For Tesla owners, maximizing convenience and efficiency is key, and that extends to charging your electric vehicle at home. While every Tesla comes with a Level 1 charger, upgrading to a Level 2 home charger dramatically speeds up your charging times, getting you back on the road faster. Choosing the right home charger can feel overwhelming, but we’ve done the research and testing to bring you the best options available.
After extensive research and hands-on testing, we’ve identified the top home chargers perfect for Tesla vehicles and other EVs using the North American Charging Standard (NACS), as well as options for those using the J1772 connector. Our recommendations focus on chargers that offer a blend of speed, reliability, ease of use, and essential features to enhance your EV ownership experience.
Top Pick for Tesla: Emporia NACS Level 2 EV Charger
The Emporia Level 2 EV Charger (NACS version) stands out as the best overall home charger for Tesla vehicles. Specifically designed for Teslas and other EVs utilizing the NACS connector (now becoming the industry standard), this charger delivers exceptional performance and convenience. It’s powerful, user-friendly, and designed with a long cord, ensuring flexible installation in your garage or charging space. Its compact form factor also means it won’t take up unnecessary space.
Key Features and Benefits:
- NACS Compatibility: Perfectly suited for Tesla vehicles and other EVs adopting the NACS standard, ensuring seamless charging.
- Fast Level 2 Charging: Supports up to 48 amps, significantly faster than Level 1 chargers and allowing for a full charge for most Tesla batteries overnight, typically within five to eight hours.
- Long 24-Foot Cord: Provides ample reach to comfortably connect to your Tesla, even in larger garages or with varied parking configurations.
- Flexible Installation: Offers both hardwired and plug-in installation options (NEMA 14-50 plug), catering to different electrical setups. Plug-in installation supports up to 40 amps charging.
- Weatherproof and Durable: UL listed for safety and NEMA 4 rated (IP66 equivalent), providing robust protection against dust and water, suitable for both indoor and outdoor installation.
- Warranty: Comes with a generous three-year warranty, offering peace of mind and protection for your investment.
Buying Options:
- $399 from Amazon
- $399 from Best Buy
Other Excellent Home Chargers for Tesla and EVs
While the Emporia NACS is our top recommendation for Tesla owners, several other chargers offer excellent performance and cater to different needs and budgets.
Best Overall Home Charger (Including J1772 EVs): Emporia J1772 Level 2 EV Charger
For Tesla owners who might also have EVs with a J1772 connector, or for those seeking a top-performing charger and using a J1772 to Tesla adapter, the Emporia Level 2 EV Charger (J1772 version) is an outstanding choice. It mirrors the features and performance of the NACS version, but is designed for J1772 compatible electric vehicles. It maintains the same fast-charging capabilities, ease of use, and robust build quality.
Key Features and Benefits (similar to NACS version):
- J1772 Compatibility: Works with all J1772 standard EVs. Tesla vehicles can use this with a readily available J1772 to Tesla adapter.
- Fast Level 2 Charging: Supports up to 48 amps for rapid home charging.
- Long 24-Foot Cord: Offers flexibility for installation and reaching your EV’s charging port.
- Flexible Installation: Hardwired or plug-in (NEMA 14-50) options.
- Weatherproof: NEMA 4 rated (IP66), ensuring durability and weather resistance.
- Warranty: Three-year warranty.
Buying Options:
- $399 from Amazon
- $625 from Best Buy
Best Budget Home Charger: United Chargers Grizzl-E Classic 40A
For Tesla owners looking for a more affordable Level 2 charging solution without compromising on essential features, the United Chargers Grizzl-E Classic 40A is an excellent budget-friendly pick. While slightly less powerful than the Emporia, it still provides significantly faster charging than Level 1 options and offers robust weatherproofing and a long cord. Tesla owners will need a J1772 to Tesla adapter to use this charger.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Affordable Level 2 Charging: Provides a cost-effective entry point into Level 2 home charging.
- 40 Amp Charging: Offers fast charging, typically charging most EV batteries in six to nine hours.
- Long 25-Foot Cord: Slightly longer cord than the Emporia, offering even more reach.
- Multiple Installation Options: Hardwire, NEMA 14-50 plug, and NEMA 6-50 plug options for versatile setup.
- Highly Weatherproof: IP67 rated, offering superior protection against dust and water immersion, making it extremely durable in harsh conditions.
- Warranty: Three-year standard warranty, with an option to extend to five years for an additional cost.
Buying Options:
- $399 from Amazon
Best Home Charger for Charging Two EVs: United Chargers Grizzl-E Duo
For households with two electric vehicles, including Teslas, the United Chargers Grizzl-E Duo is a unique and practical solution. This charger is designed to charge two EVs simultaneously, making it ideal for families with multiple EVs. Tesla vehicles will require a J1772 to Tesla adapter.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Dual EV Charging: Can charge two electric vehicles at the same time, maximizing charging efficiency for multi-EV households.
