- 1. Siemens VersiCharge
- 2. JuiceBox Pro 40 EV Charging Station
- 3. ChargePoint Home EV Charger
- 4. ClipperCreek HCS-40P EV Charging Station
- 5. Zencar Home Electric Vehicle Charging Station
- 6. MUSTART Portable Electric Vehicle Charger
- 7. Leviton EVB40-PST EV Charger
- 8. Blink HQ Home Electric Charger
- 9. EVoCharge EV Charger
- Best Home EV Chargers Buying Guide & FAQ
In recent years electric-powered vehicles have really taken off in terms of popularity. As this popularity grows, so does the market for the infrastructure and accessories needed to support them. One such area that has seen rapid improvements in technology is home EV Chargers.
These days the best home EV charger can be yours for a fraction of the cost of just a few years ago. They come packed with high-end features and faster and more efficient charging abilities. Below we take a look at some of the best EV chargers out there and give you all the tools you need to find the right one for you and your vehicle.
The Best Home EV Charger
We kick off our list with this charging station from Siemens. This is a company that needs very little introduction as Siemens is a world-renowned manufacturer of high-quality electronics.
What we have here is an EV charging station that very much lives up to that pedigree. This is a hardwired model, which means that it is capable of delivering high levels of charge power. In fact, this is one of the most powerful at home chargers on the market right now. It can push out 30 amps of power to allow for the 220/240V charge being delivered.
That is going to charge a vehicle battery from zero to fully charged in potentially just a few hours. That is always a handy feature to have! As a Siemens design, you also get a lot of handy features built in like a high-quality 14-foot charging cable, flexible timing controls and a well-designed mounting bracket.
It can work at temperatures between minus 30 to plus 50 Celsius. All of this is protected by a three-year warranty for a truly outstanding product that makes a strong claim to being one of the best home EV chargers out there.
- Hard Wired Installation
- 14ft Cable
- Award Winning Product
- Level 2 Charger
- Brand Siemens
- Model VC30GRYHW
- Weight 15.55 lbs
If power is the number-one consideration when you are shopping for a new EV charger, then you should take a good look at this model. JuiceBox is an EV Charger maker with a well-earned rep for making high quality, powerful charging tools.
This model is no different, making use of 40 amps of power for an incredibly high (and fast) charge level. That power is delivered by a power cable with a very useful length of 24 feet, making it easier to install the device within easy reach of your vehicle.
You also get top-quality controls via the built-in WiFi in the charger. That allows you to control the charger via a Smartphone app or even via Alexa voice control.
“Alexa! Charge the car!” How cool is that, huh?
For so many high-end features you are looking at investing a significant chunk of change. This device comes with a premium price tag and is easily one of the most expensive on our list. Not only that, it requires your home to have an electrical circuit that can handle at least 50 amps of power, so you may need to upgrade your home wiring and circuit breakers.
Still, if you want extreme power that is very well controlled then this item must be high up your list.
- 40 Amp
- App & Web-Based Controls
- Very Fast Charge Times
- 24 Foot Cable
- Brand Juice Box
- Weight 21 lbs
Next we have another premium product, this time from ChargePoint. Again, we have a premium price poin, but also again we have a product that is both high powered and packed with premium features.
This is another Level 2 charger with an output on 32 Amps. Again, that is a power level that can see a vehicle charged up in a matter of a few hours. It is also good to see that it has compatibility across a huge range of vehicle makers. Ford, BMW, Toyota, Honda – all covered.
It has a 25-foot cable, and it is also not a hard-wired model. It is instead a plug-in charging station, so it’s easy to take with you if you move home. Built-in WiFi allows you to manage the device remotely while it has a very attractive shiny black finish.
Again, the price tag is well toward the top end of the range. But for the money, you are getting a real high-end EV charger here.
- WiFi Enabled
- Attractive Design
- 32 Amp Output
- Plug & Play Model
- Brand ChargePoint
- Model CPH25-P
- Weight 19 lbs
This electric car charging device has been designed with ease of use and installation at its heart. To that end, it is a simpler device than some others we have looked at already. There is no WiFi connectivity, for example.
