Imagine this: Your electric car is almost out of juice, and you need to charge it up quickly. But which charger should you pick? Choosing the right Level 2 EV charger can feel like a puzzle. There are so many brands and features, and it’s tough to know what’s best for your car and your home.
Many people get confused by all the technical terms and worry about spending money on something that might not work well. This uncertainty can make the exciting switch to an electric car feel a little stressful. But don’t worry! This blog post is here to make things clear and easy.
By reading on, you’ll learn exactly what a Level 2 EV charger is, why it’s a great choice for most electric car owners, and the key things to look for. We’ll break down the confusing parts so you can confidently pick a charger that fits your needs and budget. Get ready to power up your electric vehicle with ease!
Our Top 5 Level 2 Ev Charger Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Level 2 Ev Charger Detailed Reviews
1. ChargePoint HomeFlex Level 2 EV Charger J1772
Rating: 9.4/10
The ChargePoint HomeFlex Level 2 EV Charger is your ticket to faster, smarter electric car charging right at home. This hardwired charger is designed for all non-Tesla electric vehicles and delivers a powerful charge, getting you back on the road quickly. It’s built to last and comes with the backing of ChargePoint’s extensive network and reliable support.
What We Like:
- Charge up to 9 times faster than a regular outlet, adding 37 miles of range per hour.
- The ChargePoint app lets you control charging, set reminders, and even connect to smart home devices.
- It’s safe and durable, with a UL certification and a cold-resistant cable, perfect for indoor or outdoor use.
- You can count on 24/7 support from ChargePoint.
- Access to a huge network of charging stations across North America and Europe is a big plus for travel.
What Could Be Improved:
- You’ll need to purchase an adapter if you have a Tesla vehicle.
- Installation requires a qualified electrician.
This charger makes owning an electric car more convenient. It’s a solid investment for any EV owner looking for a dependable and efficient home charging solution.
2. EVIQO Level 2 EV Charger – 40 Amp (9.6 kW) 240V – Wall EV Charger Level 2
Rating: 9.4/10
Meet the EVIQO Level 2 EV Charger, your home charging solution for electric vehicles. This Gen 2 charger is designed for speed and smart control. It boasts a 40 Amp output, delivering 9.6 kW of power to charge your EV up to 8 times faster than basic chargers. Imagine adding about 38 miles of range per hour! It connects to a 240V NEMA 14-50 outlet and features a long 25-foot J1772 cable for easy reach. Plus, its enhanced Wi-Fi and smart app let you manage charging from anywhere.
What We Like:
- FAST CHARGING: Get back on the road quickly with 9.6 kW charging speeds.
- SMART CONTROL: The EVIQO app lets you schedule charging, adjust current from 6-40A, and track your energy usage.
- STRONG WI-FI: An improved antenna ensures a stable connection, even in garages or basements.
- UNIVERSAL COMPATIBILITY: Works with all North American EVs and PHEVs using the standard J1772 connector.
- DURABLE AND SAFE: It’s UL, ETL, and Energy Star certified, built with tough housing to withstand the elements, and has steel shielding inside.
- EASY INSTALLATION: It’s designed for plug-and-charge convenience with included mounting hardware and a clear guide.
- GREAT SUPPORT: Comes with a 3-year warranty and US-based customer support.
What Could Be Improved:
- TESLA ADAPTER NOT INCLUDED: Tesla owners will need to purchase a NACS adapter separately.
Overall, the EVIQO Level 2 EV Charger offers a powerful, smart, and reliable way to charge your electric vehicle at home. Its robust build and user-friendly features make it a top choice for any EV owner.
3. AIMILER Level 2 Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger(WIFI APP/Plug-play)
Rating: 8.7/10
The AIMILER Level 2 EV Charger is a smart and fast way to charge your electric car at home. It’s designed for convenience with its plug-and-play setup and Wi-Fi app control. This charger makes powering up your EV much quicker than a standard Level 1 charger, and it comes with safety features to give you peace of mind.
What We Like:
- Fast Charging: It charges up to 6 times faster than Level 1 chargers, getting you back on the road quicker.
- Smart App Control: You can use the Wi-Fi app to schedule charging, track costs, and get notifications when your car is fully charged. This is great for taking advantage of off-peak electricity rates.
- Adjustable Amperage: You can choose between 16A, 24A, or 32A charging speeds. This lets you match the charger to your home’s electrical setup.
- Wide Compatibility: It works with most non-Tesla EVs and PHEVs using the J1772 connector. Tesla owners will need an adapter.
- Safety Certified: The charger is ETL certified and meets several safety standards, meaning it’s built with safety in mind.
