3 best car charging station for home

A car charging station for the home, also known as a home EV charging station or electric vehicle charging station, is a device that allows electric vehicle (EV) owners to recharge their vehicles at their residence. These stations provide a convenient and efficient way to charge electric cars and are a critical component of the EV infrastructure. Here is what you should know about home car charging stations:

  1. Types of Charging Stations:

    • Level 1 Charger: This is a basic charging station that plugs into a standard household electrical outlet (120 volts).Level 1 chargers are typically slower and are best suited for overnight charging.
    • Level 2 Charger: Level 2 chargers operate at 240 volts and provide faster charging than Level 1 chargers. They are commonly installed in garages and carports.
    • DC Fast Charger: These are high-power chargers that can rapidly charge an EV's battery. They are typically not installed at homes but are found at public charging stations.
  2. Installation:

    • Level 1 chargers can be plugged into any standard electrical outlet, making them the easiest to install.
    • Level 2 chargers require professional installation since they need a dedicated 240-volt circuit. An electrician can install a Level 2 charger in your garage or another suitable location.
  3. Charging Speed:

    • The charging speed of a home charging station depends on the power level (Level 1 or Level 2) and the vehicle's on-board charger capabilities.
    • Level 1 chargers are slower and typically provide around 2-5 miles of range per hour of charging.
    • Level 2 chargers are faster, providing 10-30 miles of range per hour of charging.
  4. Connector Types:

    • Home charging stations are equipped with connectors that match your specific EV's plug type. Common connectors include SAE J1772 (for most electric cars) and Tesla-specific connectors.
  5. Cost:

    • The cost of a home charging station can vary widely depending on the brand, features, and installation requirements.
    • Level 1 chargers are the least expensive, while Level 2 chargers and installation costs can be higher.
  6. Smart Features:

    • Some home charging stations come with smart features, including Wi-Fi connectivity and smartphone apps that allow you to monitor and control charging remotely.
    • Smart chargers may also enable you to take advantage of time-of-use electricity rates, scheduling charging during off-peak hours to save money.
  7. Government Incentives:

    • In some regions, government incentives and rebates are available to encourage the installation of home charging stations. These incentives can help offset the cost of purchase and installation.
  8. Compatibility:

    • Ensure that the charging station you choose is compatible with your specific EV make and model, as well as your home's electrical system.

In summary, a car charging station for the home is a crucial accessory for EV owners, providing a convenient and efficient way to charge their electric vehicles at their residence. The type and features of the charging station, as well as installation considerations, should be carefully chosen to meet your EV charging needs.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best car charging station for home on the market
  

Siemens US2 VersiCharge Universal (VC30GRYU): Fast Charging, Easy Installation, Flexible Control, Award Winning, UL Listed, J1772 Compatibility, 20ft Cable, NEMA 6-50 Plug

SIEMENS

Based on 798 reviews Check latest price

Product description

  • Quicker charging (30 Amps, 240V, Level 2): 4x faster charging than Level 1, 120V chargers. Item Dimensions (inches) : 14.5 W x 16.0 H x 6.5 D
  • Easier set-up: Includes convenient mounting bracket, 20ft charging cable, and NEMA 6-50 plug for use with common dryer outlet.
  • Flexible control: Pause and 2/4/6/8 hour delay functions built into the front of the charger. Operating temperature: -30°C to +50° C
  • Built to last: Industry leading 3-year warranty for indoor or outdoor use, and manufactured in California.
  • Universal compatibility: Works with all J1772 complying cars and also Tesla vehicles using Tesla’s charging adapter.Voltage:208 V
  • Award winning: Rated as The Wirecutter’s “Best EV Charging Station” of 2017.
  • A name you can trust: Siemens has been a technology leader for over 170 years.
  • PLEASE NOTE: The product images are a representation of the product offered, but the attributes may differ slightly based on the latest version recently released. While we make it a priority to provide the most accurate information, we cannot guarantee that the pictures are a depiction of the updated version. If you have any questions/concerns, please visit the vendor’s website.

