We may earn revenue from the products available on this page and participate in affiliate programs. Learn More ›
While public charging points for electric vehicles are becoming more common, a home electric vehicle (EV) charger will save a lot of hassle. Charging an EV at home is incredibly convenient because the job can be done overnight or whenever the vehicle isn’t in use—no driving around, searching for an EV car-charging station, or waiting in long lines. What’s more, vehicle manufacturers warn that regularly using a public EV fast charger can actually shorten battery life.
With recent large-scale transformations to the power and energy industry, lots of new EV charging equipment has hit the market, but performance, features, and pricing can vary considerably between electric car chargers. In this guide, we answer key questions and provide the information EV owners need to make a fully informed decision. We also have some excellent recommendations on what we believe to be the best home EV chargers currently available, such as our favorite, the ChargePoint Home Flex, a rapid-charging beast worth splurging on.
- BEST OVERALL: ChargePoint Home Flex Level 2 EV Charger
↓ Jump to Review - BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Megear Portable Skysword II Level 2 EV Charger
↓ Jump to Review - BEST FOR TESLAS: Tesla Wall Connector Hardwired EV Charger
↓ Jump to Review - BEST WEATHERPROOF: United Chargers Grizzl-E Level 2 EV Charger
↓ Jump to Review - BEST MULTIUSE: Wallbox Pulsar Plus Level 2 EV Smart Charger
↓ Jump to Review - BEST PORTABLE: Mustart Portable Level 2 EV Charger
↓ Jump to Review
Our Top Picks
These are the home EV chargers that made our final cut. There should be something here that will appeal to most EV owners, from those interested in the latest and greatest chargers to folks focused on slashing their electrical bill with the help of these new and innovative technologies.
Best Overall
ChargePoint Home Flex Level 2 EV Charger
What We Like
- Rapid charging with flexible output capability
- Smartphone app offers excellent features
- Listed for electrical safety and certified for efficiency
What We Don’t Like
- One of the most expensive home EV chargers
- Waterproof case is not included
Product Specs
- Input: 240 volts via NEMA 6-50 plug, NEMA 14-50 plug, or hardwired
- Output: 16 to 50 amps
- Cable: 23 feet with cable management
ChargePoint is one of the country’s most experienced electric vehicle charger manufacturers with over 100,000 public installations worldwide. The Home Flex, the company’s consumer model, offers high performance and flexibility. Thanks to its Wi-Fi–enabled design, its smartphone app can save you money by scheduling charging at off-peak times. It also provides detailed charging information and voice control via Amazon Alexa.
One key feature is flexible output capability, which delivers anywhere between 16 and 50 amps depending on the home car-charging point’s power supply. This gives the potential for a class-leading speed of 37 miles per hour (mph) of charging. It comes fitted with a NEMA 6-50 or NEMA 14-50 plug, or it can be hardwired if preferred. A weatherproof NEMA case is recommended if installed outdoors, but it isn’t included. Although faults have been reported with this unit, they’re rare.
Get the ChargePoint home EV charger at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Target.
Best Bang For The Buck
Megear Portable Skysword II Level 2 EV Charger
What We Like
- Budget-friendly, portable, and packed with safety features
- Straightforward LED array for status and fault alerts
- Works on all models, including Teslas
- Included adapter enables Level 1 use with standard outlet
What We Don’t Like
- Average charging rate only 11 to 15 mph
Product Specs
- Input: 240 volts via NEMA 14-50 plug or 110-volt adapter
- Output: 16 amps
- Cable: 25 feet
EV owners looking for portability at a modest cost should consider the Megear Skysword II. It’s a Level 2 charger that weighs under 9 pounds and comes with its carry case. While the supplied plug is a NEMA 14-50, it also comes with a 110-volt adapter so that in an emergency, it can provide low-speed charging from any household socket.
As a Level 2 EV charger, it delivers a fixed 16 amps, providing a charging rate of 11 to 15 mph. A wide range of safety features is displayed via a straightforward LED array. The SAE J1772 vehicle plug meets the IP65 standard for weather protection, so the unit can be used indoors or out.
The Megear Skysword II may not be the fastest charger, and there are a few concerns about long-term reliability, but the price is very competitive and represents good value for money.
Get the Megear home EV charger at Amazon or Walmart.
