For electric vehicle owners, home charging is not just a convenience, it’s a cornerstone of EV ownership. While most EVs come equipped with a Level 1 charger, plugging into a standard wall outlet offers a slow trickle of charge. To truly maximize the benefits of electric driving, investing in a Level 2 charger for your home is a game-changer. Level 2 chargers deliver significantly faster charging speeds, adding miles of range much quicker than Level 1 options.
After rigorous testing and in-depth research, we’ve identified the best Level 2 EV home charging solutions available. For most EV owners with J1772 ports, the Emporia Level 2 EV Charger (J1772 version) stands out as the top pick. Tesla owners and those with EVs utilizing the NACS connector will find the Emporia Level 2 EV Charger (NACS version) to be the optimal choice.
Both Emporia chargers provide a powerful and user-friendly charging experience, boasting long cords and a space-saving design ideal for any garage.
Our Top Recommendations for Best EV Home Charging
Top Pick
Emporia Level 2 EV Charger (J1772 version)
The Best Home Charger for J1772 EVs
The Emporia Level 2 EV Charger (J1772) is our top recommendation for its fast charging capabilities and broad compatibility. Designed for any electric vehicle using a J1772 connector, this charger combines power with convenience. Its compact form factor and generous 24-foot cord provide flexibility in installation and use. Furthermore, its robust weatherization ensures reliable performance in various conditions, making it a durable choice for long-term EV home charging.
Buying Options
$399 from Amazon
Buy from Best Buy
Emporia Level 2 EV Charger (NACS version)
Top Home Charging Station for NACS EVs
Specifically designed for Tesla vehicles and other EVs adopting the North American Charging Standard (NACS), the Emporia Level 2 EV Charger (NACS) mirrors the exceptional qualities of its J1772 counterpart. This best-in-class home EV charger delivers rapid Level 2 charging, ensuring your NACS-compatible EV is quickly ready for the road. Its compact design and 24-foot cable offer ease of use and installation flexibility, while its weather-resistant construction provides peace of mind and long-lasting durability for your home charging setup.
Buying Options
$399 from Amazon
$399 from Best Buy
The Emporia Level 2 EV chargers, available in both J1772 and NACS versions, are engineered for high-speed home charging. Supporting up to 48 amps, these chargers can fully replenish most EV batteries in approximately five to eight hours, a performance benchmark validated through extensive testing. Equipped with a 24-foot cord, approaching the maximum length permitted by safety regulations, and offering both hardwired and plug-in installation options (the latter capping charging speeds at 40 amps), the Emporia chargers provide versatile and rapid EV home charging.
Safety and durability are paramount, and the Emporia chargers are UL listed for safety and compliance, and boast a NEMA 4 rating (equivalent to IP66). This rating signifies complete protection against dust ingress and resilience against powerful water jets, ensuring reliable operation in diverse environmental conditions. Backed by a three-year warranty, and typically priced around $400, the Emporia Level 2 EV Charger represents a significant investment in efficient and dependable home EV charging.
Key Features of Emporia Level 2 EV Chargers:
- Maximum Current Rating: 48 amps
- Weatherization Rating: IP66 (fully dustproof and highly waterproof)
- Installation Options: Hardwire, NEMA 14-50 plug
- Warranty: 3 years
Budget Pick
United Chargers Grizzl-E Classic 40A
A Cost-Effective Home EV Charger
For budget-conscious EV owners seeking a reliable Level 2 home charging solution, the United Chargers Grizzl-E Classic 40A provides excellent value. While slightly slower than our top pick, it offers comparable features at a more accessible price point. Compatible with J1772 connectors, and easily adaptable to NACS with an optional holster, the Grizzl-E Classic is a versatile and affordable option for efficient EV home charging.
Buying Options
$399 from Amazon
The United Chargers Grizzl-E Classic 40A is an excellent choice for those seeking a balance of performance and affordability in a Level 2 home EV charger. It supports up to 40 amps of charging, which will charge most EV batteries within six to nine hours. It features a generous 25-foot cord and is available in both hardwired and plug-in configurations, offering flexibility in installation.
Like the Emporia, the Grizzl-E Classic is UL listed for safety, and boasts an IP67 weatherization rating. This superior rating indicates complete protection against dust and the ability to withstand submersion in shallow water, making it exceptionally durable. Typically priced around $350, and backed by a three-year warranty (with an extended five-year warranty option available), the Grizzl-E Classic 40A is a strong contender for best budget EV home charging.
Key Features of United Chargers Grizzl-E Classic 40A:
- Maximum Current Rating: 40 amps
- Weatherization Rating: IP67 (fully dustproof and waterproof)
- Installation Options: Hardwire, NEMA 14-50 plug, NEMA 6-50 plug
- Warranty: 3 years (5 years optional)
Best for Charging Two EVs
United Chargers Grizzl-E Duo
Ideal Home Charger for Multiple EV Households
For households with two electric vehicles, the United Chargers Grizzl-E Duo is a standout solution. This unique Level 2 home EV charger is designed to simultaneously charge two EVs, maximizing convenience and efficiency for multi-EV owners. While charging speed is slightly reduced when charging two vehicles concurrently, the Grizzl-E Duo eliminates the need for two separate chargers, making it the Best Ev Home Charging option for dual-EV families.