User questions & answers

Question: Just purchased electric vehicle and i need to install 30a ev charger inside my garage. is this unit just plug into the garage electrical outlet
Answer: Like all Level 2 EVSE units, this requires a 240V circuit. This particular model plugs into a 6-50R receptacle, which is a fat 3-prong receptacle used in some dryers (or even some welders plug into this type of receptacle). It needs to be installed on a dedicated 40A circuit breaker. I was able to install the circuit breaker and wiring myself because I had easy access to my subpanel in the garage, but if you don't have easy access or aren't sure how to wire it up, definitely have a professional do it. There is also a direct hard wire version that skips the plug and is wired directly to the circuit.We've had our Siemens EVSE since November, use it almost every day/night, works great. Even though all EVs have some type of charge timer, I find the delay feature on this unit to be very convenient for charging the car overnight.
Question: Can an extension cord be used with this? I have a 240V dryer plug in my garage, but it's located near a cabinet, so there's no wall space near it
Answer: Yes. And this is coming from an electrician. You would need at a minimum 10 Gauge SO though given the chargers ability to draw near maximum current for extended times I would recommend 8 Gauge SO which can be difficult to find. You then would simply need a NEMA L14-30 Amp rated plug assuming your Dryer used the same socket. You should be aware though that consists of a pair of Hot conductors, a Neutral, and a Ground line while most Electric Dryers use a NEMA L14-50 which only has a Pair of Hot conductors and a Ground, NO NEUTRAL, which may make it useless for the charger as a Neutral is needed.
Question: How easy is it to set charge rates - for instance I might want to charge at 2.5 kW on most days and switch to 6.6 kW on certain days
Answer: For me, it is very quick and easy to change the rate of charge. I have the prior version of this charger, which has the same method of charge rate adjustment. I have removed the four front screws and use spring clamps you might use in a woodshop to hold the front cover closed. To adjust the charge rate I remove the spring clamps (3 seconds), swing the cover up (its hinged on top), grab my little screwdriver which I've left there behind the front cover, rotate the adjusting "switch" (5 seconds), set the screwdriver down, cover down, clamps on (5 seconds), done. This is a valuable feature for our situation...I've changed the setting on the charge rate hundreds of times to suit the current need.
Question: It is type II head, can use in bmw I
Answer: yes. If you have the US version of the i3 which has J1772 compatibility.

Megear Level 1-2 EV Charger(100-240V,16A) Portable EVSE Home Electric Vehicle Charging Station(NEMA6-20 with Adapter for NEMA5-15)

Megear

Based on 507 reviews Check latest price
  • A STANDARD 120V (NEMA 5-15) ADAPTER: Sometimes, Megear level 2 EV charging(NEMA6-20 Plug) in your garage is not an option. That's why we created an EV charging set that includes a Level 1 adapter cable which meet with common outlet in your house. The 3 feet long adapter enables you to charge your electric car via a standard 120V (NEMA 5-15) wall plug.
  • VERSATILE VEHICLE COMPATABILITY: The plugs are compatible with all major EV automakers and multiple power sources: a Dryer, RV-type or regular wall outlet with adapters.
  • 3.86 KW/H FASTER CHARGING SPEEDS: With level 2 charging, most electric vehicles will charge up to 11 miles per hour. Our level 2 EVSE charging speed up to 3x faster than your car's original charger,which means you can spend more time heading out for fun and adventure and less time waiting around.
  • MULTIPLE PROTECTION: The EVSE provide lightning-proof, leakage protection, overvoltage protection, overheat protection, overcurrent protection ,IP55 rating waterproof, UL94V-0 rating flame resistance for your safety. Control box with LED indicators help you learn about the charging status.
  • PROFESSIONAL AFTER -SALES: Local customer service team offer life-time hassle-free technical support, and 12 Months warranty. If anything is not to your complete satisfaction, simply reach out to us and we will make it right!

User questions & answers

Question: Seriously, no user manual included. no user manual i can find online. how could i stop charging? the charger seems locked on the car. thanks
Answer: On my car i just unlock the car with the keyfob which releases the charger port lock you are referring to, but only temporary (ie: you need to unplug within 30 seconds or so, or the car will relock it) Another alternative is to simply unplug this from the wall.
Question: I have a 2012 chev volt. I need to buy a new portable charging unit that will plug into my garage which is a normal household plug
Answer: I would buy a 220 volt charger that would plug into a electric dryer socket. this would charge your volt 2 to 3 times faster. if you don't have this you can run a line to your garage from your electric box.
Question: Can the level 1-2 charger with nema 6-20 plug charge at 16 amp rate with 120v when adapted to either a nema 5-20r or a nema tt-30r
Answer: At 120V the charger charges at 1/2 the rate of 240 Volts The calculation of KVA or KW depends on both amps and volts. So if you use this charges at 240V, it is a 3.6 KW charger and at 120V it is a 1.8 KW. At either voltage the amp draw can be as high at 16 AMPS.
Question: Hi, can I charge in my 110v outlet? and what is the output voltage
Answer: This unit has an adapter that you can use for either 110V or 220V (the small cord). these cords do not change the voltage, they only monitor for faults and send what ever voltage the unit is plugged into, through to the car.

Product features

Customer Survey Who Have Bought Megear EV Charger

This 16 amp 240v charger cable is perfect and preferable to higher amperage charging cables. Your lithium ion battery will last longer over it’s lifetime trickle charging at 120v overnight. This 16 amp “faster” charger is your next choice and will charge your battery in half the time without shortening the life of your battery. Higher amp charging can shorten the life of you battery by as much as 10% of the expected life of the battery. Never charge immediately after driving...let the battery cool off...then charge. Heat is the enemy of a lithium ion battery. This cable works perfect right out of the box with my Honda Clarity.

