For electric vehicle owners, a Level 2 charger at home is more than a convenience—it’s essential for efficient and quick charging. While most EVs come with a Level 1 charger, upgrading to a Level 2 system significantly boosts your charging speed, adding miles of range much faster. After extensive research and hands-on testing, we’ve identified the Best Ev Chargers for your home, ensuring you spend less time waiting and more time on the road.
Top Pick: Emporia Level 2 EV Charger (J1772 & NACS)
The Emporia Level 2 EV Charger stands out as the top recommendation for most EV owners. Available in both J1772 and NACS (North American Charging Standard) connector versions, it caters to a wide range of electric vehicles. Whether you drive a standard EV with a J1772 port or a Tesla or other vehicle using NACS, Emporia has a model for you. This charger is not only powerful and user-friendly but also designed to be space-saving in your garage.
The Emporia charger boasts a robust 48 amp maximum current rating, capable of fully charging most EV batteries in approximately five to eight hours. This claim was substantiated through our rigorous testing, confirming its fast-charging capabilities. It features a generous 24-foot cord, providing ample reach in most garage setups, and offers flexible installation options: you can choose between a hardwired setup or a plug-in installation using a NEMA 14-50 outlet. Note that plug-in installation will limit the charging speed to 40 amps.
Safety and durability are key features of the Emporia Level 2 EV Charger. It is UL listed, ensuring it meets stringent safety and compliance standards. With a NEMA 4 rating (similar to IP66), it’s designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions, offering complete protection against dust and resistance to strong water jets. Priced competitively around $400, and backed by a three-year warranty, the Emporia Level 2 EV Charger provides exceptional value and performance, making it the best home EV charger overall.
Budget Pick: United Chargers Grizzl-E Classic 40A
For EV owners seeking a more affordable option without compromising significantly on performance, the United Chargers Grizzl-E Classic 40A is an excellent choice. This budget-friendly EV charger delivers reliable Level 2 charging at a lower price point. Equipped with a J1772 connector, it is compatible with most non-Tesla EVs, and can be used with a NACS adapter for Tesla vehicles.
The Grizzl-E Classic supports up to 40 amps of charging, which can charge most EV batteries in approximately six to nine hours. It comes with an even longer 25-foot cord, offering great flexibility in installation. Like our top pick, it offers both hardwired and plug-in installation options, catering to different home electrical setups.
Durability is a strong suit for the Grizzl-E Classic. It is UL listed and boasts an IP67 rating, indicating complete protection against dust and the ability to withstand immersion in shallow water. This robust weatherproofing makes it a reliable choice for both indoor and outdoor installations. Typically priced around $350, with a standard three-year warranty (extendable to five years for an additional cost), the United Chargers Grizzl-E Classic 40A is a top contender for the best value EV charger.
Best for Dual EV Charging: United Chargers Grizzl-E Duo
For households with multiple electric vehicles, the United Chargers Grizzl-E Duo presents a unique and practical solution. This Level 2 charger is designed to charge two EVs simultaneously, making it the best EV charger for multiple EVs. It features two 24-foot cords with J1772 connectors and is also compatible with NACS adapters.
The Grizzl-E Duo can deliver up to 40 amps when charging a single vehicle, providing a similar charging speed to the Grizzl-E Classic. However, when charging two vehicles concurrently, it intelligently splits the 40 amps, delivering up to 20 amps to each, which naturally extends the charging time for both vehicles. It is designed for plug-in installation only, compatible with NEMA 14-50 or NEMA 6-50 outlets, and cannot be hardwired.
Like other Grizzl-E models, the Duo is built to last, featuring an IP67 weatherization rating and UL listing. It provides the same robust protection against dust and water. Priced around $800 and backed by a three-year warranty, the United Chargers Grizzl-E Duo is a worthwhile investment for families needing to charge two electric vehicles at home, simultaneously offering convenience and efficiency.
Best Portable EV Charger: Lectron Portable Level 2 Charger (J1772 & NACS)
For EV owners who need a charging solution that can travel with them, the Lectron Portable Level 2 Charger is the best portable EV charger available. Offered in both J1772 and NACS versions, this charger combines portability with Level 2 charging speeds. Its compact design allows it to be easily stored in a trunk, making it ideal for charging on the go.
The Lectron Portable Level 2 Charger supports up to 40 amps, similar to the Grizzl-E models, enabling it to charge most EV batteries in six to nine hours. It features a 16-foot cord, which is shorter than the stationary chargers but practical for portable use. It is designed for plug-in use with a NEMA 14-50 outlet and is not intended for hardwiring.
While slightly less weatherized than our other top picks with an IP65 rating (dustproof and resistant to light water spray), the Lectron charger is still built to be durable for travel. It comes with a two-year warranty and is typically the most affordable among our recommended chargers, priced around $260 for the J1772 version and $275 for the NACS version. The Lectron Portable Level 2 Charger provides a great balance of speed, portability, and cost, making it the best EV charger for travel.
Testing Notes
Our recommendations are based on rigorous testing and evaluation, focusing on key aspects of EV chargers:
- Compatibility: We prioritized chargers compatible with a broad range of electric vehicles, supporting both J1772 and NACS connectors.
- Power: We ensured each recommended charger offered at least 32 amps or higher to provide faster charging speeds than standard Level 1 chargers.
- Cord Length: Recognizing typical garage dimensions, we required a minimum cord length of 16 feet for each charger.
- Installation: We favored chargers offering multiple installation options, including both hardwired and plug-in configurations for 240V outlets.
Choosing the Best EV Charger for Your Needs
Investing in a Level 2 charger is a smart move for any EV owner looking to maximize home charging efficiency. Whether you prioritize top performance, budget-friendliness, the ability to charge multiple vehicles, or portability, there’s a best EV charger on this list to meet your specific requirements. Consider your EV type, charging needs, and budget to select the ideal Level 2 charger and enhance your electric vehicle ownership experience.