On the other hand, there are still a lot of useful features and design points in what is a very well-designed charger. For example, it is very powerful with a 32-amp output. That power is delivered via a simple plug and play design. All you do is plug the device into a Nema 14-50 power outlet and away you go. If you don’t have one of these, an electrician can usually install one pretty simply and cheaply.
The device has a huge compatibility range too with ClipperCreek stating that the product should work on just about every EV out there right now. The device is nice and small so it won’t take up much room, and it can be installed inside or outside. The 25-foot length of the power cable is also a very useful length.
- Easy Installation
- Made in the USA
- Wide Vehicle Compatibility
- Indoor & Outdoor Safe
- Brand ClipperCreek
- Model HCS-40P
- Weight 13 lbs
Next we have the first Level 1 charger to make the list. There are a number of pros and cons to each device when you compare a Level 1 and Level 2 charger. Naturally, one of the big pros for a Level 1 charger is that it is easy to use and much cheaper than a Level 2 model.
That is also true here with this offering from ZenCar. It comes with a price tag about one third of what you would pay for a premium, Level 2 model. It is also very easy to use; simply plug into a power outlet and away you go. It can deliver between 15 to 16 amps of charging power too.
On the one hand, that is lower than you will get with a Level 2 charger. It does mean that you likely won’t have to make any adjustments to your existing power circuits in your home. It will take longer to charge a car too, especially from a zero battery level. It can be great to just plug in a trickle charge a vehicle though, especially a hybrid.
- Level 1 Charger
- 15/16 Amp Output
- Waterproof
- Easy to Use
- Brand Zencar
- Model zencar
- Weight 7.17 lbs
This item is another that places a premium on producing an electric vehicle charger that is simple and easy to use. Unlike the item we looked at above, however, this device is not only extremely simple but also delivers a Level 2 power supply.
That translates to a 40-amp power output, which is actually very impressive given the fact that this unit it very, very small. It is also a plug and play style of charger that means it is easy to install and use, running off of a Nema 14-50 style outlet.
It also has a wide range of compatibility, with most vehicles able to be charged with this device. 25 feet of charging cable is very generous too. As a simpler device, this product does miss a few of the premium end features like enhanced controls or WiFi connectivity. That simplicity does mean it’s a bit cheaper than premium models, however.
- Level 2 Charger
- 40 Amp Output
- Compact Size
- 25 Feet of Power Cord
- Brand MUSTART
- Model MU-P
- Weight 8.16 lbs
On the one hand, this is another simpler style of EV charger. It lacks the WiFi connectivity or advanced built-in controls (like a timer) that other premium models provide. Though it is a simple but effective design is also boasts a high-quality waterproof case for outside storage.
It is also a plug and play style of model. That means it is easier to install and it is also easier to take with you if you move. A 25-foot cable is great to see, while no one can deny this is a very powerful model. Handling up to 40 amps of power means that this product will be able to handle the charging of even larger vehicle batteries with speed and efficiency.
That is about it when it comes to features. It is a simple but effective electric vehicle charging station. There is nothing wrong with that of course, apart from the fact that this is a very expensive charger. It is, without doubt, a high quality-charging device, but does it truly justify the sky-high price tag?
- 40 Amp Output
- 25 Foot Cord
- Plug & Play Model
- Watertight Casing
- Brand Leviton
- Model EVB40-PST
- Weight 34.6 lbs
Say what you like about this electric car charger, it is certainly easy on the eyes. It boasts a very stylish design and shiny, black finish that lends it a highly modern and attractive appeal.
Is there more to it than a pretty face though? Luckily, yes. First off this is a hardwired style of charger with a 30-amp output. It also has very well-designed, built-in controls. They can be used to delay the start of charging, perhaps to overnight charging when electric price rates can be lower.