Customer Survey Who Have Bought MEGEAR EV Charger

This works fine with my BMW I3, and we now get a full charge in about 5-6 hours as opposed to the previous 18-20 the factory charger took. Well worth the money of admission. Also, this plug Neme 10-50 could plug into my dryer outlet so I don’t have to install new outlet for 240volts outlet in my house that it saves my money for installation for new outlet. Economic choice!

Customer Survey Who Have Bought MEGEAR EV Charger

Purchased as replacement for my Ford C-Max Energi after accidentally damaging original cord. Actually like this better than what came with the vehicle. The cable has a heavier gauge extension cord, so it does not kink like the original one did. I'm very pleased with the item and ended up saving almost 450 dollars over what Ford wanted for a replacement cord. It works, saved money, and I feel is nicer than original, so in every way I am pleased with this purchase!

Customer Survey Who Have Bought MEGEAR EV Charger

We bought the NEMA6-20 plug with level 1 adapter unit. The product was shipped well and arrived as scheduled. A couple of key things we like over the factory supplied charger: The wall hook to easily wrap the cord around and the "gun" holder you stick the charger into while it is not charging in the car. It's light weight and smaller than our original charger. It is nice to be able to easily adapt to the charging outlets available. We charged on 110 until we bought the 220 outlet and it was a simple switch for us. That option was available on the factory charger. We are happy so far!

1.Check Your Socket Circuit Breaker or GFCI Socket

  • Our EV Charger working current is 16A. Please check your breaker whether more than 16A. (18A, 20A, 30A .... is also OK)
  • The good choice is the 18A or 20A circuit breaker. Otherwise, it will trip your breaker if the breaker max Amp is lower than 16A.

2.Check Your Socket Type Whether NEMA 6-20/ NEMA 5-15 / NEMA 5-20 And Check the Wire Gauge Of Socket

  • The NEMA 6-20 plug can fit with NEMA 6-20 socket. The unit used with NEMA 5-15 adapter can fit with NEMA 5-15 / 5-20 socket.
  • The way to check socket type is according to words was lettered in outlet or you can compare the outlet with our cartoon.
  • DON’T use this charger if your socket wired with 16/3C or 18/3C cable.

3.Warning! Fully plug into your socket when using

  • When using electric products, you need to fully plug into the socket so that metal plug fork can completely connect the socket.
  • If not, it may burn out socket due to the bad connection.

Morec 16A EV Charger Level 1-2 NEMA6-20P with Adapterfor NEMA 5-15, 100V-240V, Portable EVSE SAE J1772 Plug 8m (26 feet), Home Electric Vehicle Charging Station Compatible with All EV Cars

Based on 73 reviews Check latest price
  • [NEW DESIGN, LONG CABLE]In order to meet more demand of customers,Our research team has developed a new generation of ev charger. And our cable’s whole length from wall plug to car plug is 26ft, the length from box to car plug is 24ft,which could meet the need of most customers.
  • [PORTABILITY AND EASY OPERATION] When you are traveling or visiting relatives and friends, you don't have to worry about charging, because our chargers can be carried with the car. With the complimentary NEMA5-15-NEMA6-20 adapter, you can use the charger not only in the 220V (NEMA6-20) socket, but also in the 110V (NEMA5-15) socket.
  • [HIGH COMPATIBILITY] Unlike normal EV chargers, our EV chargers are compatible with most electric cars, which meet SAE J1772 standard.Only used for electric car charging, not include electric motorcycles. All of our products have passed CE certification, and the quality is superior
  • [HIGH SECURITY] Our EV charger adopts High Strength ABS material, which has better quality and high durability. Our chargers have over-current protection, over-voltage protection, under-voltage protection, leakage protection, overheating protection, waterproof rating of IP65 and other safety protection measures. They can secure your car charging

User questions & answers

Question: Using the nema 6-20 plug and a newly installed 240 volt current, what is the best size circuit breaker that i should use for the line
Answer: 20 to 25 amp. This will pull at max of 15.5 amps
Question: The pictures show that the length between the nema 6-20 plug and the charging box is 1.5 meters. is that correct
Answer: Dear Customer, the bare wire is 1.5 meters. Actual length may be slightly different.
Question: Is the required socket included? If not, which one is compatible with this charging station
Answer: No, a NEMA6-20 receptacle is not included, although an adapter from NEMA6-20P to NEMA 5-15 (standard wall outlet) is. But tht only gets you Level 1 charging (120V). The NEMA 6-20 receptacle is available from any electrical suply shop including Home Depot and Lowes, or right here on Amazon. Search for Leviton 107-05821-WSP 20-Amp 250-Volt Single Receptacle Electrical Power Outlet, White.
Question: What would charge time be for 2019 vw egolf
Answer: Dear customer, hello, your model is for type2 charger, but our charger is type1, so it is not applicable. Morec

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