We Tested The Best Home EV Chargers for 2022 – EQ Mag Pro

You can’t really go wrong with any of these home EV charging options.

The age of the electric vehicle is drawing nearer. As legislation from across the globe continues to push automakers towards EV exclusivity, there is a higher chance than ever that you might be considering sticking one of these machines in your garage. Whether you’re an excited early-adopter or a begrudging buyer, one thing is certain: you’re going to need a way to charge that battery-powered automobile. The Hearst Autos Gear Team tested a wide-range of different options at various price points, in an effort to discover the best home EV chargers available in 2022.

Now it is important to note that it is possible to own an EV and rely on the public charging network. Depending on what city you live in, where you work, and even what type of EV you drive, there may be a sufficient amount of charging options locally. That said, the public network is still in its relative infancy across much of the United States, and doesn’t have a great reputation as far as reliability is concerned. For that reason, people who have to do anything more than a few dozen miles per day will all-but need one of the home charging options you see here. Of course there are a ton of different home EV chargers on the market, which offer a range of different features and capabilities. We’ve tried to highlight this in our testing, with universal Level 1 and 2 electric vehicle chargers ranging from as low as $320 on up to $1249.

JuiceBox 40 Smart Electric Vehicle Charging Station

• Remote monitoring and control
• Different output versions offered
• Most extensive vehicle database
• Higher-end pricing
• No energy cost tracking

Output Capacity: 40/32/24/16/12/6 amps (9.6/7.7/5.8/3.8/2.9/1.4 kW)
Cord Length: 25 feet
Cord Management: Built-in

While not the most expensive offering, the JuiceBox packs a ton of helpful features thanks to its integrated wifi-connectivity. These include items like virtual charge monitoring and remote control of the charger itself, as well as the ability to personalized charging schedules. That said, the ChargePoint unit down the list is able to access live utility pricing information to help you maximize off-peak hours. The ChargePoint is significantly pricier, however. JuiceBox also offers this charger in a cheaper 32-amp variant, as well as a higher output 48-amp model (which ties the Tesla Wall Connector as the highest output charger on this list).

The JuiceBox charger is also backed by an extensive vehicle database that is constantly brought up-to-date with new models, ensuring owners don’t face any trouble getting the most out of their EV charger regardless of what vehicle they drive. Furthermore, the charger comes with a 3-year limited warranty. For just under $700, it’s pretty hard to fault this home electric vehicle charger.

Lectron NEMA 14-50 Level 2 EV Charger

• Most affordable
• Allows energy tracking
• No wifi connectivity
• Requires mounting solution

Output Capacity: 32/16/13/10 amps (7.7/3.8/3.1/2.4 kW)
Cord Length: 21 feet
Cord Management: Not included

The Lectron is the most affordable Level 2 charger we tested, with a list price of just $319.99. The company actually offers an even more affordable 16-amp variant, as well as a slightly pricier but higher-output 40-amp home charger. The savings presented by the Lectron don’t come without some trade-offs compared to the pricier offerings, evident by the lack of mounting hardware or wifi connectivity. That said, the Lectron does feature an easy to read LED screen, which displays helpful information like voltage, amperage, charge time, energy usage, and temperature. You can also adjust the current limit between 10, 13, 16, or 32 amps, allowing you to match your home’s circuit output.

Now it is worth noting that our test unit didn’t come with any instructions, but we wager most people will figure things out. There’s also no way to accurately track your vehicle’s efficiency without unplugging the charger after every use, which might prove annoying. Then again, you get what you pay for.

ChargePoint Home Flex EV Charger

• Remote monitoring/control
• Cost tracking
• Smart functions integrated into ChargePoint app
• Most expensive
• Less extensive vehicle database
• Limited output

Output Capacity: 40/32 amps (9.6/7.7 kW)
Cord Length: 23 feet
Cord Management: Built-in

ChargePoint is probably best known for its extensive public charging network, but the company does offer some Level 2 electric car chargers for home use. The Home Flex unit we tested even utilizes the same ChargePoint app that customers already use to access the public network. Owners can register the type of EV they own within the app, which allows for accurate battery percentage figures and mileage tracking based on EPA mileage ratings. If you’re so inclined, you can also view charge-rate graphs, charge time records, and even total energy output utilized for a given charge. It is worth noting that the ChargePoint vehicle database is not nearly as extensive or up-to-date as the Juice Box offerings, however. The real advantage of the Home Flex comes from its supreme cost tracking capability. We were able to select from dozens of different rate plans from the local utility company during testing, allowing us to maximize every dollar spent to top up the battery. The ChargePoint might have the highest cost of entry on this list, but with the right owner, it should have no trouble recouping some of that investment.

