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Oct 21, 2024

The best home EV chargers of 2024: Expert tested | ZDNET

'ZDNET Recommends': What exactly does it mean? ZDNET's recommendations are based on many hours of testing, research, and comparison shopping. We gather data from the best available sources, including

'ZDNET Recommends': What exactly does it mean?

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Battery capacity

Whether you're considering buying a power station, a flashlight, a rechargeable battery, or another device, you'll want to consider battery life and how much you'll need, and tradeoffs between factors like battery size and weight.

Price

Set a budget for your purchase -- many products in this field range widely in price.

Charging options

Consider if you want a device that runs on AC power from an outlet, or solar, or batteries.

Owning an electric vehicle (EV) offers numerous benefits, and charging it at home significantly enhances convenience and savings. A personal EV charger allows you to recharge at your own pace, avoid crowded public stations, and take advantage of lower electricity rates during off-peak hours. While most EVs come with a basic Level 1 charger that plugs into a standard 120V household outlet and adds around 3-5 miles of range per hour, this method, commonly called "trickle charging," isn't the most practical long-term solution for regular use.

For faster, more efficient charging, a Level 2 charger -- which operates on a 240V circuit -- can boost your charging speed, adding between 30-60 miles of range per hour, depending on your EV's capabilities and the charger's output. Installing a Level 2 charger may require the help of an electrician to set up the appropriate 240V circuit. Still, it is a worthwhile investment for EV owners who want to optimize their charging experience.

We tested every home EV charger on this list to evaluate durability, power output, ease of installation, app features, and connectivity options. Our pick for the best home EV charger overall is the EVIQO Home Charger, which balances performance, durability, and affordability. Its 48-amp output, weatherproof design, and reliable app make it suitable for most users.

It's important to note that while most chargers feature the universal J1772 connector, compatible with all current EVs (including Tesla models with an adapter), some newer cars -- such as models from Hyundai, Genesis, and KIA -- now come equipped with the NACS connector. If your vehicle uses NACS, be sure to consult the charger manufacturer prior to purchase about available cabling kit upgrades or adapter options to ensure compatibility with your EV. All chargers we recommend are designed for homes with a 240V circuit and are fully compatible with the US market. Read on for the rest of our picks.

The EVIQO Home Charger is our top pick for its combination of high performance, durability, and affordability. With its 48-amp output, this charger can efficiently charge most EVs, adding significant range in just a few hours. It features a robust IP67 weatherproof rating, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor installations, even in challenging weather conditions.

The charger comes with a 25-foot cable, offering flexibility for various parking setups. While not as sophisticated as some competitors, its accompanying app still provides essential features such as scheduling, real-time monitoring, charge cost estimation and session history, and remote control over charging sessions.

The EVIQO charger stands out due to its price and performance balance. It's highly durable, reliable, and priced lower than many other premium chargers, offering excellent value. While other chargers, such as the ChargePoint Home Flex, offer more advanced apps, the EVIQO covers all the key features most users need.

EVIQO Home Charger features: Amperage: 48 amps | Warranty: Three years | Cable length: 25 feet | Durability: IP67-rated | Wi-Fi enabled

The ChargePoint Home Flex is a premium Level 2 charger from a well-known brand in the EV charging space. With an output of up to 50 amps, it provides fast charging for most EVs, allowing users to add 30-60 miles of range per hour, depending on the vehicle. It can be installed using either NEMA 6-50 or NEMA 14-50 plugs, or it can be hardwired for even higher amperage output.

The ChargePoint app is one of the most feature-rich available, offering real-time monitoring, the ability to schedule charging sessions for off-peak electricity rates, and integration with Amazon Alexa for voice control. The app also connects users to ChargePoint's public charging network, giving them access to both public and home charging data in one place.

The ChargePoint Home Flex is ideal for users who want a trusted, high-performance charger backed by one of the largest public charging networks. It offers flexibility in amperage, allowing you to adjust settings depending on your home's electrical capacity. While it is priced higher than some competitors, its brand reliability and comprehensive app make it a popular choice for EV owners.

ChargePoint Home Flex EV charger features: Amperage: 50 amps | Warranty: Three years | Cable length: 23 feet | Durability: Weatherproof

The Canadian-made Grizzl-E Ultimate 48A is a significant upgrade over the original Grizzl-E Classic model, offering increased charging speed and added features like Wi-Fi connectivity for remote monitoring and control. With an output of 48 amps, this charger can charge most EVs at twice the speed of standard Level 2 chargers, making it a powerful option for those who need faster home charging.