- 40 Amp Power Split: Provides up to 40 amps when charging a single vehicle, or splits the power (up to 20 amps each) when charging two simultaneously.
- Dual 24-Foot Cords: Two cords ensure convenient reach for two parked vehicles.
- Plug-in Installation: Offers NEMA 14-50 or NEMA 6-50 plug-in options for easy setup.
- Highly Weatherproof: IP67 rated for excellent dust and water protection.
- Warranty: Three-year warranty.
Buying Options:
- $900 from Amazon
Best Portable Tesla Charger: Lectron Portable Level 2 Charger (NACS version)
For Tesla owners needing a versatile charging solution that can travel with them, the Lectron Portable Level 2 Charger (NACS version) is the best portable option. Compact and easy to store in your Tesla’s trunk or frunk, this charger provides Level 2 charging speeds on the go.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Portable and Compact: Designed for easy transport and storage, ideal for travel and charging away from home.
- NACS Compatibility: Directly compatible with Tesla vehicles and other NACS EVs.
- 40 Amp Charging: Offers fast Level 2 charging wherever a compatible outlet is available.
- 16-Foot Cord: Practical cord length for portable use.
- Plug-in Installation: NEMA 14-50 plug for simple connection to compatible outlets.
- Weatherproof: IP65 rated, providing good protection against dust and light water spray.
- Warranty: Two-year warranty.
Buying Options:
- $270 from Amazon
- $290 from Best Buy
- $312 from The Home Depot
Best Portable J1772 Charger: Lectron Portable Level 2 Charger (J1772 version)
For EV owners with J1772 vehicles needing a portable charging solution, the Lectron Portable Level 2 Charger (J1772 version) is the corresponding best portable option. It offers the same portability and convenience as the NACS version but utilizes the J1772 connector. Tesla owners can use this with a J1772 to Tesla adapter for portable Level 2 charging of their Teslas as well.
Key Features and Benefits (similar to NACS Portable version):
- Portable and Compact: Easy to transport and store for charging on the go.
- J1772 Compatibility: Works with all J1772 standard EVs.
- 40 Amp Charging: Provides fast Level 2 portable charging.
- 16-Foot Cord: Practical for portable applications.
- Plug-in Installation: NEMA 14-50 plug.
- Weatherproof: IP65 rated.
- Warranty: Two-year warranty.
Buying Options:
- $230 from Amazon
- $300 from Best Buy
- $280 from The Home Depot
Key Considerations When Choosing a Home Charger for Your Tesla
Selecting the best home charger for your Tesla involves considering several factors to ensure you choose a charger that meets your specific needs and provides optimal charging performance.
- Connector Type (NACS vs. J1772): Modern Teslas utilize the NACS connector. Ensure your chosen charger is compatible with NACS for direct plug-in convenience. For J1772 chargers, a simple adapter is required for Tesla vehicles.
- Charging Speed (Amperage): Level 2 chargers offer varying amperage, typically ranging from 32A to 48A. Higher amperage chargers deliver faster charging speeds. Consider your daily driving needs and desired charging times when selecting amperage.
- Cord Length: A longer cord provides greater flexibility in charger placement relative to your Tesla’s charging port. 24-foot cords are generally ample for most home garage setups.
- Installation Type (Plug-in vs. Hardwired): Plug-in chargers are easier to install and can be moved, while hardwired chargers offer a more permanent and potentially higher amperage connection. Consider your electrical panel capacity and installation preferences.
- Weatherproofing and Durability: If installing outdoors or in a garage exposed to the elements, prioritize chargers with robust weatherproofing ratings (NEMA 4 or IP66 and above) to ensure long-term reliability.
- Smart Features: Some chargers offer smart features like Wi-Fi connectivity, app control, charging schedules, and energy monitoring. These features can enhance convenience and optimize energy usage, but may come at a higher price point.
- Budget: Home charger prices vary. Determine your budget and balance desired features with cost-effectiveness.
Conclusion: Upgrade Your Tesla Home Charging Experience
Investing in a Level 2 home charger is a significant upgrade for any Tesla owner, providing faster charging times and greater convenience. The Emporia NACS Level 2 EV Charger is our top recommendation for its exceptional performance, Tesla-specific compatibility, and robust features. However, depending on your specific needs, budget, and whether you need dual EV charging or portability, the other recommended chargers like the Grizzl-E Classic, Grizzl-E Duo, and Lectron Portable Chargers offer excellent alternatives. By considering your individual requirements and the key factors outlined, you can select the best home charger to optimize your Tesla ownership experience and ensure your EV is always ready for the road.