The very useful LED display simply and easily highlights the vehicle charge condition. It boasts wide compatibility across a range of vehicle manufacturers too. The power cord is only 18 feet, so a little shorter than you will see with many other models of EV charger.
The final bonus is a free credit to use at a Blink public charger. With around 4,000 locations in the country, if you live near one free electricity is not such a bad deal.
- 30 Amp Output
- Hard Wired Model
- Stylish Design
- Free $50 Credit for Blink Network
- Brand Blink
- Model Blink-60
- Weight 22 lbs
We finish up with this small and sleek design of EV charger from EVoCharge. While it may be small and neat (it has the same footprint as a piece of A4 paper) it is actually very tough.
In addition to that toughness, another standout feature is the power. This unit can crank out up to 32 amps of power for a very fast charge time. It also has wide compatibility across a huge range of vehicle types and manufacturers. An 18-foot power cord is a little short when some others provide up to 25 feet of cord.
This is one of the simpler styles of level 2 charger, and while it does allow you to control the power output levels, there are no delay options and the power display is pretty basic. Still, it also has a very decent price tag for what is a very tough and high-powered charging unit.
- 32 Amp Output
- Very Small & Compact
- Can Be Installed Outside
- Brand EVoCharge
- Model EVoInnovate EVSE
- Weight 13.58 lbs
Best Home EV Chargers Buying Guide & FAQ
In our buying guide, we’ll take you through the features that you should keep an eye out for when picking out the best home EV charger for you. After that, we’ll take a look at how best to use your new tool and answer some of the most frequently asked questions about this extremely useful product.
Features to Consider When Buying an EV Charging Station
Power Output – Possibly the biggest factor you need to consider is how much power the charger will kick out. As you’ve seen above and as we discuss below, there are different charging levels available. Level 1 chargers are cheaper but will take a lot longer to charge your vehicle. Level 2 is going to cost more but deliver much more power.
Hardwired or Plug – How will your EV charger be connected to the power supply is another big consideration to make. A charger that is hardwired is going to be harder to install but will generally be a little cheaper. If they are mounted outside they are also more secure and harder to steal.
A charger with a plug will be easier to install, provided of course you have a suitable power outlet ready for the charger to be plugged into. It may be a little pricier and does not have the added security of a hardwired external model.
Power Cable Length – how far away from your vehicle will the charger be mounted/plugged into the power outlet? If you are unsure, look for a charger with a long cable to make sure you are covered no matter the placement of charger and the vehicle. About 25 foot is the maximum length you will find, but that will provide a lot of spare capacity.
Time Delays/Remote Charging Monitoring/Remote Activation – By this, we just mean the various high end, smart features that you will find on some chargers, usually, ones from the more premium end of the market. This can be as simple as a time delay switch (useful for setting the time the charge starts) to such advanced features as remote activation and control via WiFi connectivity. They can all be useful features to have, but each one will likely push up the overall price of the charger.
Why You Should Buy a Home EV Charger
- Save Money – If you only use public charging points, it is going to dent your wallet. Whilst some public chargers are free, many are not. Worse, you often need a subscription meaning it can be hard to charge on the fly. If you install a home EV charger though, you can almost charge your vehicle for less money than you would when paying for public EV charging stations.
- Convenience – Why bother searching out public charging stations if you have one at home? You can also often find that a public charging station can be oversubscribed. That means waiting around for space to hook up your vehicle. If you have an EV charger at home, simply plug it in when you get home from driving, then get on with your life as the vehicle charges.
- Control The Power Source – Lastly, many people choose to drive an EV for environmental reasons. If you are one of those people then it could be a good idea to pick up a domestic charging station as it allows you to select the power source. This could be going with a utility company who generate green energy, or it could be to charge the vehicle via solar panels or wind turbines installed on your property.
Types of Home EV Chargers
There are two ways to look at how EV charger types can be broken down into different types. On the one hand, you can look at how they are connected to the power supply. The other way is to look at the charge level.
