back to articles | June 04, 2024 | Moses Mwangi
Categories: Useful Automotive Information
8 Best Home Electric Vehicle Chargers in 2024
Buying a home EV charger is one of the best decisions any EV owner can make. Charging your vehicle at home is convenient and cost-effective.
Buying a home EV charger is one of the best decisions any EV owner can make. Charging your vehicle at home is convenient and cost-effective.
While all EVs come with a level 1 charger, it's insufficient because filling a standard battery can take more than 24 hours. As a result, EV owners who want to charge at home should purchase a level 2 charger. However, with so many available options, finding the right home EV charger can be quite difficult. In addition, you have to ensure your home electrical system is ready to support EV charging.
The best EV home charger should offer optimal charging performance, safety, and compatibility. Here are the eight best home electric vehicle chargers in 2024.
Tesla Universal Wall Connector
The Tesla Universal Wall Connector tops the list of the best home EV chargers for 2024. While most of its features resemble the Tesla standard wall connector, this one stands out due to its built-in adapter. It can charge any EV sold in the U.S. without needing an adapter because it has a NACS connector and JI772 adapter. This is great for homes with both Tesla EVs and other types of EVs. Press a button for the J1772 adapter to pull out when you want to charge non-Tesla EVs. The best part is it's electronically locked, so you don't have to worry about losing it.
The universal wall connector boasts a 48-amp output, meaning you can be assured of fast charging. It features a minimalist but sleek design and a 24-foot cord. It is equipped with Wi-Fi connectivity, which allows you to monitor charging status and schedule charging sessions remotely through a dedicated app. This is perfect for optimizing charging times based on electricity rates or pre-heating your battery in colder weather.
The only downside of this charger is that it's pricier than most of its competitors and lacks a plugin option. Once you buy it, you'll need a professional to hardwire it.
Emporia EV Charger
The Emporia 48-amp charger has been a top choice for EV owners since it entered the market two years ago. Its main selling points are functionality and affordability. It's a high-power EV charging solution with generous features at a lower cost. This charger is priced at $100 to $200 cheaper than its main competitors, so you can understand why it comes highly recommended.
You can buy a NACS or a J1772 connector at the point of purchase. It's a 48-amp unit with an attached NEMA 14-50 plug. If you use it as a plugin charger, it'll output only up to 40 amps. However, if your EV needs more power, you can hardwire it to output up to 48 amps.
The Emporia EV charger is encased in a weatherproof casing, which makes it ideal for outdoor installations. This is crucial for homeowners who park their EVs in driveways or carports. The cord is also long enough, measuring 24 feet. However, it's thicker than the Tesla one, although it's still easy to maneuver.
The charger has a Wi-Fi connection and a tracking app. The only downside is that it can only charge some EVs, and the app could be confusing, especially for beginners.
ChargePoint Home Flex
ChargePoint Home Flex is another highly recommended home EV charger. It's no surprise because ChargePoint has the largest EV charging network in the U.S. Its impressive charging power, robust weatherproof design, and smart features are the most stand-out features.
ChargePoint Home Flex integrates the app used for its public charging stations, so you can, among other things, view your charging history data. Moreover, it is Wi-Fi enabled and can be set to lower costs during non-peak hours because it allows you to choose rate plans from your local utility.
When buying this charger, you will choose between NACS or J1772 plugs. It's available as a plugin unit that delivers up to 40 amps, or you can hardwire it for 48 amps output. The cable is 23 feet, and the charger has a 3-year warranty. The only downside is that it's among the most expensive chargers on the list.
Grizzl-E Smart Connect EV Charger
The Grizzl-E Smart Connect strikes a balance between affordability and smart features. It boasts a 40-amp output, delivering a good charging speed at a competitive price. It also boasts Wi-Fi connectivity and a user-friendly app, allowing you to schedule charging sessions, monitor charging status remotely, and receive notifications. The best part is it can pair with any Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) EV charging station software.
The enclosure is weatherproof, making it suitable for outdoor installations. Although this charger outputs 40 amps, EV owners who don't need this much power can reduce it to 32, 24, or 16 amps. You'll also get a 3-year warranty.
JuiceBox 40 Smart EV Charging Station
One thing people love about this charger is its different output capabilities. You can max out at 40 amps or downsize to 6 amps. It has a J1772 connector and a NEMA 14-50 plugin. The app allows for remote control of charging sessions, monitoring charging history, and even receiving alerts for malfunctions. Additionally, it integrates with smart home systems, enabling automatic charging during off-peak hours. It also integrates with popular voice assistants for hands-free control.
The JuiceBox 40 is weatherproof and has a NEMA 4X rating. It comes with a 25-foot cable and a 3-year warranty. If the 40 amps output is insufficient, consider the JuiceBox 48, but you'll pay a little more.
Wallbox Pulsar Plus 48A
The Wallbox Pulsar Plus 48 amps is similar to the Wallbox Pulsar Plus 40 but delivers more power. Depending on your EV's efficiency, it can charge up to 11.5 kW, equivalent to 35-48 miles of range per hour. It is a smart charger that allows you to monitor the charging process through my Wallbox app. It is NEMA 4X rated for water and dust resistance, and the cable is 25 feet long, allowing you to reach two cars in the same carport.
This charger is ideal for homes or apartments with several EVs, as it can share power across several units. Wallbox also announced they'll add a new feature to allow direct billing of users sharing the same unit. The only downside is its J117 connector could be better, mainly because of the higher price tag.
EVIQO EVPower 48-amp EV Charger
The EVIQO EVPower 48-amp is a great charger for its price. First of all, the app is awesome. It allows you to set your electric company rates and tracks how much each charging costs. Although the 25-foot-long cord is super heavy, the hardware is top-notch.
The charger can be hardwired to deliver 48 amps or plugged into a NEMA 14-50 socket to deliver up to 40 amps. It has an IP66 enclosure and a three-year warranty, which can be extended at a fee.
Lectron 32 Amp
This charger is the cheapest on the list but has the least functionality. While it has an LCD screen to display amperage, voltage, energy, temperature, and charge time, it lacks Wi-Fi smart features or app connectivity. It's a good choice for homeowners with a smaller electric vehicle or those prioritizing a low upfront cost.
Lectron 32 Amp only comes with a plugin option and can be adjusted to an output of 10, 13, 16, or 32 amps. It's easy to install and has a compact size for tight spaces.
Conclusion
The most suitable home EV charger will depend on your needs and priorities. However, all these chargers are serious contenders. To find the right one, consider your EV's battery size, desired charging speed, budget, and whether you value smart features or a more basic solution.
That said, are you a first-time electric vehicle buyer? While electric cars often come with a higher price tag, choosing the right vehicle and auto financing could help you save a lot.