Tesla’s car sales have declined this year, but the overall electric vehicle (EV) market is accelerating rapidly.
EV sales in the U.S. surged by 11.3% year-over-year in the second quarter of 2024, reaching an all-time high of 330,463 vehicles.
Home EV chargers provide a convenient, efficient, and cost-effective way to power your electric vehicle. But with many options available, how do you choose the right one?
Together, they conducted rigorous evaluations of EV home chargers. Their analysts and engineers also gain ongoing, hands-on experience with new chargers, performing long-term testing in real-world home settings to provide comprehensive feedback.
Here are their top picks for the best EV home chargers currently available:
Best Overall
1. Emporia EV Charger
Price: $399 at Amazon, $399 at Walmart
Pros:
- Seamless integration with other Emporia electricity-monitoring devices
- High power output
- Affordable price
Cons:
- Cannot input specific vehicle models in the app
The Emporia EV Charger is a Wi-Fi-enabled device that pairs with the Emporia Energy smartphone app.
The app allows users to control the charger and manage other Emporia devices, such as smart outlets and whole-home energy monitoring systems.
With over 1,800 reviews and an average 4.7-star rating on Amazon, this charger is a budget-friendly choice for many EV owners.
The device is both UL- and Energy Star-certified. It offers a charging capacity of up to 40 amps when plugged into an outlet and an even higher output of 48 amps when hardwired up to nine times faster than a standard wall outlet.
Additionally, it features load management, constantly monitoring your home’s energy usage and adjusting the charger’s power draw to prevent exceeding your home’s capacity.
One home tester who used the charger for more than six months shared, “Installation was really easy and so far it’s worked great for myself and houseguests who have visited us and needed to charge.
” She continued, “We liked it so much that we bought a second one for another property we own and also suggested that a family member buy it for their home.”
The app has both advantages and drawbacks. On the plus side, it provides detailed electricity pricing using your home’s utility plan and is user-friendly.
Where to get it: Emporia EV Charger
However, it lacks certain features, such as estimating mileage or battery percentage based on specific vehicle models. It is also noted that the app might feel unnecessarily complex if you’re not using other Emporia devices.
Specifications:
- Cord length: 24 feet
- Maximum power output: 48–6 amps (11.5–1.4 kW)
- Cord management: Wall mount included for indoor or outdoor use
- Warranty: 3 years
When hardwired, the Emporia EV Charger delivers an impressive output of 48 amps.
Best Value
2. Grizzl-E Classic
Price: $350 at Amazon
Pros:
- Affordable
- Durable design
- UL-approved
Cons:
- Lacks advanced app and Wi-Fi features
The Grizzl-E Classic stands out as an excellent value option for several reasons. First, it is one of the most affordable chargers on the market, priced under $400.
Additionally, it is UL-approved, meaning it meets rigorous safety standards. This is significant because many lower-cost chargers lack UL certification.
This charger is built with rugged aluminum housing, making it more durable and less susceptible to wear and tear compared to plastic-based chargers a valuable feature for those planning to use it outdoors or move it frequently. It can also be conveniently wall-mounted.
With a 24-foot cord, the Grizzl-E Classic offers exceptional reach, making it easy to charge vehicles parked in different locations around your garage or driveway. The cord’s slim design also ensures it can be easily coiled and stored when not in use.
The charger’s maximum output is rated at 40 amps, providing fast charging speeds if your home’s electrical system supports it. You can pre-set the amperage to 16, 24, 32, or 40 amps, depending on your needs.
While the Grizzl-E Classic doesn’t include advanced Wi-Fi features, this omission is unlikely to be a significant drawback for most users.
Many EVs already allow you to schedule charging times and set maximum charging levels through their onboard systems, which can help reduce costs and extend battery life.
Where to get it: Grizzl-E Classic
Most users don’t need to meticulously track charging processes, just as we don’t monitor the energy use of appliances like refrigerators or dryers. Simply set it and forget it.
Specifications:
- Cord length: 24 feet
- Maximum power output: 40 amps (9.6 kW)
- Cord management: Wall mount included for indoor or outdoor use
- Warranty: 3 years
Best for Tesla Owners
3. Tesla Wall Connector
Price: $420 at Amazon, $475 at Walmart, $420 at Lowe’s
Pros
- Sleek appearance
- Higher electric flow for quicker recharging
- Relatively affordable
Cons
- Must be hardwired into your electrical system
- Requires an adapter for non-Tesla vehicles
Smaller, sleeker, and lighter than other chargers, Tesla’s wall-mounted charger stands out for its sophisticated design and ease of use.