Buying Options
$900 from Amazon
The United Chargers Grizzl-E Duo is among the few Level 2 chargers capable of charging two EVs at the same time. Equipped with dual J1772 connectors and compatible with NACS adapters via optional holsters, it offers versatility for charging various EV models.
When charging a single vehicle, the Grizzl-E Duo delivers up to 40 amps, similar to the Classic model. However, when charging two EVs simultaneously, it intelligently distributes the 40 amps between both vehicles (up to 20 amps each), effectively doubling the charging time per vehicle. It features two 24-foot cords and plug-in installation options for NEMA 14-50 or NEMA 6-50 outlets. While it cannot be hardwired, this limitation doesn’t impact charging speed in dual-charging mode.
Like other Grizzl-E models, the Duo boasts an IP67 weatherization rating and UL listing, ensuring robust performance and safety. Priced around $800 and backed by a three-year warranty, the Grizzl-E Duo is a specialized yet valuable investment for households requiring dual EV home charging capabilities.
Key Features of United Chargers Grizzl-E Duo:
- Maximum Current Rating: 40 amps (20 amps per port when dual charging)
- Weatherization Rating: IP67 (fully dustproof and waterproof)
- Installation Options: NEMA 14-50 plug, NEMA 6-50 plug
- Warranty: 3 years
Best Portable EV Charger
Lectron Portable Level 2 Charger (J1772 version)
The Top Portable J1772 EV Charger for On-the-Go Charging
For EV owners needing a versatile charging solution that can travel with them, the Lectron Portable Level 2 Charger (J1772) is the best portable EV home charging option. Its compact size allows for easy storage in a trunk, while still providing much faster charging than a standard Level 1 charger. This portable charger is ideal for road trips, visiting locations without dedicated charging infrastructure, or simply as a convenient secondary home charging option.
Buying Options
$217 from Amazon
$300 from Best Buy
$280 from The Home Depot
Lectron Portable Level 2 Charger (NACS version)
The Best Portable NACS EV Charger for Travel
Tesla and NACS EV owners seeking a portable charging solution will find the Lectron Portable Level 2 Charger (NACS) to be the best NACS portable EV charger on the market. Mirroring the portability and convenience of the J1772 version, this charger allows NACS EV owners to enjoy Level 2 charging speeds wherever they go. Its compact design and robust features make it an essential accessory for any NACS-compatible electric vehicle owner who values flexibility and fast charging on the move.
Buying Options
$270 from Amazon
$290 from Best Buy
$312 from The Home Depot
The Lectron Portable Level 2 Chargers, available for both J1772 and NACS connectors, provide a significant power boost compared to standard Level 1 chargers while maintaining a compact and travel-friendly form factor. Supporting up to 40 amps, these portable chargers can charge most EV batteries in six to nine hours, comparable to the Grizzl-E Classic and Duo models.
These Lectron portable chargers feature a 16-foot cord, shorter than the cords on our other top picks, but still practical for portable use. They are designed for plug-in installation with a NEMA 14-50 outlet and are not intended for hardwiring, which is consistent with their portable nature.
While rated IP65 for weatherization, indicating complete dust protection and resistance to light water spray, they are less weather-sealed than the Grizzl-E models. They also come with a two-year warranty, slightly shorter than others tested. However, the Lectron Portable Level 2 Chargers are typically the most affordable among our recommendations, making them an attractive option for portable Level 2 EV home charging.
Key Features of Lectron Portable Level 2 Chargers:
- Maximum Current Rating: 40 amps
- Weatherization Rating: IP65 (fully dustproof and moderately waterproof)
- Installation Options: NEMA 14-50 plug
- Warranty: 2 years
Choosing the Best EV Home Charger: Key Considerations
Selecting the best EV home charging solution depends on individual needs and circumstances. Consider these factors when making your decision:
- Charging Speed: Level 2 chargers offer significantly faster charging compared to Level 1. Look for chargers with higher amperage for quicker replenishment.
- Connector Type: Ensure the charger is compatible with your EV’s connector type (J1772 or NACS). Adapters are available but add complexity.
- Installation: Decide between plug-in or hardwired installation based on your electrical setup and desired charging speed. Hardwiring often supports higher amperage.
- Weatherproofing: If the charger will be installed outdoors, prioritize models with higher IP ratings for durability and weather resistance.
- Portability: For those needing charging on the go, portable Level 2 chargers offer a convenient solution.
- Budget: Prices vary significantly. Determine your budget and balance features with cost-effectiveness.
Conclusion: Enhance Your EV Lifestyle with the Right Home Charger
Investing in a Level 2 home charger is a smart move for any EV owner. It drastically improves charging speed and convenience, making EV ownership more seamless and enjoyable. Whether you prioritize top performance with the Emporia, value with the Grizzl-E Classic, dual-EV charging with the Grizzl-E Duo, or portability with the Lectron, there’s a best EV home charging solution to meet your needs. Upgrade your home charging setup today and experience the full potential of your electric vehicle.
