How do I choose a home EV charger? | FLO

A complete guide to finding the best home EV charger for your electric car

Choosing the right home EV charger can be daunting, with numerous options available. Whether you are eagerly awaiting the arrival of your new electric vehicle (EV) or deliberating the perfect model, home charging will soon become a significant aspect of your daily routine as an EV owner. Here's everything you need to know about selecting the best home EV charger!

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A few home charging basics

Before diving into your EV charger research, familiarize yourself with a few essential terms:

• Kilowatt (kW): Measures the rate of energy flow from the charger to your vehicle, similar to how gallons per minute measure the flow of water from a hose. Home chargers typically range from 7 kW to 19 kW, influencing charging time.
• Kilowatt hour (kWh): Represents the amount of electricity your battery can store, comparable to the gas in a tank.

To calculate how fast your vehicle charges, divide kWh by kW. For example, a 90-kWh battery with a 9 kW charger will take approximately 10 hours to go from 0% to 100%. Most manufacturers recommend maintaining a charge between 20% and 80% to optimize battery health.

Additional key terms for home charging:

• Amperage: Influenced by your home's wiring and electrical panel capacity. Modern chargers typically range from 30 A to 80 A. Higher amperage provides more kW, but your home’s electrical panel limits which charger you can use without upgrading your panel.
• Voltage: North American home EV chargers usually require a 208 – 240 volt circuit. Most prefer hardwiring, but plug-in options are available if you have a suitable outlet.

Determine how much power your EV needs to charge at home

The charging speed you need depends on your driving habits and EV model. Understanding Level 1 and Level 2 chargers is essential:

Level 1 chargers use standard wall outlets with low power output (around 1.2 kW), often taking over 24 hours for a complete charge. These chargers are typically too slow for overnight charging requirements.

Level 2 chargers offer increased efficiency, some models providing up to 19 kW. However, most EVs do not require more than 11 kW for overnight charging. Always check your EV's specifications and consult an electrician about your home’s electrical capacity before deciding.

Why faster isn’t always better

• Electrical upgrades: Increasing your home's electrical capacity to support higher charging speeds can be costly. Always consult with an electrician to understand your existing capacity and upgrade costs.
• Charging habits: If you mainly charge overnight, a 30 A charger (7.2 kW) can easily charge your battery from 20% to 80% in 6-8 hours, which is sufficient for most daily needs.

Hardwired vs. NEMA: what's the difference?

Your installation options include hardwired and plug-in options:

• Hardwired: These chargers are permanently connected to your electrical panel by a certified electrician. They offer durability and weather resistance, making them ideal for outdoor installations.
• Plug-in: These require a 240-volt outlet similar to appliances like dryers. If you already have such an outlet near your charging location, this option provides flexibility and portability.

If you can install a permanent charger, hardwiring is generally preferable as it offers better protection and potentially increases property value.

“Location, location, location” matters in home charging too!

Your parking setup influences charger choice. Consider the following factors:

Attached or detached garage

Think about cable length and management. Ensure your charger’s cable is long enough for convenient use, and consider securing it to avoid trips or tangles.

Shared garage

Security is crucial in shared spaces. Opt for a smart charger that allows you to control access and monitor usage.

Driveway or dedicated outdoor parking near your house

When installing outdoor chargers, consider these factors:

• Weather: Select a charger with a high NEMA rating (4X is ideal) to withstand various weather conditions.
• Safety: Hardwired installations are generally safer for outdoor use, providing a watertight seal.
• Installation: If mounting on your home is impractical, consider pedestal installations. Ensure compatibility with your chosen charger.
• Aesthetic: A visually appealing charger can enhance your property's curb appeal. Ensure the design fits your home if it's visible from the road.
• Cable management: Opt for easy-to-manage cables to avoid damage and tripping hazards.

Do you need a smart EV charger?

Smart chargers offer features like scheduled charging and energy usage tracking. Some utility companies may require them for accessing lower rates during off-peak hours. If you plan to charge multiple vehicles in the future, a smart charger with power sharing technology can optimize the charging process without needing an electrical panel upgrade.

Look for certifications as proof of quality

Certifications such as UL ensure rigorous testing for safety. EV chargers with certifications typically include features like ground fault circuit interrupters and surge protection. Check the charger’s spec sheet or trusted certification websites for verified quality.

Go the distance

Choose a charger that offers long-term reliability. Warranties typically range from one to five years. Investing in a quality charger might cost more upfront, but it will save you money over time by reducing the need for frequent replacements.

End of the road

With this guide, you’re equipped to find the perfect home EV charger. While many EV owners favor the FLO HomeTM X5, the key is to select a charger that meets your specific needs, ensuring reliability, efficiency, and suitability for your electric vehicle.

Best Home EV Chargers for 2024

Choosing an electric vehicle (or even plug-in hybrid EV) can be a great way to reduce your carbon footprint and save money on gas, and one of the best ways to maximize the benefits of owning an EV is to install a Level 2 home EV charging station. Charging at home is usually significantly less expensive than at public stations and almost always more convenient for daily driving.

With numerous home charging stations on the market from various manufacturers offering a wide range of features and charging speeds, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. Plus, you'll have to make sure your home electrical system is ready to support EV charging. Over the last 15 years, I've evaluated and driven just about every mass-market electric vehicle ever sold in the US and even I have learned a lot over the last year while getting an EVcharger setup at my home. That's why I've put together this guide to help you choose the best home EV charger for your needs.

