For electric vehicle owners, a Level 2 charger at home is more than just a convenience—it’s a significant upgrade to your EV ownership experience. While most EVs come with a Level 1 charger, these are notoriously slow. Investing in the Best Level 2 Ev Charger drastically reduces charging times, adding miles of range much faster, ensuring your EV is ready when you are.
After extensive research and hands-on testing, we’ve identified the top Level 2 EV chargers available today. Whether you drive an EV with a standard J1772 port or a newer NACS (North American Charging Standard) connector like Tesla, there’s a perfect Level 2 charger to maximize your home charging efficiency. Our top pick, the Emporia Level 2 EV Charger, stands out for its power, ease of use, and robust design, available in both J1772 and NACS versions.
Top Picks for Level 2 EV Chargers
We evaluated numerous Level 2 chargers based on charging speed, ease of installation, durability, cord length, and overall value. Here are our recommendations for the best Level 2 EV chargers to consider for your home.
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 most EV owners. This Level 2 charger provides rapid charging for any electric vehicle utilizing a J1772 connector. It’s designed with a compact form factor, a generous 24-foot cable, and exceptional weather resistance, making it a reliable choice for home charging.
Buying Options
$399 from Amazon
Buy from Best Buy
Emporia Level 2 EV Charger (NACS version)
The Best Home Charger for NACS EVs
For Tesla owners and those with EVs adopting the NACS connector, the Emporia Level 2 EV Charger (NACS) is the ideal home charging solution. Mirroring the J1772 version in performance and build quality, this Level 2 charger delivers fast charging speeds in a compact, weather-resistant package, complete with a 24-foot cord.
Buying Options
$399 from Amazon
$399 from Best Buy
The Emporia Level 2 EV Charger, available in both J1772 and NACS configurations, is a powerhouse, supporting up to 48 amps of charging. This capability allows for a full EV battery recharge in approximately five to eight hours for most vehicles, a claim validated by our rigorous testing. The generous 24-foot cable offers flexibility in placement, and installation is versatile, supporting both hardwired and plug-in options (though plug-in installation caps charging speed at 40 amps).
Safety and durability are paramount with the Emporia charger. It boasts UL listing for safety standards and a NEMA 4 rating (comparable to IP66), providing complete dust protection and resistance to strong water jets. Backed by a three-year warranty and priced competitively around $400, the Emporia Level 2 EV Charger offers exceptional value and performance.
Key Specifications of Emporia Level 2 EV Charger:
- Maximum Current Rating: 48 amps
- Weatherization Rating: IP66 (dustproof and highly waterproof)
- Installation Options: Hardwire, NEMA 14-50 plug
- Warranty: 3 years
Budget Pick
United Chargers Grizzl-E Classic 40A
A High-Quality, Affordable Level 2 EV Charger
For EV owners seeking a balance of performance and affordability, the United Chargers Grizzl-E Classic 40A is an excellent choice. This Level 2 charger delivers robust charging capabilities similar to our top pick but at a more budget-friendly price point. It’s a reliable and efficient option for home EV charging.
Buying Options
$399 from Amazon
If budget is a primary concern, the United Chargers Grizzl-E Classic 40A provides a compelling alternative. While charging may take about an hour longer compared to our top pick, the Grizzl-E Classic offers similar features at a lower cost. Equipped with a J1772 connector and an optional holster for NACS adapters, it provides broad compatibility.
The Grizzl-E Classic supports up to 40 amps of charging, typically recharging most EV batteries in six to nine hours. It features a slightly longer 25-foot cord and is available in hardwired or plug-in configurations.
Like the Emporia, the Grizzl-E Classic is UL listed for safety and boasts an IP67 rating. This superior weatherization rating means it’s not only dustproof but also waterproof, capable of withstanding temporary submersion. Priced around $350 and backed by a three-year warranty (with an option to extend to five years), the Grizzl-E Classic represents outstanding value in a Level 2 EV charger.
Key Specifications of United Chargers Grizzl-E Classic 40A:
- Maximum Current Rating: 40 amps
- Weatherization Rating: IP67 (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 Level 2 Charger for Multi-EV Households
For households with multiple electric vehicles, the United Chargers Grizzl-E Duo is a unique Level 2 charger capable of charging two EVs simultaneously. This dual-connector charger streamlines home charging for multi-EV owners, eliminating the need for separate charging stations.
