Sure, it’s possible to use free and paid public charging stations when you’re out and about or on a road trip, but the experience of owning an electric vehicle (EV) improves dramatically when you can recharge on your own schedule. A personal EV charger also lets you take advantage of the best electric rates, especially if your utility charges lower rates in off-peak hours or if your house is powered by solar.
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Most EVs include a cable that allows you to plug into a standard household outlet for what’s known as Level 1 charging, which in the US means a 120V circuit capable of adding about 3-5 miles of range for every hour of charge. And while that’s great for a trickle charge, it isn’t the most practical long-term solution.
A Level 2 charger, which requires a 240V circuit, is a much more powerful choice. Depending on your car’s capabilities and the Level 2 charger’s output current, you can add 30-60 miles of range for every hour of charging. A Level 2 charger doesn’t have to be expensive, and the most challenging part of installation typically involves paying an electrician to wire a 240V circuit for it.
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Our top pick for a Level 2 home EV charger is the ChargePoint Home Flex EV Charger, thanks to its strong brand reputation and easy-to-use app. You can check out the rest of the chargers we selected to find the best one for you — all are designed for the US market and are suitable for installation in a home that has a 240V circuit available. Each one includes a J1772 connector compatible with all current EVs, including Tesla models when paired with an adapter.
The best home EV chargers of 2023
- Comes from a renowned brand
- Easy-to-use accompanying app
- Compatible with most EVs
- Wi-Fi is required for charging
ChargePoint Home Flex EV charger features: Amperage: 50 amps | Warranty: three years | Cable length: 23 feet | Durability: Weatherproof
If the ChargePoint name sounds familiar, that’s not surprising. ChargePoint manages a nationwide network of publicly available charging stations (free and paid) that are readily accessible through the company’s app. It plans to spend a billion dollars over the next decade adding charging stations across the US, so it is no surprise that the company has leveraged that name recognition into a home-charging product.
The HomeFlex…