, and Smart Grid. The Hardwire model is the most affordable of the three, but must be directly wired into your electrical panel for indoor applications. The Universal model is the VersiCharge’s best value offering, as a plug-and-play solution that can work indoors and outdoors. Lastly, the Smart Grid is like the Universal model in that it’s plug-and-play, but also is a WiFi connected charger so you can use an iOS or Android app to remotely control the charger.

All three chargers have a power output of 240V x 30A, which equals 7.2 kW. The Hardwire version comes with a 14-foot cable, while the Universal and Smart Grid models feature a 20-foot cable. Since it is a Level 2 charger, it offers approximately four times faster charging than Level 1, and works with all J1772 complying cars as well as Tesla vehicles using Tesla’s charging adapter. Regardless of the model you choose, you’ll need a two-pole, 40A circuit breaker. The charger measures 14.5-inches wide by 16-inches tall by 6.5-inches deep.

Manufactured in California, the Siemens charger also offers flexible control with pause and 2/4/6/8-hour delay functions accessible from the front of the charger, although the delayed charging may not work for all vehicles. It includes a mounting bracket, charging cable, and NEMA 6-50 plug for the Universal and Smart Grid models. One of the biggest benefits to this charger is that it comes with an industry-leading three-year warranty.

Product Details:

Quicker charging (30 Amps, 240V, Level 2): 4x faster charging than Level 1, 120V chargers. Item Dimensions (inches) : 14.5 W x 16.0 H x 6.5 D
Easier set-up: Includes convenient mounting bracket, 20ft charging cable, and NEMA 6-50 plug for use with common dryer outlet.
Flexible control: Pause and 2/4/6/8 hour delay functions built into the front of the charger. Operating temperature: -30°C to +50° C
Built to last: Industry leading 3-year warranty for indoor or outdoor use, and manufactured in California.
Universal compatibility: Works with all J1772 complying cars and also Tesla vehicles using Tesla’s charging adapter.Voltage:208 V
Award winning: Rated as The Wirecutter’s “Best EV Charging Station” of 2017.
A name you can trust: Siemens has been a technology leader for over 170 years.
PLEASE NOTE: The product images are a representation of the product offered, but the attributes may differ slightly based on the latest version recently released. While we make it a priority to provide the most accurate information, we cannot guarantee that the pictures are a depiction of the updated version. If you have any questions/concerns, please visit the vendor’s website.

Pros:

Multiple versions available
Level 2 charger
flexible control
three-year warranty

Cons:

Delayed charging isn’t compatible with all vehicles

View Price On Amazon

EVoCharge Level 2 EV Charger

A U.S.-based company located in California, EVoCharge’s Level 2 charger is fully compatible with all electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles sold in the U.S. and Canada. This charger offers maximum 7.68kW charging, meaning it charges up to 8 times faster than a standard AC Level 1 charger. It delivers an estimated 25 to 35 miles of range per hour of charging.

It’s an easy to install home EV charger with a standard NEMA 6-50 plug and comes with a universal mounting bracket for wall mounting, as well as post mount or the ability to mount to any other structure. It supports multiple current ratings (20A, 30A, 40A) so you can adjust the maximum output current (16A, 24A, 32A). The charger is NEMA 4 outdoor and indoor rated and can also be hardwired.

Product Details:

CHARGES ALL EVs & PHEVs: Fully compatible with all Electric Vehicles and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles sold in the United States and Canada. Including: Chevy Bolt, Nissan Leaf, Ford Fusion, BMW i3, Chevy Volt, Toyota Prius, Tesla (with adapter).
SUPER FAST CHARGING & EASY INSTALLATION: Charges up to 8x Faster than Standard AC Level 1 EV chargers for an additional estimated 25-35 miles of Range Per Hour. Engineered for ease of Installation with a Standard NEMA 6-50 plug and universal mounting bracket.
SAFETY RATED & TESTED: Designed and tested to meet the nationally recognized UL (USA) & ETL (Canada) standards for safety. A must-have for electrical products installed in your home. NEMA 4 rated for Indoor/Outdoor use in all weather.
ADJUSTABLE AMPERAGE & MODERN COMPACT DESIGN: Adjust the Max Current Output (32A, 24A, 16A) to Support Multiple Circuit Ratings (40A, 30A, 20A). Install in more locations with a slim, compact & modern design.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED INCLUDED: One low price, no need to purchase other items. Includes: charging unit w/ 18 foot cable, NEMA 6-50 plug, universal mounting bracket, plug holster & user manual.

Pros:

Level 2
30-amp
can be hardwired or plug-in
connector holster
on/off switch

Cons:

None

View Price On Amazon

ClipperCreek HCS-40 EV Charging Station

The HCS-40 from ClipperCreek is another charger made in America and is a Level 2 station. It offers 32 amps of power (7.7kW) and is a hardwired charger that works indoors or outdoors. It is ETL listed so it has met the requirements of widely accepted product safety standards for EV charging stations, along with being in a rugged, fully sealed NEMA 4 enclosure.

Measuring 9 inches by 19.7 inches by 5.3 inches, the ClipperCreek HCS-40 comes with a 25-foot charging cable, a wall mount J1772 connector holster, and a lockable SAE J1772 connector with lock and keys included. When the charger isn’t being used, the charging cord can be stored with an integrated cable wrap.

This charger comes with a three-year warranty.