Hardwired – A hardwired EV charger is connected directly to the power supply. Generally speaking, they can be a little cheaper than plug and play models. On the other, they are harder to install and difficult to remove and take away if you move home.
Plugged – Also known as plug and play models. They come with a power plug already attached, so all you need to do it plug them into an appropriate power outlet. That makes them easier to install and easier to move but can also add a premium price tag.
The other way to think of the charging type is in terms of charge level.
Level 1 – The most basic. Most vehicles will come with a level 1 charger already, though most aftermarket Level 1 chargers are more powerful than the standard chargers bundled with cars. Expect anywhere from 10 to 16 Amps, an easier install and a low price.
Level 2 – They need to be installed and they are more expensive than Level 1. On the other hand, they kick out up 40 Amps of charging power.
Level 3 – Hugely powerful, they only work with a DC electrical supply (i.e. they can’t be plugged into a domestic circuit within your home). You will only find them in commercial or industrial settings, not for sale for home use.
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Home EV Charger Installation
Here at CarBibles, we are big proponents of DIY projects. We think that not only can a DIY project save you a whole heap of lovely cash, but they can also be fun to do and teach you skills that will aid you for the rest of your life.
We even spend a lot of time investigating the best tools and power tools on the market to make sure that you always have the best of the best tools by your side when you tackle a new DIY project.
But do you know what else? One huge part of success in DIY projects is in knowing your limitations. We would humbly suggest therefore that unless you are a qualified electrician, you leave the installation of your new electronic charging station to a professional.
That is especially so if it is a hardwired model. Even with a plug and play model though you still need to ensure the electrical circuit if your home is up to the job.
Again, it would probably be best to leave this to a professional.
Best Home EV Chargers FAQ:
Q: What is an electric vehicle charging station?
A: Very simply it is a unit that delivers an electrical charge to the battery of your electric vehicle. It converts AC current found in the home into the DC energy required by the vehicle batteries.
There are various features and design points that can affect its efficiency, ease of use and overall power. But at its heart, the main function is to deliver power to the battery for storage there.
Q: Can electric vehicles self-charge?
A: Some can, though they won’t do it whilst parked.
Hybrid cars, in particular, are very good at this. The Toyota Prius, one of the market leaders, will, for example, seek to capture energy generated by the braking system and save it in the vehicle batteries for later use.
All EVs need to be plugged in, however, to charge the battery when the vehicle is not moving.
Q: How long does it take to charge my battery?
A: That really depends on the size of the batteries found in your vehicle and the power of your charger. As a broad rule of thumb, a 30 Amp charger can get an EV from zero charges to 80% in around 3.5 to 4 hours.
Q: Can I charge a plug-in car with solar and wind power?
A: Absolutely. If you have Solar panels or turbines at your home, the electricity they generate is exactly the same as that which comes down the power lines – though it may always be as powerful!
That is because on a cloudy or windless day, your renewable generators may struggle to generate power and it could take longer to charge than with a standard connection to the grid. It will though be much cheaper – both in monetary terms and also in potential environmental damage.
Q: Can a home charger be plugged into a dryer outlet?
A: It certainly can. In fact, a dryer circuit usually delivers 240 Volts of power, making it ideal for a car charger. As with plugging (or hard-wiring) a car charger into the circuit of your home anywhere, you need to ensure that the circuits and circuit breakers are up to the task, Amp wise.
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Our Top Pick
Its already won awards and we’re happy to add another to it. The Siemens VersiCharge can add the CarBibles Top Pick award to its collection – we hope it’s got the room on the shelf for another trophy.
Jokes aside, it is simply such a high-quality item it’s impossible not to award it the best home EV charger title. It is not only high powered, but it uses that power efficiently. It is also extremely well designed and easy to use. Last but not least it has the reassurance of being built, right here in the US no less, by such a highly reputable company as Siemens.
Sources:
- Electric Cars Numbers Increase, TDworld
- 30 Cool Electric Cars of the Future! Buisiness Insider