Installing a Level 2 charger at home is the single best upgrade for any electric vehicle owner. It transforms the experience from one of constant range calculation to one of effortless convenience, ensuring your car is always ready to go with a full “tank” each morning. With a variety of smart features, rugged designs, and charging speeds available, selecting the right unit can significantly enhance your daily routine.
This roundup simplifies your search by highlighting ten of the best home EV chargers on the market. We have considered factors like charging speed, smart connectivity, durability, and ease of installation to help you find the perfect charging station that fits your specific needs, lifestyle, and electrical setup.
The Best Home EV Chargers for Your Garage
- EVIQO Level 2 EV Charger 48 Amps – Wall EV Charger Level 2
- NexCyber Level 2 EV Charger(WiFi APP/Plug-Play), 48Amp, 25ft Cable
- Grizzl-E Classic, Level 2 240V / 40A Electric Vehicle Charger
- EMPORIA Level 2 EV Charger w/ J1772 Charger, 48 amp
- Autel Level 2 EV Charger 40 Amp Smart AI Electric Vehicle Charger
- Tesla Universal Wall Connector – EV Charger with Dual Plug Type
- EVIQO EV Charger Level 2 48 Amp – Hardwired, 240V
- bokman Portable Level 2 & Level 1 EV Charger (240V, 16A)
- WALLBOX Pulsar Plus 48AMP (11.5 KW) EV Level 2 Smart Charger
- Lectron V-BOX 240V 40 Amp Level 2 EV Charger
EVIQO Level 2 EV Charger 48 Amps
This EVIQO charger offers impressive flexibility and speed. With its NEMA 14-50 plug, it provides a solid 38 miles of range per hour, but when hardwired by an electrician, it can deliver up to 46 miles per hour at 48 amps. This makes it a powerful option for drivers who need a quick turnaround.
It comes with a comprehensive set of certifications, including UL compliance and Energy Star, ensuring safety and efficiency. The accompanying smart app is a standout feature, developed from direct user feedback. It allows you to set multiple charging schedules to capitalize on off-peak electricity rates, track real-time power consumption and costs, and review your charging history.
NexCyber Level 2 EV Charger
The NexCyber charger is another high-performance unit capable of delivering up to 9 times faster charging than a standard outlet. It offers similar flexibility with a plug-in mode for 38 miles per hour and a hardwired mode for 46 miles per hour. It is designed for all major non-Tesla EVs in North America, with Tesla compatibility available through a separate adapter.
Safety is a key focus, with ETL and FCC certifications meeting a long list of industry standards. The unit includes clear guidance for professional installation to ensure optimal performance and safety, particularly regarding the correct wire gauge for the electrical circuit. Its robust build and comprehensive protection features provide significant peace of mind for daily use.
Grizzl-E Classic
For those who prioritize durability and simplicity, the Grizzl-E Classic is an excellent choice. Built with a heavy-duty metal case, this charger is designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, making it ideal for outdoor installation in any climate. It’s a straightforward, powerful, and portable charging solution.
It is fully UL certified and comes with a host of safety protections, including ground fault and over-temperature monitoring. A significant advantage is its user-adjustable amperage dial, allowing you to match the charger’s output to your home’s circuit breaker size (40A, 32A, 24A, or 16A), which can help avoid costly electrical upgrades.
EMPORIA Level 2 EV Charger
The Emporia EV Charger is a hardwired unit preconfigured for a simple installation process, delivering a maximum of 48 amps for up to 46 miles of range per hour. Its focus on value and performance, backed by strong certifications, makes it a compelling option for homeowners.
It carries both UL listing and ENERGY STAR certification, meeting rigorous safety and efficiency standards. This not only ensures safe operation but also makes it eligible for various utility rebates and incentives. The charger is designed to integrate with the Emporia ecosystem, offering potential for future smart home energy management.
Autel Level 2 EV Charger
Autel’s MaxiCharger Home brings smart AI features to your garage. This 40-amp charger offers multiple connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and Ethernet, ensuring it stays updated with over-the-air firmware improvements. It provides a substantial charging speed boost over a standard Level 1 charger.
Its mobile app provides extensive control, allowing you to schedule charging sessions, track energy use, and optimize for off-peak rates. A notable security feature is the optional RFID card functionality, which lets you restrict charging access to authorized users only, preventing unauthorized use of your station.
Tesla Universal Wall Connector
The Tesla Universal Wall Connector solves the compatibility question for households with multiple EV brands. Its innovative design features a dual-plug mechanism that automatically extends the correct connector—either the Tesla NACS or the universal J1772—for any electric vehicle sold in North America.
It delivers up to 48 amps of power, adding up to 44 miles of range per hour. The unit is designed for indoor or outdoor installation and features variable amperage settings, allowing an electrician to configure its maximum output to match your existing electrical supply, providing great installation flexibility.
EVIQO EV Charger Level 2 48 Amp (Gen 2)
This hardwired Gen 2 model from EVIQO is built for maximum performance and durability. It delivers 11.5 kW of power for the fastest possible home charging, requiring a 60-amp dedicated circuit. Its robust NEMA 4/IP66 rated housing is built to survive challenging outdoor conditions.
It offers precise control with current adjustable in 1-amp increments via the app, alongside hardware dip switches. The unit features an enhanced Wi-Fi antenna for a reliable connection and includes a convenient external reset button. With its UL, ETL, and Energy Star certifications, it also qualifies for rebates and tax credits.
bokman Portable Level 2 & Level 1 EV Charger
The bokman charger stands out for its exceptional portability. This versatile unit can function as both a 240V Level 2 and a 120V Level 1 charger, making it perfect for road trips, apartment dwellers, or homes with older electrical systems. It comes with a complete travel kit, including a carry bag and adapters.
