Best Electric Vehicle Chargers For Home (TOP Products Review and Buyer’s Guide)

Level 2 chargers are the industry’s answer that offers shorter charge times and better flexibility for electric car owners. This is thanks to their higher power output, which allows them to charge up the car at a much faster rate. Level 2 chargers usually add 30 to 40 miles of range per hour, meaning a full charge is available in just a few hours. And a relatively simple technology that is behind them makes these devices affordable and easy to install. This is why Level 2 chargers are such popular options for home charging.

Lastly, we have Level 3 devices, which most refer to as superchargers or fast charges. As their name would imply, these will offer the shortest charging times, which often is less than half an hour. However, their complexity and high price make them unsuitable for domestic use. This is why they are usually only available at commercial charging points. Additionally, using them every day may not be the best idea, as their charging rate stresses out the battery.

How Does a Level 2 EV Charger Work?

As we already mentioned, Level 2 chargers offer an affordable and flexible way of charging up an electric car at home. But despite their superior performance, the technology behind these charges is relatively simple. The main difference between them and their Level 1 counterparts is the input voltage. While a Level 1 charger plugs into a standard 120V outlet, Level 2 devices run off a more powerful 240V one. This voltage difference increases its power output, which helps shorten the charging time. Although a standard household outlet only delivers 120V, many modern houses have several 240V ones for heavy-duty applications. And even if that is not the case, any electrician can easily install one. This is because all households actually have a 240V electrical installation, with standard outlets being wired in such a way to only provide half of that voltage.

What to Consider When Choosing a Level 2 EV Charger?

Among all characteristics, the maximum power output in kilowatts is the most important. But unlike what most would assume when it comes to it, more is not necessarily better here.  This is because the internal circuitry in electric cars limits the power they can accept at a certain level. To avoid getting an oversized charger, you should find out the acceptance rate for your vehicle.

There are differences in connector types between various makes and models, which adds to the confusion. Most Asian vehicles will come with a Type 1 connector, while US and European manufacturers prefer Type 2 variants. Still, this is more of a general rule of thumb, and there are certain exceptions.

The location within the household in which the charger will be installed is another thing to consider. As obvious as it sounds, the garage will be the best choice for something like that. However, not all car owners have this luxury, which leaves them with a driveway as the only option. And if you are going down that route, make sure to get a charger suitable for outdoor use.

The last decisive factor is how the charger hooks up to the electric grid. Most come with a standard NEMA plug, making them compatible with high-voltage household outlets. This is a far better option, as it ensures a simple plug&play installation. Some models, however, will tap directly into an electric junction box, although these require professional fitment.