Choosing the right electric vehicle (EV) is just the first step. Arguably, the next most crucial decision for any EV owner is selecting the Best Evse Charger to meet their specific home charging needs. If you’re currently navigating the options and seeking clarity on which EV charger reigns supreme, you’ve landed in the perfect spot.
This guide offers a distinct perspective compared to typical “Best EV Chargers” lists prevalent across EV publications and tech websites. Unlike those often relying on aggregated reviews without firsthand testing, I conduct rigorous, independent evaluations of these chargers for InsideEVs and my State of Charge channel.
My approach involves subjecting chargers to demanding tests and real-world usage over several weeks. Following this thorough process, I score them using my exclusive ChargerRater point-based system. My commitment to meticulous testing, reviewing, and rating EV charging equipment is unmatched in the industry.
It’s important to understand that a universal “best charger for everyone” simply doesn’t exist. Needs vary, and no single charger fits every scenario perfectly. However, based on my extensive evaluations, the following EV chargers stand out as top recommendations for anyone in the market this year.
Here are my seven top EV charger picks for 2024, presented in a general order of preference.
1) Emporia 48-amp
Emporia burst onto the EV charger scene in 2022, introducing a high-quality yet budget-friendly 48-amp EV charger. Priced at an attractive $399.00, it quickly became the most affordable safety-certified, WiFi-connected smart charger in its class.
Its impressive feature set for under $400 propelled it to one of my top recommendations. While updates have been minimal since its debut, Emporia now offers the charger with a choice of either a standard J1772 connector or the increasingly popular North American Charging Standard (NACS) connector.
The Emporia achieved an outstanding score of 99 on our ChargerRater system – a score matched only by one other charger in our testing history. For an in-depth look, you can read the full review of the Emporia Smart EV Charger here on InsideEVs.
2) ChargePoint Home Flex
The ChargePoint Home Flex represents the second generation of ChargePoint’s home charging solutions. Since its launch in 2019, the Home Flex has consistently ranked among the best-selling EV chargers for the past five years, a testament to its reliability and features.
The Home Flex offers versatility with both plug-in and hardwired installation options. As a plug-in unit, it delivers up to 40 amps, while hardwiring unlocks its full potential of 48 amps. This WiFi-enabled smart charger seamlessly integrates with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant. Notably, it boasts the most impressive cold-weather cable I’ve encountered, making it an excellent choice for outdoor installations, especially in colder climates.
ChargePoint has recently made the Home Flex even more appealing by significantly reducing its price. The NEMA 14-50 plug-in version is now available for $599.00, down from $699.00, further solidifying its position as a top contender.
Delve deeper into its performance with the complete ChargePoint Home Flex EV Charger review on InsideEVs.
Important Note: While ChargePoint markets the Home Flex as a 50-amp charger, my testing reveals this to be somewhat misleading. Electrical code dictates that a device with a continuous load (operating for three or more hours continuously) at 50 amps requires a no. 4 wire gauge. However, the Home Flex’s terminal cannot accommodate a no. 4 AWG wire. The thickest wire it accepts is no. 6, which, according to the National Electric Code, is rated for a maximum continuous load of 48 amps.
While the 2-amp difference is negligible in real-world charging, it’s important to be aware that this unit is technically a 48-amp charger, not a 50-amp one.
3) Tesla Universal Wall Connector
The Tesla Universal Wall Connector stands out as a unique 48-amp EVSE charger with a capability unmatched by any other charger currently available: it can charge any EV sold in North America without requiring a separate adapter. This groundbreaking functionality stems from Tesla’s innovative “Magic Dock” technology.
The Magic Dock is essentially a built-in, seamlessly integrated J1772 adapter. When charging a Tesla vehicle (utilizing the NACS connector), the adapter remains securely tethered within the charger. However, when charging a J1772-equipped EV (the majority of non-Tesla EVs), a simple button press on the Magic Dock releases the J1772 adapter, still tethered to the NACS connector, allowing for universal compatibility.
In essence, this charger is engineered to work flawlessly with all EVs, not just Tesla models.
Beyond its universal charging capability, the Universal Wall Connector is also bi-directional charging ready. When paired with the Tesla Cybertruck, it can draw power from the Cybertruck’s battery to supply your home during power outages or peak demand periods.
It’s worth noting that the standard Tesla Wall Connector remains an excellent charger option, particularly if you don’t require the Magic Dock’s universal compatibility or bi-directional power features.
The Tesla Universal Wall Connector is priced at $620.00. For a comprehensive analysis, refer to our full InsideEVs review.
