For electric vehicle (EV) owners, a reliable Home Car Charger is more than just an accessory—it’s a necessity. While most EVs come with a Level 1 charger that can plug into a standard wall outlet, upgrading to a Level 2 home car charger can drastically improve your charging speed and overall EV ownership experience. Imagine adding miles of range overnight, ensuring your EV is always ready for your daily commute or weekend adventures.
After extensive research and hands-on testing, we’ve identified the best home car chargers available on the market today. Whether you’re looking for the fastest charging speeds, the best value, or a portable option, our guide will help you choose the perfect home car charger to meet your needs.
Why Choose a Level 2 Home Car Charger?
Level 1 chargers, often included with new EVs, are convenient for topping off the battery, but they are incredibly slow, adding only a few miles of range per hour. A Level 2 home car charger, on the other hand, utilizes a 240V outlet, similar to what your dryer or oven uses. This higher voltage allows for significantly faster charging, often adding four to five times more miles per hour compared to Level 1.
Investing in a Level 2 home car charger means:
- Faster Charging Times: Reduce overnight charging from days to just hours.
- Increased Convenience: Wake up to a fully charged EV every morning.
- Higher Home Value: A home car charger can be seen as a valuable home improvement, especially as EV adoption grows.
Let’s dive into our top picks for the best home car chargers available now.
Top Home Car Charger Picks for 2024
We’ve rigorously tested numerous home car chargers based on power, ease of use, cord length, weather resistance, and overall value. Here are our top recommendations to help you find the ideal home car charger for your electric vehicle.
Best Overall Home Car Charger
Emporia Level 2 EV Charger (J1772 version) – The Top Home Car Charging Solution for J1772 EVs
The Emporia Level 2 EV Charger (J1772 version) stands out as the best overall home car charger for most EV owners. It’s engineered for speed, ease of use, and durability, making it a top choice for reliable home car charging.
This home car charger is compatible with any electric vehicle utilizing a J1772 port, which is the standard charging port for most EVs in North America, excluding Tesla. Its compact design and generous 24-foot cord provide flexibility in installation and reach, ensuring convenient home car charging regardless of your garage layout. Furthermore, the Emporia charger boasts exceptional weather resistance, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor installations.
Key Features:
- Fast Charging: Supports up to 48 amps, capable of fully charging most EV batteries within 5 to 8 hours.
- Long Cord: 24-foot cord offers ample reach.
- Weatherproof: NEMA 4/IP66 rated for dust and water resistance.
- Installation Flexibility: Offers both hardwired and plug-in (NEMA 14-50) installation options.
- Safety Certified: UL listed for safety and compliance.
- Warranty: Backed by a 3-year warranty.
The Emporia Level 2 EV Charger delivers on its promises, providing fast and dependable home car charging. Its robust build and user-friendly design make it a worthwhile investment for any EV owner looking to enhance their home car charging experience.
Best Home Car Charger for Tesla and NACS EVs
Emporia Level 2 EV Charger (NACS version) – Optimal Home Car Charging for Tesla and NACS Compatible EVs
For Tesla owners or those with EVs using the North American Charging Standard (NACS) connector, the Emporia Level 2 EV Charger (NACS version) is the best home car charger solution. Mirroring the features of its J1772 counterpart, this home car charger provides the same high-performance charging and reliability, specifically tailored for NACS compatible vehicles.
This home car charger ensures fast and efficient home car charging for Tesla vehicles and other EVs adopting the NACS standard. It shares the same durable construction, lengthy 24-foot cord, and weather-resistant design as the J1772 version, guaranteeing consistent performance and convenience for home car charging.
Key Features:
- Fast Charging for NACS: Supports up to 48 amps for rapid charging of NACS EVs.
- Tesla Compatibility: Directly compatible with Tesla vehicles and other NACS EVs.
- Durable and Weatherproof: NEMA 4/IP66 rated for protection against the elements.
- Flexible Installation: Supports both hardwired and plug-in (NEMA 14-50) setups.
- Safety Assured: UL listed for safety and regulatory compliance.
- Warranty Coverage: Comes with a 3-year warranty.
The Emporia Level 2 EV Charger (NACS version) is the ideal home car charger for Tesla and NACS EV owners who demand fast, dependable, and weather-resistant home car charging.
Best Budget-Friendly Home Car Charger
United Chargers Grizzl-E Classic 40A – A High-Quality, Affordable Home Car Charger
If you’re seeking a balance between performance and affordability in a home car charger, the United Chargers Grizzl-E Classic 40A is an excellent choice. This home car charger delivers robust charging capabilities without breaking the bank, making it the best budget-friendly option for home car charging.
The Grizzl-E Classic is a powerful home car charger that supports up to 40 amps of charging, providing a significant speed boost over Level 1 charging. It features a generous 25-foot cord and is fully weatherproofed, ensuring reliable home car charging in various conditions. While it might charge slightly slower than our top pick, the Grizzl-E Classic offers exceptional value for its price.
Key Features:
- Efficient Charging: Supports up to 40 amps, charging most EVs in 6 to 9 hours.
- Longer Cord: 25-foot cord for extended reach.
