Table Of Contents
- 1 A plug-in hybrid or a battery-electric
- 2 Level one or level two home EV chargers
- 3 Best Home EV Chargers of 2021 Reviewed
- 4 1. Siemens US2 Universal Charger (VC30GRYU)
- 5 2. PRIMECOM 32Amp Smart EV Wall Charging Station
- 6 3. Accell AxFAST Dual voltage Portable EV charger
- 7 4. YKS-ESNES Portable Level 2 EV Charger
- 8 5. Noodoe EV Home Level 2 Universal Charger
- 9 6. INSIGMA 32Amp Level 2 EV Charger
- 10 FAQs
- 11 Recommendations
There are benefits of owning your own Electric Vehicle (EV). And not going for gas refueling is one of them. But it will be in your best interest to install your own EV charger at home. Not only will you never have to worry about waiting in line at public EV chargers, but you will also be able to charge your EV at home at your own convenient time.
If you are trying to purchase a home EV charger, you will probably realize that a standard wall outlet doesn’t cut it. Home EV chargers are not cheap but they are worth the investment. And for installing a home EV charger, you can also check the available rebates, tax credits, and other incentives in your home town. There are certain factors you will have to consider when shopping for your home EV charger.
A plug-in hybrid or a battery-electric
For beginners, you need to find out if your car is a plug-in hybrid or a battery-electric car. A battery-electric car requires more time to charge and the charger that can be used to charge them up are quite expensive. As opposed to fully electric cars like the Nissan leaf, a plug-in hybrid doesn’t require an expensive charger. So you don’t have to spend much money on an EV charger if you own a plug-in hybrid car.
Level one or level two home EV chargers
The other thing you have to consider is the level of the charger you need. There are level 1 and 2 chargers. Level one charger mostly uses the standard power outlet that has been fixed at your home. It will give you around 3 to 4 miles per hour of charge. This is a very slow rate. On the other hand, Level two chargers do a faster job than level one but they require a different power outlet that you may not have at home.
Best Home EV Chargers of 2021 Reviewed
1. Siemens US2 Universal Charger (VC30GRYU)
Top Pick
Siemens US2 Universal Charger (VC30GRYU)
Features
- SAE J1772 vehicle plug
- Weighs 15 pounds
- 240V
- 14 feet cable length
The Siemens US2 Universal Charger (VC30GRYU) model is manufactured by Siemens, a world leader in electronics and electrical engineering. The company has been in the industry for over 165 years and it’s dedicated to innovation, quality, and reliability in the field of energy. The Siemens US2 EV charger is available in the plugin and hard-wired options. This model of EV charger makes it easier to incorporate energy-efficient practices into your home.
The Siemens US2 EV charger is available in two configurations. The first one is the hardwire (VC30GRYHW) for indoor use only and the Universal (VC30GRYU) which can be used both indoors and outdoors. The Siemens US2 EV charger is a universal unit. This model arrives ready to plug in for use into a 240V receptacle. It is also easily attachable to most surfaces with the provided mounting bracket.
The Siemens US2 EV charger is charging convenient. Before hitting the road, most EV batteries are charged from 0 to full in less than 3.5 hours. This leaves a lot of time to delay your charge by 2-8 hours. It’s made possible with the easy to use time of charge delay feature on the Siemens US2 EV charger. The status indicating LED Halo visible feature is an additional convenient feature on the Siemens US2 EV charger. It is also equipped with a clean cord management solution which leaves you even more satisfied when you jump into your fully electrified EV.
The Siemens US2 EV charger is plugged with a plug and cord assembly. The plug and cord assembly of the Siemens US2 EV charger can be detached for a hardwired installation. Therefore, we recommend the Siemens (VC30GRYU) US2 EV charger for indoor use only. Not only is the Siemens US2 EV charger an easy plug and play installation unit but it also enables you to carry it on the road. Despite the unit being portable, it comes with a mounting bracket and other hardware for permanent installation at your garage, carport, or anywhere where it’s convenient for you to charge your EV.