With an impressive 48-amp output, this UL-certified device is relatively affordable and among the fastest chargers available, according to our research.
The 24-foot-long cord is slim yet durable, making it simple to handle while maintaining the same output as thicker cables.
However, it’s important to note that this charger must be hardwired into your home’s electrical system and cannot plug into a 240-volt outlet.
One of our testers praised the Tesla app, saying, “It’s easy to see how fast my car is charging and how long until the charge is full, and I like that I can set maximum charge limits from the app.”
Additionally, the app allows scheduling for charging during off-peak hours, such as overnight.
Where to get it: Tesla Wall Connector
While a Tesla isn’t required to use this charger, non-Tesla users will need an adapter for compatibility with the J1772 plug used by most other EVs.
- Cord length: 24 feet
- Maximum power output: 48 amps (11.5 kW)
- Cord management: Integrated into the charger body
- Warranty: 2 years
Most Feature-Rich
4. ChargePoint Home Flex EV Charger
Price: $599 at Amazon, $909 $659 at Walmart, $599 at Best Buy
Pros
- Integrates with ChargePoint public charging
- Exceptionally strong power output
- Compact design
Cons
- Limited app and Wi-Fi features
- Expensive
ChargePoint has been a leader in EV chargers since 2007, and its Level 2 Home Flex model lives up to the brand’s reputation.
A winner of GH’s Home Renovation Awards, this UL-certified charger is on the pricier side but offers numerous features that justify the cost.
The standout feature is its integration with ChargePoint’s public charging network. Using the same app, you can manage both home and public charging, creating a seamless experience.
Additionally, the rotating holster simplifies handling, and the integrated cord holster offers a tidy storage solution.
With a maximum power output of 50 amps, it delivers up to 37 miles of range per hour of charging.
Furthermore, many states and utility providers offer rebates for ChargePoint users, making it more cost-effective in the long run. One tester noted, “My electric company gives us a rebate for each kilowatt we use to charge our cars.”
Where to get it: ChargePoint Home Flex EV Charger
While the app provides basic details, it shines in offering utility rate plans and rebate information. However, users looking for detailed charging insights may find it lacking.
- Cord length: 23 feet
- Maximum power output: 50 amps (12 kW)
- Cord management: Integrated into the charger body
- Warranty: 3 years
Best No-Frills
5. Lectron 32 Amp
Price: $306 $238 at ev-lectron.com
Pros
- Affordable
- Includes energy tracking
- Simple LCD screen
Cons
- No Wi-Fi capabilities
- Doesn’t include a wall mount
The Lectron 32 Amp Level 2 charger offers an affordable, no-frills option for EV owners. While it lacks Wi-Fi and a wall mount, these omissions contribute to its budget-friendly price.
The charger features a basic LCD screen displaying voltage, amperage, charge time, energy usage (kW), and temperature.
Though instructions are not included, one tester reported that it was easy to learn: “With only two buttons, it wasn’t too hard to figure out that holding down the ‘+’ was how to set the limit on current.”
Where to get it: Lectron 32 Amp
Its 21-foot cord is slightly shorter than others on this list but should suffice for most garages or driveways. The LED indicators on the cord show your vehicle’s charging progress. However, this device is not UL certified.
- Cord length: 21 feet
- Maximum power output: 32 amps (7.7 kW)
- Cord management: No wall mount or built-in storage
- Warranty: 1 year
Best Aesthetics
6. JuiceBox 40
Price: $519 at Walmart, $499 at Home Depot
Pros
- Stylish design with a built-in cord holster
- Extensive Wi-Fi-enabled app features
- Long charging cord
Cons
- Expensive
- Limited basic tracking information
The JuiceBox 40 stands out for its sleek design and extensive Wi-Fi-enabled features. This UL-certified charger is perfect for those who value aesthetics and smart functionality, even at a higher price point.
The Enel X Way app allows you to monitor and control charging in real-time or in advance. You can receive notifications when your vehicle is fully charged, set charging reminders, and save money by scheduling charges during off-peak hours.
Where to get it: JuiceBox 40
With a 25-foot charging cord the longest on our list it’s ideal for homes with longer driveways. The built-in holster adds to its practicality, keeping the cord neatly stored.
- Cord length: 25 feet
- Maximum power output: 40 amps (9.6 kW)
- Cord management: Integrated into the charger body
- Warranty: 3 years