Best For Teslas
Tesla Wall Connector Hardwired EV Charger
What We Like
- Can be installed indoors and outdoors
- Power management features can cut charging costs
- Four-year warranty when installed at residence
What We Don’t Like
- Must be hardwired; installation can be pricey
Product Specs
- Input: 240 volts hardwired
- Output: Variable up to 48 amps
- Cable: 24 feet
Tesla owners who like the feeling of waking up to a fully charged ride might want to consider the popular Wall Connector, a hardwired charger the company designed for its fleet of electric vehicles. The Wall Connector lives up to Tesla’s reputation for sleek, attractive design, so whether you install it indoors or out, you won’t have to worry about it being an eyesore. But its performance is what shines. Thanks to its 48-amp output, this hardwired charger can deliver 44 miles of range per hour of charging. The Wi-Fi connectivity enables easy updates, remote diagnostics, and access controls, and the UI of the Tesla app makes the experience really intuitive.
One downside is that this charger cannot simply be plugged in—it must be hardwired, i.e., connected directly to your home’s electrical wiring. This can be pricey, but many Tesla owners deem it a worthy investment. I suggest looking into incentives offered by utility companies or the government in your area to promote electric vehicle and solar use, as these can reduce the price significantly if you’re eligible.
Get the Tesla Home EV charger at Amazon, Best Buy, or Tesla.
Best Weatherproof
United Chargers Grizzl-E Level 2 EV Charger
What We Like
- NEMA 4 aluminum casing is IP67 water-resistant
- Also fire-resistant and UL safety-listed
- Rapid charging rate of up to 30 mph
- Easy-to-fit wall mount comes with anti-theft features
What We Don’t Like
- Output is factory set; cannot be altered
Product Specs
- Input: 240 volts via NEMA 6-50 plug or NEMA 14-50 plug
- Output: 16 to 40 amps
- Cable: 25 feet with cable management
The Grizzl-E Classic from United Chargers is another rapid home charging station whose amperage can adjusted to suit the circuit breaker available. At the highest rating, it can deliver up to an impressive 30 miles of charge per hour. But in our opinion, the standout feature here is the protection offered by the NEMA 4 aluminum case.
Many EV chargers claim to be for indoor or outdoor use, but none are tougher than this. It meets the IP67 standard for dust and water protection, meaning it can withstand full immersion. It is also fire-resistant, meets the UL standard for safety, comes with a wall mount, and will operate at temperatures as low as -22 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 122 degrees Fahrenheit.
Considering its performance, this charger is reasonably priced and very reliable. However, the output of each unit is factory set; the company claims that this reduces installation costs. While that is often true, it does mean that it cannot be changed if the owner changes residence and the power supplied is different.
Get the United Chargers home EV charger at Amazon, Walmart, or United Chargers.
Best Multiuse
Wallbox Pulsar Plus Level 2 EV Smart Charger
What We Like
- Rapid charge times for next-generation EVs
- Can charge 2 vehicles simultaneously
- Wi-Fi–enabled with a smartphone app allows remote access
- Also controllable via Alexa or Google Home
- Bluetooth enables smart features if Wi-Fi isn’t available
What We Don’t Like
- 48-amp model may require pricey professional installation
Product Specs
- Input: 240 volts via NEMA 14-50 plug or hardwired
- Output: 16 to 40 amps, or 16 to 48 amps
- Cable: 25 feet with cable management
The latest generation of electric vehicles uses a 48-amp supply capable of facilitating charging rates over 35 mph. This model is one of the few home EV chargers capable of reaching this level. It can also charge two vehicles simultaneously using intelligent circuits that balance power so that breakers won’t trip.
There are two versions of the Wallbox Pulsar Plus smart EV charger. The slightly less powerful one uses a 14-50 NEMA plug; the 16-48 amp option must be hardwired. Both have Wi-Fi integration and use the included smartphone app for scheduling and monitoring. They’re also compatible with voice control via Alexa or Google Home. Bluetooth compatibility means most smartphone features still work even when Wi-Fi is unavailable, though the Bluetooth range is limited to about 30 feet.
The wall mount for the Wallbox Pulsar Plus is easy to fit and allows the unit to be unhooked and moved. However, the need to hardwire the 48-amp version makes this impractical with that model. A NEMA 4 watertight case allows for indoor or outdoor use.
Get the Wallbox home EV charger at Amazon (14-50 NEMA option; hardwired option) or Best Buy (14-50 NEMA option; hardwired option).
Best Portable
Mustart Portable Level 2 EV Charger
What We Like
- Faster than any portable EV charger we found
- Safe for outdoor use
- Display offers comprehensive information and status alerts
What We Don’t Like
- Portability depends on availability of NEMA 14-50 plug
Product Specs
- Input: 240 volts via NEMA 14-50 plug
- Output: 40 amps
- Cable: 25 feet
The Mustart home EV charger is unusual in that it provides the performance of a fixed unit in a portable form. The 40-amp output can give a charging rate of up to 30 mph, which is impressive for such a compact device. The price is competitive, too.
