The BEST EV Home Chargers

ByRowan A Updated on
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Installing a home charger for your EV is one of the best decisions you can make. This roundup looks at chargers with a J1772 connection (also called a J plug).

If you are the proud owner of a Tesla I’d still suggest reading through and then looking at these J1772 to Tesla adapters that will make these useable with whichever Model you own.

I’ve also rated the top Tesla home chargers if you prefer.

EVIQO EVIPOWER

State of Charge benchmark0/100

The EVIQO can deliver up to 48 amps, but if used straight out of the box, it provides 40 amps through a NEMA 14-50 plug.

For those looking to maximize its output, a simple hardwiring process and a dip switch adjustment inside the unit can unlock its full potential.

Additionally, its weatherproof rating and smart connectivity options via a dedicated app make it suitable for various environments and user preferences.

  • Ease of Installation: The mounting bracket and simple attachment process make installing the unit straightforward.
  • Cable Length: The 25-foot cable length and over 3-foot long plug cable offer flexibility in installation.
  • Security Features: Security screws and a special Allen key provide a basic level of theft deterrence.
  • Build Quality: The J1772 connector is robust and feels durable, similar to high-quality competitors.
  • Weather Ratings: The unit's IP66 rating ensures it can withstand a range of weather conditions.
  • Extras: The inclusion of high-quality drywall anchors and extra screws is a nice touch.

  • Connector Holster: The additional security feature inside the rubber cap can make it difficult to remove.
  • Full Power Requirement: To get the maximum 48 amps, the unit needs to be hardwired, which may not be convenient for everyone.
EVIQO EVIPOWER Level 2 EV Charger [48 Amp]
EVIQO EVIPOWER Level 2 EV Charger [48 Amp]

🎯 Scored 98/100 on State of Charges' benchmark test

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ChargePoint Home Flex EV Charger

State of Charge benchmark0/100

If you have ever used a public charger, then chances are you have encountered our next product at some point in your life.

ChargePoint is a company known for its Wi-Fi-enabled home charger, which can be purchased for plug-in or hardwired options.

The EV charger operates via an app and can be remotely controlled through your Alexa and Echo devices.

Featuring a durable and safe design, the charger can charge up to 50 amps and can add 37 miles of range per hour to your vehicle. 

  • Level 2 Charger: The ChargePoint Home Flex is a Level 2 charger and is capable of adding 37 miles of range per hour to your vehicle. 
  • WiFi Enabled: The EV charger is WiFi-enabled and can be operated via an app on your smartphone. 
  • Compatible With Home Devices: The ChargePoint Home Flex EV charger can be remotely controlled using your Alexa and Echo devices. 
  • Energy Star Certified: The EV charger has been Energy Star Certified, ensuring both its safety and efficiency. 

  • App Issues: Some buyers have reported issues with the app, which is required for charging your vehicle. 
ChargePoint Home Flex EV Charging Station
ChargePoint Home Flex EV Charging Station
Buy With NEMA 14-50 Plug Buy With NEMA 6-50 Plug
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J+ Booster 2 Portable EV Charger

State of Charge benchmark0/100

You might well ask yourself why we are featuring the j+ Booster portable charger here. It's quite simply because of VALUE.

This particular charger holds its own against the EVIQO and the Home Flex and compared to the rest of the portable market it blows them out of the water.

With the j+ you're getting up to 40 amps and 240 volts making it 7 times faster than standard level 1 charging.

If you are looking for a product that will work both perfectly at home and on the road then this is the only option out there. This is the last charger (home or portable) that you'll ever need!

  • Easy to set up without needing an electrician, which makes it convenient.
  • Handles extreme weather and heavy weights like a champ, is reliable in snow and rain, and it's truly rugged.
  • Its portability is a big advantage. The carrying case keeps everything organized.

  • We faced an issue with the metal ring around the connector breaking off. While customer support was helpful, it was still an inconvenience.
  • The included 21ft cable can get quite hot after long use, making handling it slightly difficult.

🏅 UL Certifications: UL2231-1, UL2231-2, UL2594
🛡️ Safety Standards: IEC 62196, IEC 61851-1, RoHS
⚖️ Weight: 7.7 pounds
📏 Dimensions: 2.76" x 2.76" x 11"
🌀 Cable Length: Up to 25ft (NEMA 5-15 & 14-50)
🔌 Connector: Type 1 (SAE J1772)
⚡ Power Settings: Up to 40 amps, multiple amperage settings
🦾 Material: Military-grade aluminum
☔ Weather Resistance: IP67 rated (waterproof and dustproof)
♨️ Temperature Range: -22°F to +122°F
🔒 Warranty: 2 years

J+ Booster 2 Level 2 EV Charger
J+ Booster 2 Level 2 EV Charger
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Buyer's Guide

If you are now considering purchasing an EV charger, then there are certain factors that you need to consider before you complete your transaction.

Below, we have outlined some key points that should be kept in mind when choosing an EV charger for your electric car. We hope you can find the detector you need by consulting these points, saving you both time and money. 

If you have gotten this far, then you are probably wondering what the difference is between a Level 1 charger and a Level 2 charger. Well, the simple answer to this question is that Level 2 chargers are much quicker when it comes to charging your electric vehicle.

In basic terms, Level 1 chargers use the same amount of power as a standard outlet in your home, which means they only produce a very weak amount of electricity. 