Tesla Wall Connector

• Highest output
• Easy setup
• Charges more than just Teslas
• No energy monitoring
• Non-Tesla vehicles require an adapter

Output Capacity: 48/40/32/24/16/12 amps (11.5/9.6/7.7/5.8/3.8/2.9 kW)
Cord Length: 24 feet
Cord Management: Built-in

It probably won’t come as a surprise to anyone to learn that Tesla Motors knows how to build a great electric vehicle charger. This is true regardless of whether or not you intend on purchasing one of Elon’s creations. The Wall Connector is able to hook up to any J1772 plug-equipped vehicle by way of an aftermarket adapter, which can be purchased from a variety of different retailers online (Lectron sells one for $160).

While you’ll have to factor that into your purchase decision, the 48-am charger’s retail price of just $400 does make things compelling. So too is the fact that the Wall Connector was by the far easiest Level 2 home charger to set up. Simply scan the QR code on the side, connect the unit to your Wi-Fi network, and set an output limit that matches your home’s capabilities. If you have enough juice behind it, the Wall Connector is capable of providing up to 44 miles of charge per hour of use. It’s a rather handsome looking appliance as well, mirroring the styling mantra laid out by Tesla’s vehicle lineup. Smooth and uninterrupted by fussy details, the Wall Connector looks far more expensive that it actually is.

Grizzl-E Level 2 EV Charger

• Least expensive smart option
• Lackluster app integration
• Thick cable
• Faceplate removal for output or wifi connection changes

Output Capacity: 40/32/24/16 amps (9.6/7.7/5.8/3.8 kW)

Cord Length: 24 feet

Cord Management: Wall Mounting hardware

On paper, the Grizzl-E Smart Level 2 charger is a rather promising offering. Able to pair with any charging app backed by Open Charge Point Protocol 1.6, this $539 unit is one of the most affordable smart chargers on the market today. That said, that tempting price tag does come with a few notable drawbacks. We struggled immensely to get our Grizzl-E Smart charger to connect to the ChargeLab app, a process that ultimately took months of fiddling to correct. Grizzl-E says that it has improved the connection process since our early attempts, and after a unit firmware update, our issues have fallen to the wayside.

That said, the software issues weren’t our only point of annoyance with the Grizzl-E Smart. The charger’s robust aluminum casing definitely matches the rugged name, but it creates more problems than it solves. The faceplate of the charger must be removed to adjust the charger output, which ranges from 12 to 40 amps, as well as to reset the wi-fi connection. This is something we had to do quite a few times amid the app connection fiasco, which only highlights the app functions provided by the likes of ChargePoint or Juice Box. The 24-foot cord is also much thicker than other offerings, making it more difficult to snake it into position at times.

What are the different types of EV chargers?

Before you charge your electric vehicle, it is helpful to know what sort of options you have at your disposal. There are three main types of chargers, each with different performance levels on offer: Level 1 and Level 2 AC chargers, as well as Level 3 DC fast chargers. When it comes to at-home units, Level 1 and Level 2 offerings are by far the most common option. This is mostly due to the fact that your home is already running on an AC electrical circuit, and therefore these chargers don’t require special equipment or specialized help from your service provided during installation.

Level 1 chargers run on 120-volt AC current, and can be plugged right into a typical wall outlet. As you’d expect, this is the slowest way to recharge your EV. Speeds typically sit right around 4 kilowatts. Level 2 chargers on the other hand operate on 240-volt AC current.

While you might not think you have one of these plugs accessible in your home, chances are your dryer already operates on a 240-volt outlet. Depending on the amperage of your socket, you can expect speeds between 5.8 and 19.2 kW. Level 3 chargers are extremely high-voltage (400 to 800 volts), and are completely incompatible with the wiring in your home. They also tend to run deep into the six-figures, which is why you’ll really only find these at public charging stations.

They’re also capable of pilling the miles back into your battery with haste, with Tesla’s Supercharger network delivering around 200 miles of range in just 15 minutes of charge time. Based on the amount of driving that you do, as well as your public charging options, either a Level 1 or Level 2 charger will be a great addition to your garage regardless.