I'll discuss the different types of chargers, the features you should look for, and the best chargers on the market. I'll also answer some common questions about preparing your home for EV charging. Whether you're a first-time EV or plug-in hybrid EV (PHEV) owner or you're just looking to upgrade your current charger, read on for all the information you need to choose the best home charging hardware for your home.

What is the best home EV charger for most drivers?

It shouldn't really be a surprise to find Tesla topping our list of best home EV chargers with its Universal Wall Connector. (After all, the automaker already tops our lists of best electric cars and SUVs with one of the best selling cars, electric or otherwise, of 2023.) The Universal flavor of the Wall Connector is a bit more expensive than the automaker's standard Wall Connector because it integrates both Tesla's NACS charging cable and J1772 adapter for non-Tesla cars into its compact chassis.

The Universal Wall Connector's design keeps the J1772 adapter locked onto either the cable's tip or into the charger's housing, so you won't accidentally lose or have to keep track of it. Users can easily swap between the two standards in second, which makes it ideal for households with multiple EVs, guests who show up with plug-in hybrids or owners looking to future proof for the rest of the EV industry's eventual switch to the NACS standard in the US and Canada over the next few years.

With a 240-volt, 48-amp connection to your home's electrical system, this Level 2 charger is able to send up to 11.5-kilowatts of energy to a connected electric car. That's equivalent to around 44 miles of range per hour plugged in for a Tesla Model 3 or Model Y. Additionally, the Wi-Fi-connected charging station allows users to remotely monitor and schedule charging, control access (useful for outdoor installations) and supports Powershare bidirectional power for Tesla's Cybertruck.

Best home EV chargers of 2024

Tesla

Tesla Universal Wall Connector

Best home EV charger overall

Like

• Integrated NACS to J1772 adapter; remote monitoring and access control; 4 year warranty

Don't like

• One of most expensive EVSE on this list

The Tesla Universal Wall Connector is a high-quality EV charger that is a solid pick for owners of Tesla and non-Tesla EVs thanks to its NACS connector and integrated J1772 adapter. Its Wi-Fi connection enables scheduled charging, remote monitoring, security settings and access control. It's also backed by a four-year warranty.

• Connector: NACS and SAE J1772 (integrated adapter)
• Cable length: 24 ft.
• Output: up to 11.5 kW @ 48A, 240V
• Warranty: 4 years

$620 at Amazon $620 at Best Buy

ChargePoint

ChargePoint Home Flex

Best EV charger overall runner-up

Like

• Extremely compact design; replaceable connector/cable; up to 50A (on a 60A circuit)

Don't like

• Pricey

Chargepoint -- one of the oldest and largest EV charging networks in the nation -- brings its experience with EVSE hardware to your driveway with its compact Home Flex EV Charger. Users will have to choose between NACS and J1772 plugs at purchase, but the removable cable means that the Flex can be swapped between the standards with a simple replacement part, if you ever change EVs. The Wi-Fi-connected home station can be monitored and controlled, which is also helpful for finding and accessing public charging networks away from home.

• Connector: SAE J1772 or NACS
• Cable length: 23 ft.
• Output: up to 12 kW @ 50A, 240V
• Warranty: 3 years

$599 at Amazon

United Chargers

United Chargers Grizzl-E Classic

Best EV charger value, especially if it's going outdoors

Like

• Rugged construction; low cost; simple design avoids software issues

Don't like

• Plug-in only design

Canadian EVSE manufacturer United Chargers offers a Wi-Fi-enabled Grizzl-E Smart EV charger, but for the money the no-frills Grizzl-E Classic is the better bang for the buck. (The simpler unit also avoids many of the software issues users have experienced with the Smart during its first few years of availability.) Plus, it's built like a tank with its dustproof, fire-resistant aluminum case that's built to IP67 standards, which protect against full water immersion to one meter for 30 minutes.

The Classic is available with an SAE J1772 connector and three colorways for its rugged chassis. The unit is installed with a simple NEMA 14-50 or 6-50 plug and can be adjusted to accept 16-, 24-, 32- or 40-amp power at 240 volts, sending up 10 kW max through its nice and long 25-foot cable. Plus, it comes with a three-year warranty for its $350 MSRP -- not too shabby.

• Connector: SAE J1772
• Cable length: 24 ft.
• Output: up to 10 kW @ 40A, 240V
• Warranty: 3 years

$350 at Amazon

United Chargers

United Chargers Grizzl-E Duo

Best EV charger for charging two cars

Like

• Everything that's great about the Grizzl-E Classic; plus charges two EVs on shared power

Don't like

• Plug-in only design

You're not seeing double. Simply put, the Grizzl-E Duo builds on our Best Value Grizzl-E Classic with a second 24-foot cable and connector to charge two cars simultaneously. The Duo adds an intelligent power-sharing circuit to balance available current, up to 40 amps total, between the two charging cars according to their individual needs. That helps maximizes charge speed for each vehicle without risk of blowing a circuit or the inconvenience of cable swapping.

• Connector: SAE J1772
• Cable length: 24 ft. x 2
• Output: up to 10 kW @ 40A, 240V
• Warranty: 3 years

$799 at Amazon

Autel Energy

Autel MaxiCharger AC Elite Home 50A

Best EV charger with security features

Like

• Up to 50A charging; available smartphone and RFID security; multiple installation options

Don't like

• No native option for NACS connector

The MaxiCharger is a solidly built and flexible home EVSE. Users can choose between hardwired or outlet-connected installation. The box comes with either built-in or external plug holsters configurations. The charger's output can also be controlled, monitored or adjusted over Wi-Fi, allowing it to easily accommodate homes that may not be able