There are many benefits that come with driving an electric car or plug-in hybrid. One of those major benefits is no longer needing to refuel at a gas station anymore. However, if you live in an area that has a relatively underdeveloped infrastructure, it may be very difficult to find nearby electric vehicle supply equipment (commonly called EVSCs or charging stations) for your car. In this case, home EVSE options can be very convenient as you can charge your car at any time and do not have to worry about waiting in lines.
There are many factors that will determine which EVSE brand is best for you. Consider your electricity supply, your schedule and your vehicle features to choose the best charging solution.
These are the most reputable EVSE brands on the market right now:
JuiceBox Smart EV Charger
The JuiceBox series of EV chargers comes in three options, 32 amp (7.7 kW), 40 amp (9.6 kW) and 48 amp (11.5 kW). The 32- and 40-amp versions can be used as a plug-in or hardwired while the 48- can only be used as a hardwired option. All JuiceBox chargers have Wi-Fi capabilities and can charge any electric vehicle on the market including Teslas.
The JuiceNet mobile app and website allow you to control scheduling, energy metering, notifications, LED charging light indicators and reminders to charge. They are compatible with Amazon Echo/Alexa and Google Home, giving you the ability to use voice commands to monitor and manage your EVSE.
They are both indoor and outdoor rated with a weatherproof, dust-tight, polycarbonate casing. JuiceBox provides users with a 3-year warranty.
Price:
32 amp: $620
40 amp: $650
48 amp: $690
ChargePoint Home Flex Wi-Fi Enabled EV Charger
If you have ever used public charging for your electric vehicle, you have likely come across the brand ChargePoint. ChargePoint’s home charger is Wi-Fi-enabled and comes in both hardwired and plug-in options. You will have a choice between either a NEMA 14-50 plug or a NEMA 6-50 plug with a 23-foot-long cable. Like JuiceBox, it is also compatible with Amazon’s Alexa.
This is a level 2 charger that can charge up to 50 amps. However, you can set it to charge from anywhere between 16 and 50 amps, allowing you to control your charging based on your home’s electricity supply.
The ChargePoint mobile app allows you to schedule your charging when electricity is cheapest and set reminders.
ChargePoint offers users a 3-year warranty and 24/7 customer service.
Price: $699
Siemens VersiCharge Home Charger
The Siemens VersiCharge comes in three models- Hardwire, Universal and Smart Grid. The Hardwire is the most affordable option but it must be directly wired into your electrical panel for indoor charging. The Universal model is considered the best value as it is a plug-and-play solution that works for both indoor and outdoor use. The Smart Grid is essentially the same as Universal except it is a Wi-Fi connector that allows you to use an iOS or Android app to control it.
The Hardwire option comes with a 14-foot cable, while the Universal and Smart Grid options use a 20-foot cable. Hardwire offers users a 3-year warranty.
Price: $750
Bosch Level 2 EV Charger
A highly rated yet expensive EV charger is the Bosch Level 2. It has a sleek and compact design that charges any J1772 standard vehicle. It also has a weather resistant enclosure that makes it optimal for both indoor and outdoor use.
The Bosch Level 2 features a thermal sensor that prevents it from overheating as well as an on/off switch for conserving energy when the charger is not in use.
Like the other brands listed, Bosch also offers users a 3-year warranty.
Price: $815
Amazon Basics Level 2 EV Charging Station
It was only a matter of time before Amazon tried its hand at EV charging solutions. The Amazon Basics Level 2 charger offers a compact design measuring only 11.2 inches by 7.6 inches by 3.2 inches. It has been awarded a Red Dot Award for its design. It provides 240 volt, 32 amp charging with an 18-foot cable. If you find that the 18-foot cable is too short, there is an option to purchase a 25-foot cable.
The main disadvantage is that Amazon offers only a 1-year warranty, the shortest of most EV charging brands.
Price: $557
If you are currently looking for a home EV charger, it is likely that you have realized that a standard wall outlet and plug will not suffice unless you want to spend days fully charging your vehicle. Though home EVSE is not exactly cheap, it is definitely worth the investment. Not to mention, there may be rebates, tax credits and other incentives available in your area for installing EVSE at home.