For electric vehicle (EV) owners, having a reliable home car charging station is becoming less of a luxury and more of a necessity. While most EVs come equipped with a Level 1 charger that can plug into a standard wall outlet, upgrading to a Level 2 charger significantly enhances your charging speed and convenience. A Level 2 home car charging station can add four times more miles per hour of charge compared to a Level 1, making overnight charging practical and efficient.
After extensive research and hands-on testing, we’ve identified the best Home Car Charging Stations available on the market. For most EV owners with a J1772 port, we recommend the Emporia Level 2 EV Charger (J1772 version) as the top pick. If you own a Tesla or another EV with a NACS connector (North American Charging Standard, also known as J3400), the Emporia Level 2 EV Charger (NACS version) stands out as the best option. Both versions are powerful, user-friendly, space-saving, and come with a generous cord length, making them ideal home car charging stations.
Our Top Picks for Home Car Charging Stations
We’ve evaluated various home car charging stations based on charging speed, ease of use, durability, and features to bring you the best recommendations. Whether you are looking for the most reliable, budget-friendly, or portable option, we have a home car charging station to suit your needs.
Top Pick
Emporia Level 2 EV Charger (J1772 version) – The Best Home Charger for J1772 EVs
The Emporia Level 2 EV Charger (J1772) is our top choice for home car charging stations designed for vehicles with a J1772 port. This fast-charging station is not only compatible with a wide range of electric vehicles but also boasts a compact design and a long 24-foot cord. Its weatherized construction ensures reliability and durability, making it a robust solution for home car charging.
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Emporia Level 2 EV Charger (NACS version) – The Best Home Charger for NACS EVs
For Tesla owners and those with EVs adopting the NACS standard, the Emporia Level 2 EV Charger (NACS) is the best home car charging station. Mirroring the J1772 version in performance and features, this charger provides fast Level 2 charging in a compact, weather-resistant unit with a 24-foot cord. It is specifically designed to offer optimal home car charging for NACS-compatible vehicles.
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Budget Pick
United Chargers Grizzl-E Classic 40A – A Great Value Home EV Charger
If you’re looking for an affordable home car charging station without compromising on quality, the United Chargers Grizzl-E Classic 40A is an excellent choice. This model delivers reliable Level 2 charging and is built to withstand harsh weather conditions. It’s a cost-effective solution for efficient home car charging.
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Best for Charging Two EVs
United Chargers Grizzl-E Duo – Ideal for Multi-EV Households
For households with multiple electric vehicles, the United Chargers Grizzl-E Duo is the perfect home car charging station. This unique charger can charge two EVs simultaneously, making it incredibly convenient for families with more than one electric car. Though it splits power between the two vehicles, it remains a valuable solution for home car charging for multiple EVs.
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Best Portable J1772 Charger
Lectron Portable Level 2 Charger (J1772 version) – Conveniently Charge On-the-Go
The Lectron Portable Level 2 Charger (J1772) is the best portable home car charging station for J1772 EVs. Its compact size and robust features make it easy to carry in your trunk, ensuring you have Level 2 charging capability wherever you go. While slightly less powerful than fixed home car charging stations, it offers excellent portability and value.
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Best Portable NACS Charger
Lectron Portable Level 2 Charger (NACS version) – Portable Charging for NACS Vehicles
For those who need a portable home car charging station for their Tesla or NACS-compatible EV, the Lectron Portable Level 2 Charger (NACS) is the ideal solution. It combines portability with Level 2 charging speeds, making it perfect for travel and situations where a fixed charger isn’t available. It’s a versatile option for home car charging and beyond.
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Understanding Level 2 Home Car Charging Stations
Level 2 home car charging stations represent a significant upgrade from the Level 1 chargers that typically come with electric vehicles. Level 1 chargers use a standard 120V household outlet and add only a few miles of range per hour of charging, which can be quite slow for daily use. In contrast, Level 2 chargers utilize a 240V outlet, similar to those used for appliances like dryers, and can deliver significantly faster charging speeds.
Benefits of Level 2 Home Car Charging Stations:
- Faster Charging Speeds: Level 2 chargers can add between 12 to 80 miles of range per hour, depending on the charger’s amperage and the vehicle’s charging capabilities. This makes overnight charging sufficient to replenish most of an EV’s battery capacity.
- Convenience: Having a home car charging station eliminates trips to public charging stations, allowing you to charge your EV overnight in the comfort of your home.
- Increased Home Value: Installing a home car charging station can be an attractive feature for potential home buyers as EV adoption continues to rise.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Home Car Charging Station:
- Connector Type: Ensure the charger is compatible with your EV’s charging port. J1772 is the standard for most non-Tesla EVs in North America, while NACS is used by Tesla and increasingly adopted by other manufacturers.
- Charging Speed (Amperage): Higher amperage chargers offer faster charging. Most home car charging stations range from 32A to 48A, but your vehicle’s onboard charger will determine the maximum charging rate.
- Cord Length: A longer cord provides more flexibility in parking and charger placement relative to your vehicle’s charge port.
- Installation Type: Home car charging stations can be plug-in or hardwired. Plug-in chargers are easier to install and move, while hardwired chargers may offer slightly higher amperage in some cases and a more permanent installation.
- Weather Resistance: If your charger will be installed outdoors, ensure it has a sufficient weather resistance rating (IP rating) to protect against dust and water.
Testing Methodology for Home Car Charging Stations
To determine the best home car charging stations, we focused on several key factors during our testing process. Our aim was to evaluate these chargers in real-world scenarios to provide reliable recommendations.
Testing Criteria:
- Compatibility: We tested chargers with both J1772 and NACS connectors to ensure broad compatibility with most electric vehicles on the market.
- Power and Charging Speed: We prioritized chargers rated at 32A or higher to guarantee significantly faster charging compared to standard Level 1 chargers.
- Cord Length: Recognizing the diverse layouts of garages and parking spaces, we required a minimum cord length of 16 feet for each charger to ensure practical usability.
- Installation Flexibility: We favored chargers that offered multiple installation options, including both hardwired and 240V plug-in setups, to accommodate various home electrical systems and user preferences.
By rigorously testing these home car charging stations against these criteria, we confidently recommend the models listed above as the best options for home car charging in 2024.
Conclusion: Enhance Your EV Lifestyle with a Home Car Charging Station
Investing in a Level 2 home car charging station is a smart move for any EV owner. It provides faster charging, greater convenience, and enhances your overall EV ownership experience. Whether you choose our top pick from Emporia, a budget-friendly option from Grizzl-E, or a portable charger from Lectron, upgrading to a Level 2 home car charging station will transform how you live with your electric vehicle. Embrace the future of driving with efficient and reliable home car charging.