Because of this, Level 1 chargers can only supply your car with a range of 3-4 miles per hour, which can leave you greatly limited if you travel a lot for work or leisure.

That is why most electric car owners will want to purchase a Level 2 charger for their home, as they can help ensure that your car is sufficiently charged throughout the day. 

However, this does not mean that Level 2 chargers don't come with their negative setbacks, for Level 2 chargers require a lot of power to work and will usually be paired with an outlet capable of producing 240 volts of electricity.

Because most households don't have these outlets, you will need to have one professionally installed, which can be very expensive and add more cost to the overall price of the charger you want to buy. 

Level 2 chargers also come available at a range of different speeds, so you always have to pay close attention when selecting one for your property. 

When shopping for an EV charger for your electric car, you will probably notice that many chargers come with the option of a hardwired model, which means they don't have to be plugged into an outlet to work.

Although this may sound like a brilliant idea on the surface, many electric car owners choose to avoid hardwired chargers due to their stationery and costly nature. 

Hardwired chargers are very expensive to install and limited in their capabilities, for, unlike plug-in chargers, they cannot be easily removed and transported to another location.

This is why plug-in chargers are a more popular choice among electric car owners, as they are a far more versatile product that can be utilized in various settings and environments. 

However, this does not mean that you will always be allowed to install a plug-in charger on your property, for different local codes may require your outdoor charger to be hardwired for safety reasons.

So before you purchase your intended EV charger, we recommend checking your local requirements to see how your charger will need to be installed. 

When choosing your EV charger, you also need to consider where you will install it, as certain models may not be weather-resistant and, therefore, unsuitable for outdoor placement.

These are important elements that you have to consider. Otherwise, you could run the risk of purchasing a charger that does not meet your needs. 

We use a 25-point scoring system for every home charging station that gets reviewed. The points are divided evenly across 5 critical performance areas:

1️⃣ Cost (Total Of 5 points): The base price we set is $500, and there are 4 points allocated if a charger meets this price point. For every $100 above/below the baseline, +/- 0.5 points

2️⃣ Power Delivery (Total Of 5 points): A home charging station should deliver at least 7.5 kW of power, which is the baseline (1 point). For every 2.5kw over/under, +/- 0.5 point.

If the charger features adjustable power delivery or auto restarts after an outage, it's awarded 1.25 points for each.

3️⃣ Quality (Total Of 5 points): Rubberised materials are preferred (0.5 points), and The State Of Charge's cold cable test indicates quality (+0.5 for a pass and -0.5 for a fail).

Another couple of places where manufacturers might attempt to cut costs are the charging cable holster and the cable length. For the holster, we award 2 points for an integrated system and 1 point for a remote. The cable length is awarded as follows:

Less than 20 feet (0 points); Between 20-24 feet (1 point); 25+ feet (2 points)

4️⃣ Smart Features (Total Of 5 points): Another key aspect we look at is the ability to integrate with other tech in your home. The baseline is set at 2 points if it's a smart charger.

For power sharing and dual charging as an option, 2 points are awarded. And lastly, if the station can integrate with Alexa or Google Home, it receives 1 point.

5️⃣ Safety & Warranty (Total Of 5 points): We expect some absolute minimums in the category, and negative scoring is enforced. For a recognized safety certification and Energy Star Rating, the product receives 1 point for each.

The NEMA ratings are always an area you need to be aware of. We score each charger as follows:
Under 3 (-1 point)
NEMA rating 3 (0 points)
NEMA rating over 3 (+1 point)

Manufacturer warranties often say a lot about what the producer thinks about their product. Be wary of any home charging station with less than 12 months' warranty!

We score the warranty as follows: Under a year (-1 point); 1 year (0 points); 2 years (+0.5 point); 3 years (+1 point); 4 years (+1.5 points); 5 years (+2 points)

➕ Value bonus: The method we use to award the value element is based on the above scores. If a unit scores 5 points (out of 5) for any section, then an extra 1 point (for each 5/5) is added to the final score. And for any 4+ score, we grant an additional 0.5 points to the end.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Really Need An EV Charger?

This is one of those questions only you can answer, as the decision depends on your preferences. However, this does not mean EV chargers do not come with various benefits.

Beyond providing a nearby charging station for your car, home chargers also make the overall process much easier and help you avoid queues and wait times at your local charging stations. 

Installing a Level 2 charger at your home can be incredibly convenient. The only issue is that the installation process can be very expensive and may require you to greatly alter part of your home. But if you purchase the correct charger, it can be a wonderful investment and last you for many years. 

Final Thoughts

These days, car chargers are considered expensive, but they are worth the investment if you want to ensure that your car is adequately charged throughout the day.

So if you have been searching for an EV charger, chances are you have probably discovered that a standard wall outlet is not enough and that you need a charger that perfectly meets your car's needs. 

Of course, hundreds of EV chargers are currently available for online purchase, which is why we have compiled this list of the best EV chargers on the market.

These chargers are ideal for charging your electric car and can be easily installed in your home or garage. We have also compiled a detailed buyer's guide to answer any questions you may have. 

Written by:

Rowan A

I’m a mechanical and electrical engineer from the University of Cape Town, obsessed with electric vehicles and electronic music. Consider me a human hybrid of gears and beats.