The Siemens US2 EV charger is also equipped with a weatherproof NEMA for the enclosure. The weatherproof NEMA is made up of 60% recycled material with a matte finish. This feature makes the Siemens US2 EV charger withstand the elements no matter its location. The Siemens US2 EV charger also has a standard SAE J1772 connector for ergonomic use.
Pros
- The Siemens US2 EV charger is compatible with all plug-in cars
- It is also cut charge in half with its 240V Level 2 charging capability
- It’s also user friendly during installation
- It is listed for quality standard by the Underwriters Laboratories
Cons
- It does not come with the 240V receptacle for mounting in the wall
2. PRIMECOM 32Amp Smart EV Wall Charging Station
Top Pick
The PRIMECOM 32Amp is a Smart EV charger manufactured by Primecom Company. This unit is a 50 feet charger that is six times faster than the original charger. It’s a level two charger that features 32Amp. This means that they work within a range of 100V and 240V. The PRIMECOM 32Amp Smart EV charger charges at 7.2kw/hour giving 26 miles of range per hour.
It is equipped with a clear display screen. This unit features a real-time data screen that displays relevant information. The information displayed includes real-time charging amperage, actual charging voltage, total kilowatt consumption, current temperature, and other informative data values. The manufacturer has also installed an intelligent chip in the EV charger. The function of an intelligent chip is to automatically adjust the amperage of the charger. This is done by communicating with Ev’s computer to safely supply the requested amperage.
The PRIMECOM 32Amp Smart EV charger has passed multi-point rigorous tests. They have been tested to ensure quality and safety measures.it has passed multi-point rigorous tests for TUV Germany Equipment and product certification, CE certifications, UL-listed cable certification, and other 12 built-in safety measures. This product is an outdoor unit. The manufacturer rates it IP67 level outdoor for rain, dust, and sunshine. But this charger has a downside of no power-sharing features. Power-sharing allows two chargers to be connected to a single circuit and this is not a feature it has.
You don’t need Wi-Fi and other expensive features if you have this model. The plug perfectly fits your Ev without any difficulties and it charges fast. It’s also compatible with many EV cars such as the Hyundai KONA ultimate EV, Honda Clarity, Nissan Leaf, etc. In just under 3.5 hours it’s able to charge the Nissan Leaf at 32Amps. This is a massive improvement on the level one charger that fully charges for about 18hours.
Pros
- The cable is 50 feet long to charge at a distance
- It is also equipped with a display screen that shows real-time and relevant information
- They are also installed with intelligent chips that automatically adjusts amperage
- They are also safe and secure
Cons
- You cannot schedule your charging because the timer software has been disabled
3. Accell AxFAST Dual voltage Portable EV charger
Top Pick
Accell AxFAST Dual voltage Portable EV charger
Features
- SAE J1772
- 120V 240V
- NEMA adapter
- Weighs 5.99 pounds
This excellent EV charging unit is a result of extensive consumer market research and artisan workmanship of Accell Corporation. This model is designed with convenient features, premium material quality, and cost-effectiveness. The Accell AxFAST EV charger is portable and it’s designed for simple plug and charge. It’s also designed to work with both standard 90V to 135V grounded NEMA 5-15 outlets for level one charging. And for level two charging it works on a 190V to 250V grounded NEMA 6-20 outlets.
The Accell AxFAST EV charger follows the standard for USA electric vehicles. This model is built of a premium thermoplastic material. This material allows for impact resistance, ultra toughness, and waterproof ability. It is also designed to be compatible with all-electric vehicles that meet SAE J1772 standards. But if you are a Tesla owner, you will need an additional adapter to convert to SAE J1772. This dual electric vehicle charger has you covered whether you require a level 1 or 2 charging.
Level 2(3.84kw at 16A/240V) charging rate is three times faster than level 1 (1.44kw at 12A/120V) when it is plugged into a properly installed 240V outlet. It also has a 24.6-foot cable for easy connection. This cable length is the longest possible complying with safety regulations. It is also rated IP55. This weatherproof feature protects it from water, dirt, dust, and oil. It also has an easy release feature that unlocks the latch once you gently press on the button. The latch is very secured. Its function is to lock the connector in place while the EV battery is charging.