- Durable Design: It has a 25-foot heavy-duty cable and a NEMA Type 4 rating, making it tough and water-resistant.
- No Extra GFCI Needed: It has built-in safety protection, so you don’t need to install a separate GFCI breaker.
What Could Be Improved:
- Tesla Adapter Not Included: Tesla owners will need to buy a separate adapter to use this charger.
- Wi-Fi Compatibility: You must connect to a 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network for the app to work, which might be a minor inconvenience for some.
- Adapter Clarification: The product description mentions using a 5-15P adapter, but it’s crucial to use the *correct* EV adapter cable, not a standard RV adapter.
Overall, the AIMILER Level 2 EV Charger offers a convenient and efficient charging experience for most electric vehicle owners. Its smart features and robust design make it a solid investment for home EV charging.
4. EMPORIA Level 2 EV Charger – NEMA 14-50 EVSE w/ J1772 Connector – 48 amp EV Charger Level 2
Rating: 9.2/10
Tired of slow charging for your electric car? The EMPORIA Level 2 EV Charger is here to speed things up! This powerful charger plugs into your NEMA 14-50 outlet or can be hardwired for even faster charging. It works with all electric cars in North America, making it a super convenient choice for most EV owners. Plus, you can control it with your phone using its WiFi connection.
What We Like:
- Charges your EV super fast: Get up to 9 times faster charging than a regular wall outlet. You can add up to 46 miles of range per hour with a hardwired connection.
- Works with all EVs: The standard J1772 connector fits every electric car sold in North America.
- Smart charging features: Use the app to see how much electricity you’re using and schedule charging for times when electricity might be cheaper.
- Safe and reliable: It’s UL listed and ENERGY STAR certified, meaning it meets strict safety rules.
- Flexible installation: You can use the NEMA plug or have it hardwired for the fastest speeds.
What Could Be Improved:
- Professional installation is recommended: For the best and safest performance, especially for hardwiring, you’ll likely need an electrician.
The EMPORIA Level 2 EV Charger offers a fantastic blend of speed, smart features, and safety for any EV owner. It’s a solid upgrade that makes keeping your electric car charged a breeze.
5. Grizzl-E Classic Level 2 Electric Vehicle (EV) Charger up to 40 Amp
Rating: 9.4/10
Get ready to power up your electric vehicle with the Grizzl-E Classic Level 2 EV Charger, Avalanche Edition! This charger is built tough, made to handle any weather, and compatible with all electric cars and plug-in hybrids sold in North America. It’s a simple yet powerful charging station that can be used indoors or outdoors, making it super convenient.
What We Like:
- It’s UL Tested and Certified, so you know it’s safe.
- You can get a federal rebate for it!
- It’s water-resistant (IP67) and fire-resistant, meaning it can handle tough conditions.
- It has lots of safety features like protection against over current, over voltage, and over temperature.
- You can adjust the charging speed from 16A up to a speedy 40A, giving you 10-30 miles of range per hour.
- Installation is easy – just plug it into a NEMA 14-50 outlet.
- It’s portable, so you can easily move it if needed.
- The metal enclosure is strong and protects against water and air.
- You get great power and charging options for your money.
What Could Be Improved:
- The charging cable is 24 feet, which is a good length, but some might prefer longer.
- While it’s portable, it’s still a fairly robust unit.
The Grizzl-E Classic Avalanche Edition offers a fantastic blend of durability, safety, and performance for EV owners. It’s a smart investment for reliable and fast charging, no matter where you are.
Choosing the Right Level 2 EV Charger: Your Guide to Smart Charging
So, you’ve joined the electric vehicle (EV) revolution! That’s fantastic. Now, you need a way to power up your ride at home. While your EV comes with a basic charger, a Level 2 charger is a game-changer. It’s like upgrading from a trickle to a steady stream of power, getting you back on the road much faster. This guide will help you pick the perfect Level 2 charger for your needs.
1. Key Features to Look For
When shopping for a Level 2 charger, keep these important features in mind:
- Charging Speed (Amperage): This is the most crucial factor. Level 2 chargers range from 16 amps to 48 amps or even higher. More amps mean faster charging. Check your EV’s charging capacity to ensure the charger matches it. A higher amperage charger won’t hurt a car that can’t handle it; it will just charge at its maximum rate.
- Connector Type: Most Level 2 chargers use the J1772 connector, which is standard for most EVs in North America. Tesla vehicles have their own connector but usually come with an adapter for J1772.
- Cord Length: Measure the distance from your electrical outlet or panel to where you park your car. A longer cord offers more flexibility.
- Smart Features (Wi-Fi Connectivity): Smart chargers let you control charging times through an app. This is great for taking advantage of lower electricity rates during off-peak hours. You can also monitor charging progress and get notifications.
