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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.
Also: The best affordable electric cars
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.
Also: The top Tesla models compared
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 based on expert recommendations and our own experience. All of the chargers are designed for the U.S. market and are suitable for installation in a home that has a 240V circuit available. Each one of our picks also has a J1772 connector compatible with all current EVs, including Tesla models when paired with an adapter.
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 charger is available in two configurations for use with NEMA 6-50 or NEMA 14-50 plugs and can be set to use a charging amperage from 16 amps to 50 amps, depending on your home circuit's capabilities. The 23-foot cable should be long enough for most home installations.
The ChargePoint app lets you track all your charging sessions at home and on the road. For home use, you can set schedules to charge when rates are cheapest. The app is also compatible with Alexa voice control.
Experts agree that this home EV charger is the best option for most people. John Lin, an automotive expert and the owner of JB Motor Works, told ZDNET that the Chargepoint Home Flex charger is a great option for anyone looking to charger their electric vehicle.
"The ChargePoint Home Flex offers a high level of flexibility, allowing users to adjust the amperage based on their home's electric capability," he said.
JuiceBox 40 features: Amperage: 40 amps | Warranty: Three-year limited warranty | Cable length: 25 feet | Durability: Weatherproof casing
The JuiceBox line of home chargers, designed and built by the global energy company Enel X Way, comes in three sizes. The mid-range JuiceBox 40 is the most versatile and popular and can plug into any standard 240V circuit or be hardwired. All three models can safely charge multiple vehicles simultaneously on a single circuit.
The hardware package is handsome and built to handle indoor or outdoor installations in challenging climates. It also rates high on usability, with a 25-foot cable that works well even in locations where an existing 240V circuit is inconveniently located. A built-in rack tidies up cable storage, and a locking mount secures the installation. Furthermore, you can install JuiceBox with a 240V plug (NEMA 14-50) or hardwired input whip. You can refer to the company's guide on self-installation at home. However, a professional electrician may be required for the installation if you do not already have a 240V (NEMA 14-50) outlet.
Plus, you can use the JuiceBox 40 with the Enel X Way app and control the charger with voice commands on Amazon Alexa or Google Home. JuiceBox offers smart charging based on the lowest rates for your utility.
Grizzl-E Classic features: Amperage: 40 amps | Warranty: three years | Cable length: 24 feet | Durability: IP67 water resistant
There's a big maple leaf and a "Made in Canada" label on the front of this utilitarian black box (a white alternative is available if your design sense demands). That branding, along with the bright blue streaks that look like a bear's claw marks, says a lot about the company behind this no-frills charger.
You'll need a 40 amp circuit to take advantage of its full power, although you can also configure it for lower charge rates. There's no Wi-Fi connection, and you'll pay extra for an outdoor safety lock. It does, however, offer the option of a dedicated Tesla plug instead of the standard J1772. And if you're a two-EV household, consider the Grizzl-E Duo, which has two 24-foot cables for simultaneous charging.
Electrical engineer and managing director for Wizer Energy, Martin Desmond, praised the Grizzl-E charger for its many benefits.
"One of its biggest benefits is that it can connect to any Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) compliant EV charging station software," he told ZDNET. "You are not stuck using the app that the manufacturer of your charger has--instead, you are free to try out different apps, compare features, and find what works best for you."
Desmond also mentioned how its designed to stand up to harsh weather, plus the fact that its extra-long lead allows you the opportunity to install the chargers wherever is most convenient to you.
Blink HQ 150 features: Amperage: 32 amps | Warranty: one year | Cable length: 25 feet | Durability: Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
At 32 amps, this charger should hit the "good enough" standard for most EV owners, with a lower price tag sealing the deal. That lower output might be a dealbreaker if you're counting on getting a quick charge in an hour or two, but the difference compared to a 40 or 50-amp charger isn't noticeable if you routinely charge overnight.
The no-nonsense hardware package is designed to be plugged into a standard 240V outlet, and the 25-foot cable should reach comfortably from the garage to the driveway. Blink also has a public charging network that includes a few perks for owners of home chargers. The Blink app is primarily geared toward that network but still offers most options for flexible home charging.
Electrify HomeStation features: Amperage: 40 amps | Warranty: three years | Cable length: 24-foot cable | Durability: Weatherproof enclosure
The Electrify America network, born out of Volkswagen's diesel emissions scandal settlement, has a vast and rapidly expanding network of charging stations across the US. Like its rival ChargePoint, the company has grown into home markets.