While it doesn’t have any smart features, the built-in LED gives plenty of information about charging status, duration, and electricity consumption. The control box meets the IP65 standard, and the EV connector is IP67, so it’s safe to use outside as well as indoors.
The Mustart EV charger weighs 13 pounds and comes with a carry bag, making it easy to take from place to place. However, there is no 110-volt option, so a NEMA 14-50 plug must be available in each location. A circuit fitted with a ground-fault circuit interrupter is recommended for safety.
Get the Mustart home EV charger at Amazon or Walmart.
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Chose the Best Home EV Chargers
How drivers rely on their electric vehicles varies considerably, from occasional users to city commuters to those who travel across the country. In making our selections, we sought to ensure solutions for all users and all situations. As a result, we included both portable models and fixed installations.
We looked at a wide range of features and how these could benefit drivers in terms of shorter charging times and management strategies that might save money. With price being a key factor, we looked for EV charging equipment to suit all budgets and also consulted independent expert sources to check long-term reliability. Finally, evaluating user feedback gave us valuable real-world data to help understand each charger’s strengths and weaknesses.
What to Consider When Choosing a Home EV Charger
Every electric vehicle and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) comes with a Level 1 charger. These devices are safe but basic, and their charge times are slow. For those who want to upgrade their at-home EV charging rig, the following factors can be taken into account.
Input and Output Capability
The Level 1 chargers supplied with all EVs and PHEVs only require a 110-volt input supply, so they can plug into any ordinary household socket. Level 2 chargers require a 240-volt supply to take advantage of the faster charging capability.
Output is usually rated in amps, though some also use kilowatts (kW). Level 1 chargers output between 8 and 12 amps, which equates to a rate of 3 to 5 mph of charging. For example, 12 hours of charging would only add 60 miles of range—if even that.
Level 2 chargers have variable output of anywhere from 16 to 50 amps depending on the breaker rating. At the upper end, that can result in a charging rate of 35 mph or more. That’s seven times faster than the best from a Level 1 charger and explains why Level 2 EV chargers are now so popular.
There are a couple of points worth noting. Not all EVs can take advantage of the fastest charging rates. For example, some vehicles are restricted to 25 amps to protect the battery. It’s a figure worth checking before investing in one of the more expensive models. Also, a few Level 2 EV chargers will run off 110 volts if necessary. If a household socket is all that’s available, it will still work, but at a slower rate.
Plugs and Cable
There are usually two plugs on a home EV charger: one at the electricity supply end and one that connects to the vehicle. The exception is fixed chargers that are hardwired at the supply end.
Level 1 chargers use an ordinary 110-volt household socket, but Level 2 models use NEMA plugs. These are designed to carry higher amps and voltages, which in the case of home EV chargers, results in faster charging. A few Level 2 home EV chargers come with 110-volt adapters. This allows them to work as Level 1 chargers if no other power is available, though charge rates slow to the Level 1 equivalent.
At the other end of the cable, all American EVs use an SAE J1772 plug except Tesla. This means that anyone wanting a Tesla electric charger for home use either needs to buy a Tesla wall connector (which can cost over $1,500 with installation) or use an SAE J1772 adaptor. Tesla is aware of this, and all new models now have an adapter included. Other types of plugs are used in Europe and Asia but are not fitted to U.S. models.
For most home car-charging stations, the length of the charger’s cable is between 20 and 25 feet. This is important because EV charging cables cannot be used with extension cords. Not only is it impractical because of the difference in plug and connector types, but it’s also unsafe because of the risk of fire. A standard 2-car garage is 20 feet deep and anywhere from 20 to 24 feet wide. Most cables will reach across that, but a few will not. A 3-car garage will take that width out to more than 30 feet. The available cable length can have an impact on where buyers need the charger to be installed.
Installation
Level 1 EV chargers are usually portable because they are a basic plug-in device that can run from any household socket. Level 2 chargers can either be portable or fixed. DIY EV charger installation may be possible for those who have the necessary knowledge of household electrics, though most manufacturers recommend using a professional. In essence, a 240-volt circuit is required with a breaker of between 20 and 80 amps. The higher the amperage, the faster the charge rate available.
The cable length and any kind of cable management may impact where a fixed charger is installed, though this aspect of the installation is relatively simple. Many can be fitted entirely outdoors, just like public EV chargers, though it’s important to ensure the charger’s is sufficiently weatherproof.
Weather Protection
Most home EV chargers claim to be weatherproof, so they are safe for outdoor use. This may be useful if it’s difficult or inconvenient to get the vehicle into the garage for EV charging. While buyers frequently need to rely on the word of the manufacturer, two independent standards can apply.
First is Ingress Protection, usually written as IP and two numbers. The first number represents dust protection, and the second is for water. Higher numbers are better. For example, IP65 devices are completely dust-tight and can withstand low-pressure water jets from any direction.