- Durability and Weatherproofing: If your charger will be installed outdoors, look for a high IP (Ingress Protection) rating. This tells you how well it’s protected against dust and water.
- Safety Certifications: Ensure the charger has certifications like UL or ETL. These confirm it meets safety standards.
2. Important Materials
The materials used in a Level 2 charger affect its durability and safety.
- Casing: Most chargers have a durable plastic casing, often ABS plastic. This material is strong and resistant to impact.
- Cable: The charging cable should be made of high-quality copper and have a tough, weather-resistant rubber or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) jacket. This protects the wires from damage and the elements.
- Connectors: The connectors should be robust and well-sealed to prevent moisture and dust from entering.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a Level 2 charger better or worse.
Factors That Improve Quality:
- Higher Amperage: A higher amperage charger, if compatible with your car, will charge your EV faster.
- Robust Build: Chargers with a sturdy casing and a thick, flexible cable tend to last longer.
- Advanced Safety Features: Look for built-in surge protection, overcurrent protection, and ground fault detection.
- User-Friendly App: A well-designed app for smart chargers makes managing your charging easy.
Factors That Reduce Quality:
- Low Amperage: A charger with too low an amperage will charge your car very slowly.
- Flimsy Construction: Thin cables or cheap plastic can break easily.
- Poor Weatherproofing: Chargers not designed for outdoor use will degrade quickly if exposed to rain or extreme temperatures.
- Lack of Safety Certifications: Uncertified chargers may not meet safety requirements, posing a risk.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
A good Level 2 charger simplifies your EV ownership.
User Experience:
- Plug and Play: Most chargers are straightforward to use. You simply plug the connector into your car.
- Smart Control: With smart chargers, you can schedule charging from your phone, even when you’re not home. This allows you to save money by charging when electricity is cheaper.
- Clear Indicators: Many chargers have LED lights that show the charging status, making it easy to see if it’s working correctly.
Use Cases:
- Daily Commuters: If you drive to work and back every day, a Level 2 charger ensures your car is fully charged by morning.
- Families: Having a Level 2 charger means everyone in the household can reliably charge their EVs overnight.
- Apartment Dwellers: While installation can be trickier, some apartment buildings are installing Level 2 chargers for residents. Portable Level 2 chargers can also be an option if permitted.
- People with Longer Commutes: A faster charging rate reduces the time you spend waiting for your car to power up.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Level 2 EV Chargers
Q: How much faster is a Level 2 charger compared to a Level 1 charger?
A: A Level 2 charger is significantly faster. It can add about 20-30 miles of range per hour of charging, while a Level 1 charger (the one that comes with your car) adds only 2-5 miles per hour. This means your EV can be fully charged overnight with a Level 2 charger.
Q: Do I need an electrician to install a Level 2 charger?
A: Yes, in most cases. Level 2 chargers require a dedicated 240-volt outlet, similar to what an electric dryer uses. An electrician will ensure the installation is safe and meets all electrical codes.
Q: What amperage should I choose for my Level 2 charger?
A: Check your EV’s onboard charger capacity. If your car can accept 32 amps, a 32-amp charger is a good choice. If it can handle 40 or 48 amps, you might consider a higher-amperage charger for maximum speed, but ensure your home’s electrical panel can support it.
Q: Can I use a Level 2 charger outdoors?
A: Many Level 2 chargers are designed for outdoor use. Look for chargers with a good IP rating (like IP55 or higher) for protection against rain and dust.
Q: What is the difference between a smart charger and a basic Level 2 charger?
A: Smart chargers have Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to control charging times, monitor energy usage, and receive notifications through a mobile app. Basic chargers simply provide power when plugged in.
Q: How long does a Level 2 charger last?
A: With proper installation and care, a good quality Level 2 charger can last for many years, often 10 years or more.
Q: Do I need a special outlet for a Level 2 charger?
A: Yes, Level 2 chargers typically need a 240-volt outlet. The specific type of outlet will depend on the charger you purchase, but common ones include NEMA 14-50 or NEMA 6-50.
Q: Can I take my Level 2 charger with me if I move?
A: Portable Level 2 chargers are available and can be moved. However, if you have a hardwired charger installed by an electrician, it’s usually a permanent fixture.
Q: Will a Level 2 charger damage my EV’s battery?
A: No, a Level 2 charger will not damage your EV’s battery. The car’s onboard charger manages the charging process to protect the battery.
Q: Are Level 2 chargers expensive?
A: The cost of Level 2 chargers varies, typically ranging from $300 to $700 or more, depending on features and brand. Installation costs will be additional.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.