It allows you to adjust the charging current from 6 to 16 amps, ensuring you can safely match the capacity of any outlet you plug into. Despite its portable nature, it doesn’t compromise on safety, featuring an IP65 waterproof rating and multiple electrical protections in a rugged, durable housing.
WALLBOX Pulsar Plus 48AMP Smart Charger
The WALLBOX Pulsar Plus is a compact yet powerful smart charger known for its sleek design and advanced features. It delivers 48 amps of power for fast charging and is packed with connectivity options to provide full control and monitoring through its dedicated app.
Its small footprint makes it an attractive option for any garage, and it is designed for both indoor and outdoor use. The app allows for scheduling, power monitoring, and remote control, helping you manage your energy consumption effectively and charge at the most cost-effective times.
Lectron V-BOX Level 2 EV Charger
The Lectron V-BOX is a reliable and straightforward 40-amp Level 2 charging station. It provides a significant upgrade from standard charging, offering a balance of performance and value. Its compatibility with all J1772 electric vehicles makes it a versatile choice for many EV owners.
It is built with user safety in mind, incorporating standard protections against overcurrent, overvoltage, and overheating. The unit is designed for durability and everyday use, providing a dependable charging solution without unnecessary complexity, perfect for those who want a simple plug-and-charge experience.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best EV Charger for Your Home
So, you’re thinking about getting a home EV charger. It’s a game-changer, but with so many options, it can feel a bit overwhelming. I’ve been through this myself, and the key is to focus on a few core things that really matter for your specific situation. Let’s break down what you should look for when picking one of the 10 best EV chargers for home installation.
First up, let’s talk about charging speed. This is probably the biggest factor. Most home chargers are Level 2, which is what you want for overnight charging. The speed is measured in kilowatts (kW). A 32-amp charger delivers about 7.7 kW, while a 40-amp gives you 9.6 kW, and a 48-amp tops out at 11.5 kW. The higher the amperage, the faster your car’s battery will fill up. You need to check two things: what your car can accept and what your home’s electrical system can handle. A 48-amp charger is fantastic, but it requires a heavy-duty 60-amp circuit. A licensed electrician can tell you what’s possible in your house without a major panel upgrade.
Next, consider the cord length. This seems simple, but it’s super important. Measure the distance from where you plan to mount the charger to your car’s charging port. It’s always better to have a little extra slack. A 25-foot cord is a good standard that offers plenty of flexibility for different parking situations. A cable that’s too short will just lead to daily frustration.
Then there’s the connectivity. Many of the best EV chargers for home now are “smart.” This means they connect to your Wi-Fi and let you control them with an app on your phone. With a smart charger, you can schedule charging for when electricity rates are lowest, track your energy usage, and sometimes even start or stop a charge remotely. If you’re on a time-of-use plan with your utility company, this feature can save you a decent amount of money over time. If you just want a simple, reliable plug-and-play unit, a “dumb” charger without Wi-Fi will work perfectly fine and usually costs less.
Finally, think about the physical design and installation. Do you want a plug-in model or a hardwired one? A plug-in charger (like a NEMA 14-50 plug) is more portable; you can unplug it and take it with you if you move. A hardwired unit is permanently connected, which is often considered a cleaner, more robust installation. Also, look at the unit’s build quality. It’s going to live outside in the sun, rain, and cold, so you want something durable. Look for a good warranty, too—a three-year warranty is pretty standard for quality models.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Level 1 and Level 2 charging?
Level 1 charging uses a standard 120-volt household outlet—the kind you plug your phone into. It’s super slow, adding only about 3-5 miles of range per hour. It’s really only practical if you drive very little. Level 2 charging uses a 240-volt circuit, like what your dryer or oven uses. This is what a dedicated home charging station provides, and it’s much faster, typically adding 20-60 miles of range per hour. For most people, installing a Level 2 charger is the way to go for convenient daily use.
Do I need a professional to install my home EV charger?
In almost all cases, yes, you absolutely do. Working with a 240-volt electrical line is dangerous and requires knowledge of local electrical codes. A licensed electrician will ensure the installation is safe, up to code, and that your home’s electrical panel can handle the new load. They’ll also usually help you pull any necessary permits. Trying to do it yourself can be a safety hazard and might even void your charger’s warranty or your home insurance.
How much does it cost to install a home EV charger?
The charger itself can cost anywhere from $400 to $800 for a quality unit. The installation cost is a separate and highly variable expense. A simple installation with a short cable run from your electrical panel might cost $500 to $1,000. However, if your electrical panel needs an upgrade to support the new circuit, costs can jump to $2,000 or even much higher. It’s best to get a few quotes from local electricians for an accurate price for your specific home.
Can I take my EV charger with me when I move?
You can, especially if you opt for a plug-in model. These are designed to be unplugged from the 240-volt outlet and packed up. If you have a hardwired unit, an electrician can disconnect it for you, but it’s a more involved process. You’ll then need to patch the wall where it was mounted and have a new one installed at your new home. Many people consider the charger part of the house and leave it to increase the property’s value for the next EV owner.
Are there any tax credits or rebates for installing a home EV charger?
Yes, there often are! The federal government, as well as many state and local governments, and even some utility companies, offer incentives. These can significantly reduce your total cost. The federal tax credit, for example, can cover 30% of the cost of the charger and installation, up to a $1,000 limit. It’s a great idea to research what programs are available in your area before you buy; this can help you budget for one of the 10 best EV chargers for home installation.