The Accell AxFAST EV charger has comfort grip features. This means that it fits all hand sizes. This model is also made from PC and PBT ultra-tough material. These materials provide tolerance against pressure. The Accell AxFAST EV charger is designed for outdoor use. And if you prefer permanent installation, then you place this unit on a flat wall surface. You must use the screws and the drywall anchors and then attach the mounting bracket securely to the wall.
This EV charger is portable and easy to carry. It comes with a carry case that you can utilize and use the EV charger anywhere where the plugs may be available.
Pros
- It’s a portable device
- This model is also compatible with many EVs
- It is made from ultra-tough materials
- The cable is 24.6 feet long to charge your EV at a distance
4. YKS-ESNES Portable Level 2 EV Charger
YKS-ESNES Portable Level 2 EV Charger
The YKS-ESNES Portable Level 2 EV Charger is a product of Herbie Shensi New Energy and Technology Company. With this EV charger, you can charge your EV on your common household socket. And there is no need to rewire just like an original charger that came with your EV.
The charger cord length of this model is 5 meters for the EV plug to control box.
The YKS-ESNES Portable Level 2 EV Charger has multi current options from 6A to 16A. These current options are adjustable and it’s from this that you can choose the current EV needs. The current option of 16A can supply up to MAX 3.8 KW/H. this means that it is 3 times faster than the original charger of your EV. 6A, 8A 10A current options are less and safer. The battery life of your EV can be extended if the current options are less. And the recommended operating temperature ranges from -30 to 50 degrees Celsius.
The YKS-ESNES Portable Level 2 EV Charger is also compatible with many EV cars. It is equipped with SAE J1772 technology that makes it compatible with all plug-in Electric Vehicles. This unit is compatible with Nissan Leaf, BMW I series, Chevy Volt, Fiat 500e, Ford C-Max Energi, Ford Focus Electric, and many more. It also has excellent protection. This EV charger is equipped with 8 protection modes. These protection modes include grade IP55, leakage protection, lightning protection, overheat protection, over current protection, and grounding protection.
It is also designed to cut off the power when the battery of an EV is fully charged. The YKS-ESNES Portable Level 2 EV Charger can be adjusted to complement the outlet’s capability. And by delivering adjustable and extended amperage options, This EV Charger keeps up with evolving electric vehicle technology.
This is a risk-free purchase. All The YKS-ESNES Portable Level 2 EV Chargers have been meticulously tested and it’s a CE recognized component. The manufacturer also offers a one year NO hassle warranty.
Pros
- This model features advanced hardware features for a high-efficiency charge
- It also adds value to your property
- It’s also user friendly during installation
- This unit has a CE certification
Cons
- There have been reports of not working after several usages
5. Noodoe EV Home Level 2 Universal Charger
Noodoe EV Home Level 2 Universal Charger
The Noodoe Corporation is on a mission of making the world greener by accelerating the world’s transition to electric transportation. On this mission, they design and produce EV charging infrastructure, and the Noodoe EV Home Level 2 Universal Charger is one of the products they produce.
When you have this unit is like having the power of your charging station found at your favorite hotel come to your home. The Noodoe EV Home Level 2 Universal Charger is compatible with all EV cars. This model is equipped with advanced hardware features. It is a very powerful, fast, and inexpensive EV charger to own. This means that it is an addition to your property value.
The Noodoe EV Home Level 2 Universal Charger is a high-efficiency charger with an AC input of 240V. With this input, it’s able to deliver up to 25 miles of range per hour (RPH). At this rate, it is safe, durable, reliable, and six times faster than a standard wall outlet. It is also listed for quality standards and safety by the Underwriters Laboratories. This unit is housed in a NEMA 4 standard.
The Noodoe EV Home Level 2 Universal Charger also has a standard SAE J1772 connector. This feature is ergonomic for user comfort. It is also equipped with an integrated holster that keeps debris and dust out of the plug. The function of an integrated holster is for clean and convenient use. This model has an attached 25-foot cord that wraps over the top of an enclosure for clean storage.
The Noodoe EV Home Level 2 Universal Charger is packed with user-friendly features. These user-friendly features make it easy for an efficient and economical charge of the battery. And with the help of the LED color indication Halo, you can monitor the status of your car’s charge. The LED color indication Halo displays the stage at which your charge stands. It displays from ready to charge, charging, and fully charged.