Like the Classic version, the Ultimate 48A is IP67-rated, meaning it is water- and dust-resistant and can withstand extreme weather conditions, making it perfect for outdoor installations. It's especially suited for those in harsher climates or who need an outdoor charger built to last. The addition of Wi-Fi allows you to track charging sessions, schedule charging times, and even participate in Demand/Response Utility Programs via the Grizzl-E Connect app.

This model requires hardwiring for installation, which enhances safety and reliability when dealing with higher amperage outputs. If upgrading from the original Grizzl-E or any other basic model, the Ultimate 48A offers improved charging efficiency and more control through its advanced features.

Grizzl-E Ultimate features: Amperage: 48 amps | Warranty: Five years | Cable length: 24 feet | Durability: IP67-rated | Wi-Fi enabled

The Tesla Wall Connector is the ideal choice for Tesla owners, offering a seamless and efficient charging experience specifically designed for Tesla vehicles. With up to 48 amps of charging power, it can quickly charge your Tesla overnight, adding up to 44 miles of range per hour, depending on the model. The charger's IP55-rated weatherproof design makes it perfect for both indoor and outdoor installations, ensuring durability in various conditions.

While it is designed primarily for Tesla vehicles, it can also be used with other EVs via an adapter (sold separately). Its compact, sleek design complements home setups without taking up much space, and the 24-foot cable provides enough flexibility for different parking configurations.

Although it lacks some of the advanced app features and smart home integrations available in chargers like ChargePoint, the Tesla Wall Connector remains a top pick for Tesla drivers due to its ease of use and fast charging capabilities.

Tesla Wall Connector features: Amperage: 48 amps | Warranty: Four years | Cable length: 24 feet | Durability: Weatherproof (IP55-rated) | Wi-Fi enabled

The Emporia Smart Home EV Charger stands out for its robust integration with smart home energy systems. It's designed for users who want detailed insights into their home energy usage, offering extensive energy monitoring and scheduling features. This charger provides 48 amps of power, which can charge most EVs quickly and efficiently, adding up to 37 miles of range per hour.

One of its key features is its ability to work alongside other Emporia home energy management devices, giving you a full view of your home's energy consumption. With its smart scheduling, you can charge your EV during off-peak hours for cost savings, and the charger can be integrated into systems like Amazon Alexa or Google Home for voice control.

The Emporia app allows you to monitor charging in real time and to manage energy consumption across multiple devices in your home. However, some users have noted that the app's many features can take time to learn, and the interface might feel a bit more complex compared to simpler apps like ChargePoint's.

Emporia Smart Home EV Charge features: Amperage: 48 amps | Warranty: Three years | Cable length: 24 feet | Durability: Weatherproof | Wi-Fi enabled

The Autel MaxiCharger Home is a powerful and versatile home EV charger that offers up to 50 amps, delivering fast and efficient charging for most electric vehicles. One of its standout features is its flexibility: The charger can be either hardwired or plugged into a NEMA 14-50 outlet, providing a range of installation options for various home setups.

The 25-foot cable ensures you can comfortably reach your vehicle, regardless of where you park in your garage or driveway. The charger is also designed to withstand the elements with an IP65 rating and NEMA 4X enclosure, making it suitable for indoor and outdoor installations. Whether you're installing it in your garage or exposed to the weather outside, it's built to last.

The 4G capability ensures you can monitor and control your charger remotely for locations without reliable Wi-Fi. The RFID card reader provides an extra layer of security, particularly for those in multi-dwelling units or public charging situations where you need to prevent unauthorized charger use. You can control and schedule your charging sessions through the Autel app, which offers advanced monitoring features.

This charger is perfect for those needing a high-powered, durable, and connected charging solution that works in urban and remote areas, making it one of the most versatile options available.

Autel MaxiCharger AC Elite Home features: Amperage: 50 amps | Warranty: Three years | Cable length: 25 feet | Durability: IP65-rated, NEMA 4X enclosure | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Ethernet, 4G

While all of these home EV chargers offer great features, the best choice for you depends on your specific needs. Factors such as how you plan to install the charger, the power requirements of your vehicle, and your budget will determine which charger is the best fit for you.

Choose the best home EV charger for your needs:

Each of these chargers has strengths depending on your setup, whether it's advanced smart home integration, budget-friendly options, or handling tough weather conditions. Choose the charger that aligns with your specific installation, power, and budget requirements.