4) Wallbox Pulsar Plus 48
The Wallbox Pulsar Plus is offered in both 40-amp and 48-amp configurations. While both are compelling choices, I’ve highlighted the 48-amp version in my top picks. For a modest $50 premium, the 48-amp model unlocks the full potential of faster Level 2 charging.
The Wallbox Pulsar Plus distinguishes itself as a remarkably compact charger, holding the title of the smallest 48-amp unit I’ve personally tested. Despite its diminutive size, it’s packed with intelligent charging features, encased in a robust NEMA-4 rated enclosure, and capable of power sharing with up to 25 other units. This power-sharing capability makes it exceptionally well-suited for apartment complexes, multi-family residences, and commercial installations.
For residential users, the Pulsar Plus also offers a unique advantage: two units can be connected to a single circuit and intelligently manage power distribution to prevent circuit overload. This feature is invaluable for households with two EVs but limited electrical panel capacity to add a dedicated circuit for each charger.
The Pulsar Plus 48 is priced at $699.00, making it the most expensive charger on this list. However, its extensive feature set and compact design justify the investment for many users. Explore its capabilities further in the full 48-amp Pulsar Plus review on InsideEVs.
5) Autel MaxiCharger Lite 50
Autel’s MaxiCharger series includes 40-amp and 50-amp versions, along with Elite and Lite models. I’ve selected the MaxiCharger Lite 50 as a top pick because it delivers exceptional value. The 50-amp Elite model, while offering slightly more features, comes at a $130 premium over the 50-amp Lite, with minimal practical difference in everyday use. Opting for the Lite version allows you to save significantly without sacrificing core functionality.
All MaxiCharger models are smart chargers, equipped with a wealth of features and a user-friendly app for unit control and charging data monitoring. Consistent with all chargers on my top picks list, the MaxiCharger is safety-certified and Energy Star rated. A unique feature is the option to choose between an integrated connector holster or a remote holster that can be positioned independently within your garage for added convenience.
Priced at a reasonable $569.00, the Autel MaxiCharger Lite 50 offers a compelling balance of features and affordability. Learn more in the comprehensive InsideEVs review of the Autel MaxiCharger Lite.
6) EVIQO EVPOWER 48
The EVIQO EVPOWER 48-amp EV charger is a newcomer to the market this year. Despite being the company’s debut offering in the EV charging space, it’s a remarkably robust unit at a highly competitive price point. At just $399.00, it rivals other chargers on this list that often cost hundreds of dollars more.
It features a compact design, a durable NEMA 4 enclosure for weather resistance, and a generous 25-foot charging cable. One minor drawback I noted with the EVPOWER is its standard two-year warranty. In comparison, all other chargers on this list offer a 3-year warranty, with the exception of the Tesla Universal Wall Connector, which provides a 4-year warranty.
EVIQO does offer a complimentary third year of warranty coverage if customers submit a review of the charger. However, I believe a standard three-year warranty should be included without requiring this additional step, as it is the industry norm.
For a closer look, watch my full review video of the EVIQO EVpower 48-amp EV charger.
7) Grizzl-E Smart
The Grizzl-E Smart is manufactured in Canada by United Chargers. A non-smart version, the Grizzl-E Classic, is also available at a lower price of $349.99. Both the Grizzl-E Classic and the Grizzl-E Smart are 40-amp chargers, delivering slightly less power compared to the 48-amp units dominating this list.
However, for the majority of EV owners who primarily charge overnight at home, the 8-amp difference is unlikely to be significant. Grizzl-E chargers are distinguished by their exceptionally rugged aluminum outer casing, boasting an IP67 rating for extreme weather resistance. This robust construction makes them an excellent choice for outdoor installations and public charging locations where they can withstand considerable wear and tear.
Watch my full review of the Grizzl-E Smart EV charger.
One crucial point to consider is that many 48-amp chargers currently on the market, including some featured in this guide, are equipped with a NEMA 14-50 plug. When used in plug-in configuration, these chargers are limited to a maximum of 40 amps by the National Electrical Code.
To unlock the full 48-amp charging capability, hardwiring by a qualified electrician is necessary. I generally recommend hardwiring EV charging equipment regardless of its power output. Hardwiring inherently provides a more reliable and safer charging setup by eliminating a potential failure point associated with plug-in connections.
If you opt for a NEMA 14-50 outlet and a plug-in charger, ensure you use a high-quality outlet. Using subpar outlets can lead to problems, as highlighted in my article How To Safely Charge Your EV.
EV charging equipment draws substantial power – often exceeding the power consumption of the rest of your household – for extended periods, frequently every night. Hardwiring your charger, performed by licensed professionals like those from Qmerit, is demonstrably a safer and more robust approach to home EV charging.
Which home charger do you currently use? Share your experiences and recommendations in the comments below.
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Source: State Of Charge