- Highly Weatherproof: IP67 rated, offering complete protection against dust and water immersion.
- Versatile Installation: Supports hardwired and plug-in (NEMA 14-50 and NEMA 6-50) configurations.
- Safety Certified: UL listed for safety and compliance.
- Warranty Options: 3-year standard warranty, with an optional 5-year upgrade.
The United Chargers Grizzl-E Classic 40A is a fantastic home car charger for EV owners who want a reliable and durable Level 2 charger without the premium price tag.
Best Home Car Charger for Charging Two EVs
United Chargers Grizzl-E Duo – The Premier Home Car Charger for Dual EV Households
For households with multiple electric vehicles, the United Chargers Grizzl-E Duo is the ideal home car charger. This unique home car charger is designed to charge two EVs simultaneously, making it the best solution for multi-EV home car charging.
The Grizzl-E Duo features two 24-foot cords and can charge two EVs at the same time, splitting 40 amps of power between them. While charging two vehicles simultaneously will result in slightly slower charging speeds compared to single-vehicle charging, the convenience of charging two EVs with one home car charger is unparalleled.
Key Features:
- Dual Charging Capability: Charges two EVs simultaneously.
- Sufficient Power: Up to 40 amps total (20 amps per vehicle when dual charging).
- Dual Long Cords: Two 24-foot cords for flexible parking.
- Robust Weatherproofing: IP67 rated for dust and water protection.
- Plug-in Installation: NEMA 14-50 or NEMA 6-50 plug options for easy setup.
- Safety and Warranty: UL listed with a 3-year warranty.
The United Chargers Grizzl-E Duo is the ultimate home car charger for families with more than one EV, providing a convenient and efficient way to keep all your electric vehicles charged and ready to go.
Best Portable Home Car Chargers
Lectron Portable Level 2 Charger (J1772 version) – The Top Portable Home Car Charger for J1772 EVs
For EV owners needing a versatile home car charger that can also travel, the Lectron Portable Level 2 Charger (J1772 version) is the best portable option. This compact and lightweight home car charger offers Level 2 charging speeds in a package small enough to keep in your vehicle.
This portable home car charger is compatible with J1772 EVs and plugs into a NEMA 14-50 outlet. It supports up to 40 amps of charging, offering significantly faster charging than standard Level 1 portable chargers. While its 16-foot cord is shorter than some stationary home car chargers, it’s a reasonable length for a portable model.
Key Features:
- Portable Convenience: Compact and easy to transport.
- Fast Portable Charging: Up to 40 amps of Level 2 charging power.
- Standard Outlet Plug: NEMA 14-50 plug for common 240V outlets.
- Sufficient Cord Length: 16-foot cord for portable use.
- Weather Resistant: IP65 rated for dust and moderate water spray protection.
- Warranty: 2-year warranty.
Lectron Portable Level 2 Charger (NACS version) – The Best Portable Home Car Charger for NACS EVs and Tesla
Similarly, the Lectron Portable Level 2 Charger (NACS version) is the best portable home car charger for Tesla and NACS EVs. It mirrors the portability and charging speed of the J1772 version but is designed specifically for NACS compatible vehicles.
This portable home car charger allows Tesla and NACS EV owners to enjoy Level 2 charging on the go. Its compact design and NEMA 14-50 plug make it easy to use at various locations with compatible outlets. Like the J1772 version, it provides up to 40 amps of charging power in a portable form factor.
Key Features:
- Portable NACS Charging: Designed for portable charging of Tesla and NACS EVs.
- Fast Level 2 Speeds: Up to 40 amps for quicker charging on the go.
- NEMA 14-50 Compatibility: Plugs into standard 240V outlets.
- Compact Design: Easy to store and transport in your EV.
- Weather Resistance: IP65 rated for dust and light water spray protection.
- Warranty Coverage: 2-year warranty.
The Lectron Portable Level 2 Chargers (both J1772 and NACS versions) are excellent choices for EV owners who need a home car charger that can be easily transported and used in multiple locations, providing Level 2 charging convenience wherever you go.
Choosing the Right Home Car Charger for You
Selecting the best home car charger depends on your specific needs and priorities. Consider these factors when making your decision:
- Connector Type: Ensure the charger is compatible with your EV’s charging port (J1772 or NACS).
- Charging Speed: Higher amperage chargers offer faster charging times.
- Installation Type: Decide between plug-in (easier setup) or hardwired (potentially faster charging and permanent installation).
- Cord Length: Consider your garage layout and the distance to your EV’s charging port.
- Budget: Home car chargers range in price, so determine your budget beforehand.
- Portability: If you need a charger for travel, a portable model is essential.
For most EV owners seeking a reliable and high-performing home car charger, the Emporia Level 2 EV Charger (J1772 or NACS) is our top recommendation. For budget-conscious buyers, the United Chargers Grizzl-E Classic 40A offers excellent value. For households with multiple EVs, the Grizzl-E Duo is the perfect solution. And for those needing charging on the go, the Lectron Portable Level 2 Chargers are ideal.
Upgrade your home car charging experience today and enjoy the convenience of fast and reliable Level 2 charging! Explore these top home car chargers and find the perfect charging solution for your electric vehicle.
