For electric vehicle owners, a Level 2 home EV charger is more than just a convenience—it’s a game-changer. While most EVs come with a Level 1 charger, relying solely on it is like using a garden hose to fill a swimming pool. Upgrading to the Best Home Ev Charger significantly speeds up your charging, adding miles much faster and ensuring your EV is ready when you are.
After extensive research and hands-on testing, we’ve identified the top home EV chargers available. Whether you drive a Tesla, a J1772-compatible EV, or need a budget-friendly option, our recommendations will help you find the ideal Level 2 charger to keep your electric vehicle powered up efficiently at home.
Top Overall: Emporia Level 2 EV Charger
The Emporia Level 2 EV Charger stands out as the best overall home EV charger for its performance, ease of use, and robust build. Available in both J1772 and NACS (North American Charging Standard) versions, it caters to a wide range of electric vehicles.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Fast Charging: Supports up to 48 amps, enabling full charging of most EV batteries within 5 to 8 hours. This significantly reduces charging time compared to Level 1 chargers.
- Versatile Compatibility: Choose the J1772 version for EVs with a J1772 port or the NACS version for Tesla and other EVs using the NACS connector.
- Long Cord: Equipped with a 24-foot cord, providing ample reach within your garage or driveway.
- Flexible Installation: Offers both hardwired and plug-in installation options (NEMA 14-50 plug), though plug-in installation limits charging speed to 40 amps.
- Weatherproof and Safe: UL listed for safety and NEMA 4 rated (IP66 equivalent) for exceptional resistance to dust and water, ensuring durability and reliability in various weather conditions.
- Compact Design: Its streamlined shape saves space in your garage without compromising on performance.
The Emporia Level 2 EV Charger delivers on all fronts, offering a powerful, reliable, and user-friendly home charging solution. It’s an excellent investment for EV owners seeking the best combination of speed, features, and durability.
Buy Emporia Level 2 EV Charger (J1772 version) from Amazon
Buy Emporia Level 2 EV Charger (J1772 version) from Best Buy
Buy Emporia Level 2 EV Charger (NACS version) from Amazon
Buy Emporia Level 2 EV Charger (NACS version) from Best Buy
Best Budget Home EV Charger: United Chargers Grizzl-E Classic 40A
For EV owners seeking a cost-effective yet reliable Level 2 charging solution, the United Chargers Grizzl-E Classic 40A is an excellent choice. It offers many of the features of our top pick at a more accessible price point, making it the best budget home EV charger.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Solid Charging Performance: Supports up to 40 amps, charging most EV batteries in 6 to 9 hours. While slightly slower than the Emporia at maximum amperage, it still provides significantly faster charging than Level 1 options.
- J1772 Compatibility: Comes with a standard J1772 connector, compatible with a wide range of EVs (NACS adapter can be used for Tesla vehicles).
- Longer Cord: Features a 25-foot cord, offering slightly more reach than the Emporia charger.
- Weatherproof and Durable: UL listed and IP67 rated, providing complete protection against dust and the ability to withstand temporary submersion in water. This robust build ensures long-term reliability.
- Multiple Installation Options: Supports hardwired, NEMA 14-50 plug, and NEMA 6-50 plug installations, offering great flexibility for different home setups.
- Optional Holster: An optional holster (sold separately) enhances usability, especially when pairing with an NACS adapter.
The Grizzl-E Classic 40A balances performance and affordability, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious EV owners who don’t want to compromise on quality and durability.
Buy United Chargers Grizzl-E Classic 40A from Amazon
Best Home EV Charger for Charging Two EVs: United Chargers Grizzl-E Duo
For households with multiple electric vehicles, the United Chargers Grizzl-E Duo is the best home EV charger designed to charge two EVs simultaneously. This dual charger eliminates the need for separate charging stations, saving space and installation costs.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Dual Charging Capability: Equipped with two 24-foot cords and J1772 connectors, allowing for simultaneous charging of two EVs. NACS adapters can be used for Tesla or other NACS vehicles.
- Ample Power for Single or Dual Charging: Provides up to 40 amps when charging a single vehicle, and intelligently splits the power (up to 20 amps per vehicle) when charging two EVs at once.
- Weatherproof and Robust: Features an IP67 weatherization rating and UL listing, mirroring the durability and safety of the Grizzl-E Classic.
- Plug-in Installation: Supports NEMA 14-50 or NEMA 6-50 plug-in installation, offering ease of setup.