Product Details:

FASTER CHARGING SPEEDS: The HCS-40 High-powered, Level 2 EV Charging Station EVSE – charges your car up to 5.5x faster than the cordset that came with your electric vehicle. It is a hardwired car charger and works indoors or outdoors with ALL electric cars. 32 Amps of power (7.7kW) is perfect for plug-in electric vehicles like the Nissan Leaf, Chevy Bolt, and BMW i3.
SAFETY CERTIFIED: Unlike some brands sold on Amazon, ClipperCreek’s ETL listing demonstrates this product has met the requirements of widely accepted product safety standards for EV charging stations.
CONVENIENT: Compact size and 25 feet of charging cable for flexible installation and usability. Keep your charging cord neatly stowed with ClipperCreek’s integrated cable wrap and free wall mount connector holster. Plus, our connector accommodates a specially sized padlock (lock included free) for your security.
RELIABLE: Rugged, fully sealed NEMA 4 enclosure for installation anywhere, indoor or outdoor. Backed by ClipperCreek’s 3-year warranty and outstanding customer service. Made in America. Energy Star Certified.
CABLE MANAGEMENT INCLUDED: Keep your charging cord neatly stowed with ClipperCreek’s integrated cable wrap and free wall mount connector holster. Plus, our connector accommodates a specially sized padlock (lock included free) for your security.

Pros:

Level 2, 32 amp
compact
lockable connecto
three-year warranty

Cons:

No programmable features

View Price On Amazon

Editor’s Pick: JuiceBox Pro 40 with JuiceNet

Built in the U.S., the JuiceBox Pro 40 is a high-power, 10kW charging station and can be installed indoors or outdoors. It comes with a feature called JuiceNet, which is a full app for web-based control of scheduling, energy metering, notifications, and LED charging light indicators. The app is also compatible with Amazon Echo and Alexa, allowing for voice control.

Available in two versions, the JuiceBox Pro 40 can either be hardwired or plugged into a 14-50R outlet. There are available adapters for it to work with a dryer, RV-type or regular wall outlet as well. Each charger features sturdy aluminum and a waterproof enclosure.

Designed to charge all electrified vehicles, the charger uses the industry-standard J1772 charge protocol and comes with a 24-foot output cable with the attached J1772 plug. On the other end is a 15-foot input cable with a standard NEMA 14-50 plug. Helping make the station somewhat portable is an aluminum quick-release bracket.

Measuring 10 inches by 6 inches by 3.5 inches, the JuiceBox Pro 40 is one of the smallest EV charging stations currently available.

Product Details:

Up to 6x faster charge: High-power, 32 amperes, 7.7 kW EV charging station. Indoor / outdoor installation. Built-in cable rack and security lock. UL listed. ENERGY STAR certified. Made in USA from domestic and imported parts. 3-year limited warranty for normal residential use.
Convenient WiFi connectivity: With the free JuiceNet app, control and monitor charging remotely, get notified when your car is fully charged, set reminders to charge, and more. Dynamic LED lights show charging status. Voice control via Amazon Echo / Alexa.
Smart grid savings: Schedule your charging times when rates are lower — making your electric vehicle even cheaper to drive.
Hardwire Installation: This unit is ready to be hardwired by a qualified electrician.
Rebates: Get it for as low as $79 after utility incentives available in many locations. Participate in the Enel X JuicePoints program to earn cash for smart charging in eligible geographies.

Pros:

Built-in WiFi
40A
10kW
compatible with Amazon Echo/Alexa
compact size

Cons:

None

View Price On Amazon

ChargePoint Home Flex WiFi Enabled EV Charger

If you have ever used public charging, there’s a chance you have come across a charger from ChargePoint. The company’s home charger is WiFi-enabled and is available in either hardwired or plug-in versions with your choice of a NEMA 14-50 plug or a NEMA 6-50 plug. Both options feature a 23-foot long cable. Like the JuiceBox, the ChargePoint home charger works with Alexa, which means you can control it remotely an Alexa device.

The app allows you to schedule charging when electricity is cheapest, as well as set reminders so you never forget to plug in your vehicle.

This recommendation is a Level 2 charger that can charge up to 50 amps, adding up to 37 miles of range per hour on most electrified vehicles. The plug-in station can be set to charge at 16 amps to 50 amps, giving you control based on your home’s electrical supply. This is a UL-listed charger, so you know it’s been designed and built for electrical safety, as well as being Energy Star certified. The company provides a 3-year warranty and 24/7 customer support with the charger.

Product Details:

Level 2, 240 volt electric vehicle (EV) charging station charges any EV up to 9X faster than a normal wall outlet, with flexible amperage settings up to 50 amps (16A-50A) and plug-in or hardwired installation. Use the ChargePoint app to pick the right amperage for your home after installation.
Works with all electric cars, tested on leading EV models: Chevrolet Volt and Bolt EV, Hyundai Kona and Ioniq, Kia NIRO, Nissan LEAF, Tesla models, Toyota Prius Prime, BMW i3, Honda Clarity, Chrysler Pacifica, Jaguar I-PACE, and many more
Charge faster and smarter with the ChargePoint app. Set a schedule to only charge when electricity is cheapest, set reminders so you never forget to plug in, use Alexa voice control, and see all your ChargePoint charging data in one place
Safe and reliable, with a 3-year backed by 24/7 customer support from a company dedicated to EV charging for 10+ years. UL listed for electrical safety, ENERGY STAR certified for efficiency.
Easy for any electrician to install indoors or out. Plug-in installation with NEMA 6-50 or 14-50 outlet (6-50 currently selected) requires circuits rated 40A or 50A. For other circuit ratings, the plug is easily removed for hardwired installation. Select the amperage that works best for you and your home, helping to avoid electrical upgrades.
Widely eligible for utility rebates and other incentives, including the renewed U. S. federal tax credit for 30% of total station and installation cost, up to $1000.