The 8 Best Electric Vehicle Chargers for Powering Up Your Ride
Eliminate the hassle of searching for a public charging station with one of these editor-approved picks.
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Charging access is everything when you own an electric vehicle or plug-in hybrid. While charging stations may be available at workplaces and retail spaces, and cities are establishing dedicated charging networks, it doesn't get more convenient than having an EV charging system in your garage.
The market for home electric vehicle chargers is quickly expanding, allowing hybrid and electric car owners to power up while they cook dinner or do the laundry. While these setups don’t typically charge as fast as dedicated public stations, they're still well worth the investment to help avoid getting stuck on the road.
The Best Electric Vehicle Chargers
- Best Overall: JuiceBox 40 Smart Charging Station
- Best Midrange: EVoCharge Electric Vehicle Charging Station
- Most Affordable: Megear Level 1+2 Charger
- Best Premium: Wallbox Pulsar Plus Ultra Compact Charger
- Best Wall Mount: Grizzl-E 40 Amp Charger
What to Consider
Types of Chargers
There are two basic types of EV chargers: 120-volt “Level 1” chargers and 240-volt “Level 2” quick chargers. Electric vehicles usually ship with a Level 1 charger, but having a Level 2 charger at home delivers faster performance.
Because the U.S. runs on a 120-volt grid, Level 2 charging requires specific outlets, fitting NEMA 6-20, 6-50, or 14-50 plugs. These may be found on dryer hookups in laundry rooms, or in some garages. If there isn't a compatible outlet nearby, custom installation is an option, or an electrician can hardwire the device to your home’s power line. Some EV chargers give you the option of plug-in or hardwire, like our top pick.
Tesla vs. Universal Chargers
Universal mount chargers are compatible with just about any modern electric vehicle, except for Tesla’s. If you want to use a Tesla charger, a Lectron J1772 adapter is required purchased separately to fit their proprietary charging port.
There are 480-volt fast chargers that perform similarly to Tesla’s trademark Superchargers. The catch is that they have specific power requirements, demanding installation of a dedicated power line by an experienced electrician. For this reason, 480-volt chargers are much more likely to be found in commercial spaces than in private homes.
Amps & Charging Time
In addition to voltage, each charger has a specific amperage rating (A), or a few selectable amp settings. Generally, a higher amperage charges a battery faster. However, small batteries won’t take as many amps as large ones. For instance, a Chevy Volt is limited to about 15 charging amps, while a Tesla Model S can take 80 on a 240-volt line. The Tesla charges much faster on an 80-amp circuit than a 15-amp one, but the Chevy takes just as long with either. Be sure to consult your car’s manual for recommended energy specs.
Also be aware that electricity can be very dangerous in inexperienced hands. If you have any additional questions or concerns about the installation and charging process, it’s best to consult a professional electrician.
How We Selected
As an auto journalist for over five years, I’ve tested a variety of vehicles and automotive accessories, including electric vehicles, and have relevant knowledge of topics such as voltage requirements, amperage draws, and types of plugs that are typically used in electric vehicle charging systems.
During the research phase, things like overall design, built-in Wi-Fi and cord management, scheduling features, and cord length were just a few factors that helped inform our selection, along with price point. All the electric car chargers covered below are universally compatible with modern production electric vehicles, Tesla being the exception.
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