- Optional Holster Compatibility: Like the Classic model, it is compatible with optional holsters for convenient cable management and NACS adapter use.
While charging two EVs simultaneously will take longer compared to single-vehicle charging, the Grizzl-E Duo offers a practical and efficient solution for multi-EV households, making it the best home EV charger for this specific need.
Buy United Chargers Grizzl-E Duo from Amazon
Best Portable Home EV Charger: Lectron Portable Level 2 Charger
For EV owners who need a charging solution on the go or prefer a non-permanent setup at home, the Lectron Portable Level 2 Charger is the best portable home EV charger. Available in both J1772 and NACS versions, it combines portability with Level 2 charging speeds.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Portable and Compact: Designed to be easily transported and stored, making it ideal for travel or for those who need to move their charger frequently.
- Level 2 Charging Speed: Supports up to 40 amps, delivering significantly faster charging than Level 1 portable chargers. It can charge most EV batteries in 6 to 9 hours.
- Versatile Compatibility: Choose between J1772 and NACS connector versions to match your EV.
- Sufficient Cord Length for Portability: Includes a 16-foot cord, balancing reach with portability.
- Plug-in Installation: Designed for NEMA 14-50 plug-in installation, ensuring easy setup at various locations with compatible outlets.
- Weather Resistant: IP65 rated, providing dustproof protection and resistance to light water spray.
The Lectron Portable Level 2 Charger offers a convenient and powerful charging solution without the need for permanent installation, making it the best portable option for EV owners.
Buy Lectron Portable Level 2 Charger (J1772 version) from Amazon
Buy Lectron Portable Level 2 Charger (J1772 version) from Best Buy
Buy Lectron Portable Level 2 Charger (J1772 version) from The Home Depot
Buy Lectron Portable Level 2 Charger (NACS version) from Amazon
Buy Lectron Portable Level 2 Charger (NACS version) from Best Buy
Buy Lectron Portable Level 2 Charger (NACS version) from The Home Depot
Key Considerations When Choosing Your Best Home EV Charger
Selecting the best home EV charger involves considering several factors to ensure it meets your specific needs and vehicle requirements. Here are crucial aspects to evaluate:
- Connector Type (J1772 vs. NACS): Determine the connector type required by your electric vehicle. J1772 is the standard for most non-Tesla EVs, while NACS is used by Tesla and increasingly adopted by other manufacturers. Choose a charger with the appropriate connector or plan to use an adapter if needed.
- Charging Speed (Amperage): Level 2 chargers offer varying amperage, typically ranging from 32A to 48A. Higher amperage translates to faster charging times. Consider your daily driving needs and desired charging speed when selecting amperage. Ensure your home electrical system can support the chosen amperage.
- Cord Length: Evaluate the distance from your electrical outlet to your vehicle’s charging port. A longer cord (24-25 feet) provides greater flexibility in parking and charger placement.
- Installation Type (Plug-in vs. Hardwired): Plug-in chargers are easier to install and can be moved, while hardwired chargers offer a more permanent and potentially higher amperage connection (depending on the model and electrical setup). Consider your home setup and whether you prefer a portable or fixed charger.
- Weatherproofing and Durability: If the charger will be installed outdoors or in a garage exposed to the elements, prioritize models with robust weatherproofing ratings (IP65 or higher). Look for certifications like UL listing for safety and reliability.
- Smart Features: Some advanced home EV chargers offer smart features such as Wi-Fi connectivity, app control, charging scheduling, energy monitoring, and integration with smart home systems. Decide if these features are valuable for your needs.
- Budget: Home EV chargers range in price. Determine your budget and balance desired features and performance with cost. Consider that investing in a higher-quality charger can offer better long-term value and reliability.
By carefully considering these factors, you can confidently choose the best home EV charger that perfectly aligns with your electric vehicle, charging needs, and lifestyle.
Conclusion
Investing in the best home EV charger is a smart move for any electric vehicle owner. It transforms the charging experience from slow and inconvenient to fast and efficient. Our top picks, including the Emporia Level 2 EV Charger for overall excellence, the United Chargers Grizzl-E Classic for budget-conscious buyers, the Grizzl-E Duo for multi-EV households, and the Lectron Portable Level 2 Charger for portability, cover a range of needs and preferences. Evaluate your specific requirements, consider our recommendations, and upgrade to a Level 2 home EV charger to maximize your EV ownership experience.