Are all home electric vehicle chargers the same?

This one really depends on how technical you want to be. The tools that we call EV chargers are really known as electric vehicle supply equipment, and simply serve to transfer energy from your home into a vehicle. From there, the vehicle’s onboard charger will turn that AC current into some DC flow, which it uses to charge up the battery pack. In that sense, the overall function of every home EV charger is identical. That said, there are certainly some real-world differences in how these machines operate, as well as the features they provide owners.

The biggest difference between home charging options is going to come down to the overall output of the charger. These figures are measured in either amps (e.g., 32, 40, 48 amps) or power (e.g., 7.7, 9.6, 11.5 kW). The higher the output of the charger, the faster you will be able to charge.

The second major factor to consider when shopping relates to whether or not you’d like a smart charger. Backed by wi-fi connectivity, these chargers tend to offer more features such as charge reports, scheduling features for off-peak charging, and even mileage logs. Those added features tend to bring an added lump to the price tag, so it’s worth considering your actual use case.

How to choose the right charger?

Here are some of the major considerations that should go into every EV home charger purchase:

Cable Management and Length

It may seem silly, but having a convenient place to stick your charge cable after a top up is a nice feature, and one that many chargers lack. Of course you can always stick a hook in the wall should your charger of choice lack this option. What’s harder to work around is the length of the charging cord, which varies dramatically between manufacturers. Depending on where you park and the overall cleanliness of your garage, a long cord might be a necessary. Furthermore, thick cords aren’t as flexible as skinnier counterparts, but they are more likely to stand up to some abuse. Keep all of these factors in mind while you shop

Size

Depending on how much space you have available in your garage or outside your home, certain EV home chargers just might not fit your needs. A bulkier unit could eat up useful garage space, whereas a thinner unit would not. Measure the space in which you’d like to place the charger, and make sure the unit you intend to purchase will fit!

Weatherproof

If you’re limited on garage space, you may opt to install an outdoor EV charger. While there are a ton of weatherproof units available for purchase (including every unit you see here), double check the owner’s manual to ensure everything is up to par. Water and electricity is not a fun combination.

Hardwire Vs Plug-in

Once you’ve got a space set aside for you home EV charger, you’ll need to decide whether you want a hardwired or plug-in unit. Plug-in units have gotten far more popular as more EVs hit the market, as owners can simply unplug the unit and bring them along on trips or a full-blown move. That said, a hardwired unit will still provide the same level of charging performance, albeit locked into one place.

Do I need to buy my own EV charging equipment?

This is a more personal consideration that every EV must make. You technically don’t need any form of home charger to own an EV, as a typical wall outlet is capable of juicing up a car’s battery pack if needed. As we’ve previously discussed however, that simple outlet isn’t packing a ton of output behind it. If you don’t drive all that much, you might be more than fine simply topping up a little bit each night, and hitting the public charger when possible. That said, people who have to do a bit more mileage might want to consider some of the home charging options you see here.

How do I wire my house to charge an EV, and how much does it cost?

The answer to this question is largely dependent on the home that you are currently living in. If you have enough electrical capacity on your property, an installation can be as low as a few hundred dollars, as you’ll just need an additional dedicated electrical line.

This runs from your breaker right to the charger and ensures you have the consistent output required to charge the vehicle. You’re also going to need a 40- or 50-amp circuit installed if you don’t have one nearby. A NEMA 14-50 outlet; outlet works great, and allows you to unplug your charger if needed. You can also run heavy power tools on that outlet, should you have a project car in the garage as well. Qmerit is a company that provides these installation services nationwide, and is a great resource for new EV owners.

If you don’t currently have enough electricity available on your property, the cost of installing a charger gets significantly more expensive. We’re talking at least a few thousand dollars worth of work in order to bring you the extra juice. That’s worth keeping in mind before you start tackling an EV charger install on your own.

Are there tax breaks for electric car owners who buy a home charger?

You better believe it! As far as the federal government goes, you are eligible for a tax credit of as much as 30 percent of the purchase price of your EV home charger, up to a total of $1000. A huge portion of the States also offer their own cost-saving benefits for installing an EV charger, the most common of which involved lowering utility costs for owners.

Source: roadandtrack