Staff, Courtesy of Wallbox
As plug-in electric vehicles become a significant piece of the automotive market, public and commercial charging infrastructure struggles to keep the pace. Even in densely populated cities, charging stations tend to be sparsely distributed.
Once a driver is able to locate one, they then have to sit for at least an hour, waiting for their battery to build up its full range. Luckily, home charging methods have come in as a more convenient solution. Though they don’t charge as fast as dedicated stations, home chargers allow owners to plug in the car in the evening, and just forget about it until the next morning.
What to Consider
There are two basic types of plug-in charger available for sale in the United States: 120-volt “Level 1” chargers and 240-volt “Level 2” quick chargers. Many countries run on a 240-volt power grid already, and only need a basic cable adapter to quickly charge their cars.
The United States, however, is on a 120 grid, which can take dozens of hours to charge a large battery. For faster performance, voltage and costs both increase. Level 2 charging requires specific outlets, fitting NEMA 6-20, 6-50, or 14-50 plugs. These may be found on dryer hookups in laundry rooms, or in some garages.
Outlets may also need to be custom-installed, or an electrician can hardwire the device to a home’s power line. Universal mount chargers are compatible with just about any modern electric vehicle, except for Tesla’s. An SAE J1772 adapter will have to be purchased separately to fit their proprietary charging port.
480-volt fast chargers also exist, performing similarly to Tesla’s trademark Superchargers. The catch is that they have specific power requirements, demanding installation of a dedicated power line by experienced electricians. For these reasons, 480-volt chargers are much more likely to be found in commercial applications than in any individual home.
In addition to voltage, each charger has a specific amperage rating, or a few selectable amp settings. Generally, a higher amperage will charge a battery faster. However, small batteries won’t take as many amps as large ones. For instance, a Chevy Volt is limited to about 15 charging amps, while a Tesla Model S can take 80 on a 240-volt line. The Tesla will charge much faster on an 80-amp circuit than a 15-amp one, but the Chevy will take just as long with either. Be sure to consult your car’s manual for recommended energy specs.
Also be aware that electricity can be very dangerous in inexperienced hands. If you have any additional questions or concerns about the installation and charging process, it’s best to consult a professional electrician.
How We Selected
Popular Mechanics has picked these charging devices based on personal technical knowledge, as well as review input from publications like Consumer Reports, Inside EVs, and AutoGuide. We also select a wide range of available features and prices to suit a variety of needs and budgets.
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