Key Takeaways:

• Best Overall: The ChargePoint Home Flex EV Charger stands out for its excellent ChargePoint app, which offers a user-friendly interface and detailed cost tracking, down to the penny.
• Best Budget Option: The Emporia charger is our top pick for those on a budget, offering an affordable price without compromising on features.
• Best Versatility: Tesla’s Universal Wall Connector is another strong choice, particularly because it includes a built-in adapter for switching between J1772 and NACS/J3400 plug types.

EV Charging at Home

EV Charging Levels:

• Level 1 Charging: Utilizes a standard 120-volt AC household outlet, delivering around 1 kilowatt of power. Charging at this level can take several days to fully recharge an EV.
• Level 2 Charging: Operates on 240-volt AC electricity, typically providing between 6 and 19 kilowatts of power. This level can recharge an EV with a moderate-sized battery overnight.
• Level 3/DC Fast Charging: Employs 400- to 800-volt DC electricity, with output ranging from 50 to 350 kilowatts. It can charge an EV’s battery from 10% to 90% in as little as 30 minutes. While many public chargers fall into this category, they are not practical for home use due to their high cost.

Output:

This refers to the amount of charging power delivered to your EV, measured in kilowatts (kW). The power in watts is calculated by multiplying the voltage of the electrical circuit by the current in amps (voltage × amps = watts). Since 1,000 watts equal 1 kilowatt, for example, a 240-volt outlet drawing 32 amps of current would provide 7.7 kW of power.

Connector Types:

This is what you need to connect your charging equipment to your EV. For home chargers, there are two main connector types to consider: J1772 and Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS or J3400). Fortunately, adapters are readily available to switch between these connector types, so you don’t have to limit your purchase to match your vehicle’s specific connector.

Cost to Install an EV Charger at Home:

This largely depends on whether your home has sufficient electrical capacity. If you do, running a new line might only cost a few hundred dollars. However, if your electrical system needs an upgrade to accommodate the additional load, it could cost several thousand dollars. More details on this are provided below.

Tax Breaks for EV Charging Expenses:

The expansive Inflation Reduction Act reinstated a federal tax credit covering 30 percent of your total costs, up to a maximum of $1,000. This credit applies to the cost of electrical upgrades, wiring, and the charger itself, and is available through 2032.

Things to Consider

Household Circuit Output

When planning to install EV chargers at home, it’s essential to ensure your electrical system can handle the additional load. EV chargers typically require between 24 to 80 amps, so evaluating your home’s electrical capacity is crucial.
Start by checking the main fuse in your breaker box to determine its amperage rating—this shows the maximum load your home can support before the main breaker trips.
If you have 150- or 200-amp service, you might have sufficient capacity for EV chargers without needing an upgrade.To determine if you can add EV chargers, assess your peak electrical usage, including major appliances such as your furnace, air conditioning, oven, and clothes dryer.
For most homes, a 40- or 50-amp circuit is usually sufficient, providing effective overnight charging for most EVs while keeping costs manageable.
Consulting a certified electrician is essential for evaluating your home’s electrical load and performing any necessary upgrades or installations for EV chargers. Many EV charging solutions, like the Emporia unit, include load management features that monitor your home’s overall electrical usage and adjust the charging rate to prevent exceeding your home’s capacity.

Charge Rate

The charge rate for EV chargers is measured in kilowatts (kW), which you can calculate by multiplying volts by amps (with 1,000 watts equaling 1 kilowatt).
For instance, if you’re charging at a rate of 6 kW and your electric vehicle (EV) has a 60.0-kWh battery, it would take approximately 10 hours to charge from empty to full.
Keep in mind that this time estimate might be slightly longer due to charging losses and the reduced charge rate as the battery approaches full capacity.
Several factors influence the actual charge rate, and it will be limited by the lowest of these:
the capacity of your household circuit, the specifications of your charging equipment, and the vehicle’s onboard charger. Ensuring compatibility and efficiency across these components is crucial for optimal EV charging performance.

Wi-Fi Connectivity

To monitor your EV’s electrical usage and costs effectively, consider investing in a home charging unit with Wi-Fi connectivity. With this feature, you can easily track your charging activity, receive real-time alerts, and manage the charging process through a mobile app. This added convenience helps you stay informed about your charging patterns and expenses, making it easier to optimize your EV charging experience.

Variants

Most EV chargers come in various models to meet different needs. These options include hard-wired versus plug-in installations, different output levels, and varying cord lengths, each often priced differently. Be sure to explore all available options from any manufacturer to find the model that best fits your requirements and budget.