We personally tested every home EV charger model on our list, gaining hands-on experience to thoroughly evaluate each charger's performance. Our selections were made based on their durability, power output, ease of installation, app features, and connectivity options. Alongside our own testing, we conducted extensive research into the product category by examining user and expert reviews. We also consulted with automotive experts, electrical engineers, and other professionals in the field to ensure we chose the best home EV chargers available right now.

When deciding which home EV charger will be best for you, consider the following:

There are two types of chargers that you can buy: Level 1 and Level 2. Level 1 chargers operate on a power supply of 120 volts, while Level 2 chargers operate at 240 volts. You can use a Level 2 charger for faster charging, but that will require a special outlet that you will need to install in your home. (All of the chargers on this list are Level 2.)

When installing a home EV charger, evaluating your home's electrical system is crucial, as it plays a key role in determining what type of charger and installation your home can support. Many of the chargers listed in this article offer selective amperage settings, meaning that even though they are advertised as providing up to 48A or 50A output, they can often be adjusted to lower outputs, such as 40A or 32A, to better align with your electrical system's capacity.

For Level 2 chargers, there are specific breaker requirements based on the amperage:

Since many chargers offer selectable amperage settings, they can be configured to work with different electrical setups. For example, a charger capable of 48A output can run at 40A or 32A if your home's electrical panel can't support the higher amperage. However, chargers offering higher output (48A-50A) generally require hardwiring rather than using a NEMA socket to comply with safety and electrical standards.

It's critical to consult a licensed electrician to assess whether your electrical panel can accommodate your selected charger. If your panel lacks the necessary capacity, upgrading your electrical system may be required before installation. This could involve installing new wiring, dedicated breaker boxes, or weatherproof components for outdoor setups. Evaluating these factors will ensure safe and efficient operation of your home EV charger.

While many local power companies offer EV charger programs that include a charger and basic installation services, these programs may not cover more complex or costly installations. In older homes or homes requiring significant upgrades, installation costs can quickly exceed the charger's price. For example, suppose your home has an outdated electrical panel or lacks the necessary infrastructure. In that case, you might need additional wiring (such as NEMA 6-50), a weatherproof box, and a dedicated dual breaker box. Additionally, any work done outside may require an inspection to ensure compliance with updated local safety laws, such as proper grounding.

Utility-backed programs often cover only basic installations, leaving homeowners responsible for any significant electrical upgrades. Before committing to any program or installation, getting a detailed quote for the entire scope of the work is advisable, especially for older homes or more complex setups.

By comparing the full costs of utility-backed programs with the option of purchasing and installing a charger independently, you can make a more informed decision and ensure you're prepared for all potential costs, not just those covered by the program.

Weatherproofing

If you plan on using your home EV charger outdoors, you will want to be sure that it is weather-resistant for added protection.

Smart technology

The best home EV chargers include smart technology, which allows you to use Bluetooth and even Alexa connections to control your unit.

Cost

Home EV chargers come at a variety of price points, so you can find one that fits into your budget.

Charging your EV is more complicated if you don't have a private garage or other secure space to install your charger. The complications increase exponentially if you live in an apartment building or condo with shared parking areas and no way to access your electric meter. For those situations, your best bet is to petition your apartment management or condo HOA to install shared chargers that can be billed using an app. Tesla has some good options and sample letter you can send to your skeptical managers or condo board to speed up the process.

It's tempting to skip the cost and hassle of installing a charger for your new electric vehicle at home, but in the long run, it's worth it. Not only is it more convenient to plug your car in overnight and wake up to a full battery every day, but it's also more affordable.

For instance, my average electric rate at home in South Florida is $0.10 per kWh. The last time I used a public charger, such as at Electrify America, I paid over $0.40 per kWh. That's nearly four times the cost, which is more affordable than gas but much more than what I pay at home.

Investing in a Level 2 EV charger for your home will undoubtedly provide faster, more convenient, and more efficient charging for your electric vehicle. Choosing an EV charger with above-average ranges is crucial for getting the most out of your investment, as it will have batteries with the highest capacities. Charging your EV for eight hours will add about 200 miles of range (25 miles per hour, or 9 kWh) at 39A.

Level 3 EV chargers, also known as Fast Chargers, can charge up your EV to full capacity in under an hour. However, they aren't typically practical to have at home, since their installation and maintenance fees are higher. Choosing a Level 2 charger for your home is the most common option for EV owners.