You are also advised to inquire with your utility about the low voltage connection of the Noodoe EV Home Level 2 Universal Charger. This will help you to enroll your charger in potential savings programs offered by your utility. And to specifically fit your schedule, you can adjust your charging status further. This further adjustment of your charging status can also help reduce your electricity bill budget. This is done by the delay timer feature.
Pros
- This model features advanced hardware features for a high-efficiency charge
- It is also compatible with all EV vehicles
- It’s powerful and able to charge fast.
Cons
- The delayed charging feature is not compatible with all EVs
6. INSIGMA 32Amp Level 2 EV Charger
When you have the INSIGMA Level 2 EV Charger, you don’t have to worry about charging your EV on any outlet. This is because this unit is portable. It is equipped with a huge LED display screen that you can use to check on your EV charging information. The only thing you will need is a 220V NEMA 14-50 outlet to connect. It comes with an intelligent chip for delay function. With this feature, you can conveniently choose your charging time freely and bring a comfortable experience to your journey.
It is also a high-security device. This model adopts high strength ABS material. This material prevents the charger from being crushed by the EV. The INSIGMA Level 2 EV Charger has major safety protection measures. According to the current option of your EV, you can freely choose from 8A/20A/32A. This model is also a high-speed EV charger. It is six times faster than the original charger of your EV.
They are compatible with most EVs on the market, as long as the Electric Vehicles meet the SAE j1772 standard. The compatible EVs include Tesla, Nissan, Toyota Prius Prime, Chevy volt/bolt, Fiat 500e, Honda clarity Hyundai, VW e-Golf, Audi e-Tron, BMW i3, KIA soul, Jaguar i-Pace, and many others. The INSIGMA Level 2 EV Charger is only used for EV charging. It doesn’t include a motorcycle or other equipment.
This unit has a long cable for easy setup. This feature helps cut out the cost of hiring an electrician. So you don’t need to worry about the distance between your garage and the circuit breaker in your house. The INSIGMA Level 2 EV Charger has it all covered. This unit is also sturdy but not bulky. Meaning you can be charging your EV while visiting your family and friends. It is also equipped with an adapter (120V standard wall plug to 240V, 20 Amp). When it’s set at 120V, it will add four miles for every hour plugged. While at 240V, it will add about twelve miles for each hour plugged in.
Pros
- It is also compatible with all EV vehicles
- It’s also user friendly during installation
- This unit has a CE certification
- It is also equipped with a display screen that shows real-time and relevant information
- They are also installed with intelligent chips that automatically adjusts amperage
Cons
- There have been reports that it stops working after a dozen of usage
FAQs
Q. Do you need an Extension Cord when setting up a Home EV Charger?
A. Yes. But some chargers will require you to craft your extension cords of proper size and rating. In most cases, you will find that the plug on the unit is different from a dryer plug. The reason for this is to keep people away from using it incorrectly and causing damage.
Q. Is it easy to set charge rates on Home EV chargers?
A. yes it is. to set the charge rate, you need to open the front cover and then turn the selector with a small screwdriver. But you must take the precaution of disconnecting the power before opening the cover.
Q. Can all Home EV chargers be mounted outdoors when you don’t have a garage?
A. it depends on the model unit you are using. If it is NEMA rated then it can be used for outdoor location. But this can only be done when it’s hardwired. When covered by the manual, hardwiring is pretty straight forward.
Read also: Best AAA Battery Chargers
Recommendations
Before you make any home EV charger purchase, you are advised to look at certain factors like the amperage of the charger. We recommend the PRIMECOM 32Amp Smart EV Wall Charging Station and Siemens US2 Universal Charger (VC30GRYU). These are some of the top HOME EV chargers that can handle at least 30 amps. You are also advised to check if the EV charger you are buying is for outdoor or indoor use. If it’s not for indoor use make sure it is hardwired. We also recommend you get yourself a portable EV charger like most of the ones we have reviewed. Like that you will not have to worry about locating an EV charging outlet. You can conveniently do it yourself.