The mobile app allows you to manage local charging sessions, set reminders, and schedule charging for off-peak times. Alexa support is built-in, but Google Assistant support is still listed as "under development."
The hardware design is simple and sleek, with a glossy black finish accented by green LED lighting. The 24-foot cable should meet most needs, and the operating temperature is rated from a bone-chilling -22F to a scorching 122F. And unless you live in International Falls or Death Valley, those parameters should hold up.
We chose the ChargePoint Home Flex EV charger as our top pick based on pricing, charging capabilities, and special features.
While many of these home EV chargers are great options, it ultimately comes down to how you want to install the charger, what kind of power you need, and what price you're willing to spend.
Choose this home EV charger...
The best overall option by a trusted EV charger brand. It's easy to use, compatible with most EVs, and weatherproof.
A sleek-looking home EV charger with a 40 amperage output. This model also works with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
A budget-friendly home EV charger. While this model is "no-frills," it does offer the option of a dedicated Tesla plug and is easy to install and use.
A basic EV charger that gets the job done at 32 amps. With a 25-foot cable, it should reach comfortably and the hardware promises an easy instillation.
A home EV charger that's super versatile, features smart-charging features like remote access control, and packs 40 amps. This model also employs Google Assistant support and a highly durable weatherproof enclosure.
We chose these home EV chargers after extensive research into the product category. These are some of the factors we considered.
Level 2 charging: There are two types of chargers that you can buy: Level 1 and Level 2. Level 1 chargers operate on a power supply of 120 volts, while Level 2 chargers operate at 240 volts. You can use a Level 2 charger for faster charging, but that will require a special outlet that you will need to install in your home. All of the chargers on this list are Level 2.
Weatherproofing: If you plan on using your home EV charger outdoors, you will want to be sure that it is weather-resistant for added protection.
Smart technology: The best home EV chargers include smart technology, which allows you to use Bluetooth and even Alexa connections to control your unit.
Cost: Budget is often a concern, so we look for home EV chargers that suit a variety of different budgets.
Charging your EV is more complicated if you don't have a private garage or other secure space to install your charger. The complications increase exponentially if you live in an apartment building or condo with shared parking areas and no way to access your electric meter. For those situations, your best bet is to petition your apartment management or condo HOA to install shared chargers that can be billed using an app. ChargePoint has some good options and sample letters you can send to your skeptical managers or condo board to speed up the process.
Many EV purchases in the U.S. qualify for a Federal tax credit of as much as $7,500. But home chargers also allow for some healthy tax breaks. You can use this federal website to view the breakdown of which car manufacturers and their vehicles qualify for a tax credit. You may notice Tesla and GM are back on the list; a recent bill did away with their previous credit limit.
You can claim a Federal tax credit of up to 30% of the charger's cost, up to a maximum of $1000. In addition, your state and your power company might offer additional credits. To check your possible savings, try this interactive incentive checker.
Aside from price and compatibility, Desmond said that there are a few important considerations when it comes to the features of a home EV charger.
"First, it's crucial to make sure the charger is on the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) Standard. This the global benchmark for interoperability in EV charging, and it means the data is open and available," he said. "It's also important to look at build quality and safety ratings, as safety is paramount for at-home charging units.
Desmond added that consumers should also consider if the charger has smart charging features, which enable the user to be on a smart tariff, charging at the cheapest or greenest "off-peak" times.
It can be tempting to forgo the cost and hassle of installing a charger for your new EV at home, but you'll come out ahead in the long run. Not only is it more convenient to plug your car in overnight and wake up to a full battery every day, but it's also more affordable.
For example, my average electric rate is $0.18 per kWh at home. The last time I used one of Tesla's Super Chargers, I paid $0.39 per kWh. That's almost double the cost, which is more affordable than gas but much more than what I pay at home.
There are plenty of other home EV chargers available, especially as the EV market continues to grow. Here are a few options you can check out:
Check out this model from the original Tesla manufacturer. It gets up to 44 miles of range per hour of charge, with up to 11.5 kW /48 amp output.
Bring a little smart technology to your home with this best home EV charger. You can connect this charger to your smart devices using the app to wirelessly control and monitor your charger via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
Formerly ClipperCreek, this best home EV charger offers plenty of options to find the right power for your charger. It's available in 32 Amp, 40 Amp, 48 Amp, or 64 Amp.
AC EV Charging Station This home EV charger is super affordable at just $175. It can also detect all aspects of the charging progress, including overheating, current overflow, power surge, low voltage, and more.