The other standard is the NEMA rating for enclosures/cases (which should not be confused with the ratings used to describe plugs). NEMA uses different “Types,” with NEMA Type 4 protecting against “falling dirt, rain, sleet, snow, windblown dust, splashing water, and hose-directed water.”
Smart Features
Several home EV chargers now come with integrated Wi-Fi and smartphone apps that provide a range of advanced, user-friendly features. It is possible to schedule EV charging to times when it’s most convenient or for off-peak hours when electricity is cheaper. Alerts can be set to remind owners to plug in.
Data is also available for things like charge time remaining, miles added, and the total electric car charging price. This allows accurate monitoring of travel costs and reporting for tax purposes if necessary. It is also possible to synchronize EV chargers to smart-home systems like Alexa and Google Home, enabling voice control. In a few cases, Bluetooth is also available. This allows smartphone apps to be used if Wi-Fi is unavailable for any reason, although the range is only around 30 feet, so the EV charger and the phone need to be nearby.
The feature set of each smart-home EV charger varies, so those who are interested in advanced control should spend time investigating each one in detail.
FAQs
Still have questions about which home EV charger might be right for you? Read below to check out some consumers’ most frequently asked questions and their answers.
The answer to this is almost always a yes. In fact, some might take it a step further and argue that without a home car charging station, it may not be worth buying an EV in the first place. Having an EV charger at home cuts away much of the hassle involved with relying on public charging points. Still, the cost to install an EV charger at home can be high, so you’ll have to weigh the pros and cons for yourself.
This depends on a few factors. The capacity of your home’s electrical system sets a hard ceiling on just how powerful of a charger you can buy—if your home’s electrical system can’t support the power level listed on the charger, forget about it. Realistically speaking, most homes can support a Level 2 charger. Unfortunately, home electrical systems are not equipped to handle Level 3 chargers.
Level 1 chargers can be plugged directly into a standard 110-volt outlet, so they don’t require any installation. Level 2 chargers, on the other hand, require a more involved installation that can be dangerous, and errors can not only potentially damage your vehicle, but also harm you or your family members. Unless you’re an electrician, it’s probably best to hire one to install a Level 2 charger for you.
Both have their strengths and weaknesses. Tethered EV chargers—those whose charging cable is permanently connected to the unit—can be a bit of an eyesore when not in use. However, they are extremely convenient, and they don’t need to be manually attached and disconnected for each use. Untethered chargers are less convenient, but they look sleeker, which can help maintain your home’s curb appeal. Untethered chargers also tend to be more versatile and future-proof.
Level 1 is the slowest way to charge an EV using a device that plugs into a standard 110-volt household outlet. Although other EV chargers are faster, Level 1 will work with all current EVs and PHEVs, and keeping a device in your vehicle means it can be charged virtually anywhere in an emergency.
Level 2 EV chargers are now the most popular option for home installation and can charge a vehicle much faster than Level 1. The same technology is found in some public EV chargers. However, a separate 240-volt supply line is usually required for installation, often with an uprated breaker.
Level 3 chargers, also called Fast Chargers or Superchargers, use DC current for very rapid charging: 10 to 15 times faster than Level 2. Their charge times put Level 1 and 2 charges to shame, they require very high voltage and so are usually only found in public electric vehicle charging stations.
The charger that comes with your electric vehicle is a Level 1 charger. It is perfectly safe, portable, and convenient in that it can use any household socket. They are adequate for PHEVs, which have relatively small batteries. However, they are slow and may not completely charge a fully electric vehicle even if left running all night. Given the affordability of many Level 2 chargers, an upgrade is often a good idea.
It’s a difficult question to answer. Several manufacturers claim that their home EV charger is the fastest, and constant development means that the model that’s fastest today may not be next week. High amperage or kilowatts are often suggested as a guide, but some EV batteries restrict charging power, so this isn’t always true.
The ChargePoint home EV charger that we chose as Best Overall is certainly one of the fastest, and the JuiceBox home EV charger is competitive. However, to get the best home EV charger for your needs, the other features offered should also play a part in your decision.
EV charging every day is not recommended unless the battery is sufficiently drained. It is not a good idea to “top up” overnight if the battery still has a charge level of 20 percent or more (as long as the remainder meets the intended mileage). Manufacturers also recommend not charging above 80 percent in normal usage. Some smart-home EV chargers can be set with maximums of less than 100 percent, and this helps extend the life of the vehicle battery.
No, they are not. While all home EV chargers are either Level 1 or Level 2, performance varies considerably as does the variety of features offered, and of course the price. The article above discusses these differences in depth and is an essential guide to choosing the best home EV charger for your vehicle and the way you use it.