Buying Options
$900 from Amazon
The United Chargers Grizzl-E Duo is among the few Level 2 chargers designed to charge two electric vehicles at the same time. Equipped with two J1772 connectors and compatible with NACS adapters, it offers versatile charging for mixed-EV households.
When charging a single vehicle, the Grizzl-E Duo delivers up to 40 amps, similar to the Classic model. When charging two EVs concurrently, it intelligently splits the power, providing up to 20 amps to each. While simultaneous charging naturally extends charging times, it provides the convenience of charging two vehicles overnight.
The Grizzl-E Duo features two 24-foot cords and supports plug-in installation with NEMA 14-50 or NEMA 6-50 outlets. While it lacks hardwiring capability, this doesn’t limit charging speed in dual-charging scenarios. Like other Grizzl-E models, it has an IP67 weather rating and UL listing for safety. Priced around $800 with a three-year warranty, the Grizzl-E Duo is a specialized solution for multi-EV homes.
Key Specifications of United Chargers Grizzl-E Duo:
- Maximum Current Rating: 40 amps (20 amps per connector when dual charging)
- Weatherization Rating: IP67 (dustproof and waterproof)
- Installation Options: NEMA 14-50 plug, NEMA 6-50 plug
- Warranty: 3 years
Best Portable Level 2 Charger
Lectron Portable Level 2 Charger (J1772 version)
The Best Portable J1772 EV Charger
For EV owners needing a Level 2 charging solution on the go, the Lectron Portable Level 2 Charger (J1772) is our top pick. This compact and lightweight charger delivers significantly faster charging than Level 1 options while remaining easily transportable.
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
Similarly, the Lectron Portable Level 2 Charger (NACS) offers Tesla and NACS-compatible EV owners a convenient and portable Level 2 charging option. It mirrors the J1772 version in portability and features, providing fast charging in a travel-friendly package.
Buying Options
$270 from Amazon
$290 from Best Buy
$312 from The Home Depot
The Lectron Portable Level 2 Charger, available in both J1772 and NACS versions, is designed for EV owners who need Level 2 charging on the go. Offering up to 40 amps of charging, it significantly outperforms Level 1 chargers while remaining compact enough to store in your vehicle.
This portable charger features a 16-foot cord and is designed for plug-in use with NEMA 14-50 outlets. While its weather resistance is rated IP65 (dustproof and resistant to water sprays), it’s still built to be durable for portable use. The Lectron portable charger comes with a two-year warranty and is typically the most affordable option among our top picks, priced around $260 for the J1772 version and $275 for the NACS version.
Key Specifications of Lectron Portable Level 2 Charger:
- Maximum Current Rating: 40 amps
- Weatherization Rating: IP65 (dustproof and spray resistant)
- Installation Options: NEMA 14-50 plug
- Warranty: 2 years
Testing Methodology for Level 2 EV Chargers
Our recommendations are based on rigorous testing and evaluation of Level 2 EV chargers, focusing on key aspects that impact user experience and charging performance. Our testing criteria included:
- Connector Compatibility: Ensuring compatibility with common EV charging ports, specifically J1772 and NACS.
- Charging Power: Verifying that chargers meet or exceed a minimum 32 amp rating for faster charging compared to Level 1 chargers.
- Cord Length: Confirming a minimum cord length of 16 feet to accommodate typical garage setups.
- Installation Flexibility: Assessing the availability of multiple installation options, such as hardwired and plug-in configurations.
By focusing on these criteria, we aimed to identify the best Level 2 EV chargers that offer a combination of performance, reliability, and user-friendliness for home EV charging.
Conclusion: Choosing the Best Level 2 EV Charger for Your Needs
Investing in a Level 2 EV charger is a smart decision for any electric vehicle owner looking to enhance their home charging capabilities. The Emporia Level 2 EV Charger stands out as our top overall pick due to its exceptional performance, robust build, and user-friendly design. For budget-conscious buyers, the United Chargers Grizzl-E Classic 40A offers excellent value. The Grizzl-E Duo is perfect for multi-EV households, and the Lectron Portable Level 2 Charger provides convenient Level 2 charging on the go.
Ultimately, the best Level 2 EV charger for you will depend on your specific needs and priorities. Consider your EV connector type, desired charging speed, budget, and whether you need portability or dual-vehicle charging capabilities. By considering these factors and exploring our top recommendations, you can select the best Level 2 EV charger to optimize your home EV charging experience in 2024.
