Electric vehicles (EVs) are growing rapidly in popularity thanks to falling prices, improved driving range and an expanding charging infrastructure. EV sales crossed 10 million globally in 2022 – a 60% year-on-year rise. More drivers than ever before are considering "going electric".
However, most EVs still take hours to charge compared to minutes at the gas station. This range and charging anxiety deters some buyers. Installing reliable, fast electric car chargers for home and public use is key to mass EV adoption.
In this expert guide, I analyze the top 17 EV chargers that provide swift, safe charging to power up your drive.
EV Charging Levels and Specs
Before reviewing the chargers, let‘s understand EV charging basics first.
There are three levels of electric vehicle charging:
Level 1 uses a 120V AC plug to deliver 2-5 miles of range per hour charged. It‘s the slowest method relying on a vehicle‘s standard portable cord.
Level 2 offers faster charging through 240V AC and upto 19 miles of range per hour charged. It requires installation of charging equipment.
DC Fast Charge uses 480V DC to rapidly charge EVs, delivering 60-200 miles of range per 30 minutes. This requires high-powered commercial stations.
When buying a level 1 or level 2 charger, look for:
- Higher Voltage – 240V is better than 120V
- Higher Amperage – Offers more power, such as 30A vs 16A
- Faster Charging Speed – Expressed in kW, such as 7 kW instead of 3 kW
- Safety Certifications – UL listed, ETL certified
- Smart Features – WiFi, app control, scheduling etc.
With those basics covered, let‘s review the top electric car chargers available today.
1. Siemens VersiCharge Level 2 EV Charger
Siemens is a reputable brand offering the VersiCharge level 2 EV charger with smart features.
Key Specs:
- Power: Up to 7.2 kW
- Voltage: 208/240V AC
- Amperage: 30A
- Safety: UL listed
- Smart: WiFi, Scheduling
Analysis: Excellent 7 kW power output for faster charging. Has handy smart features via WiFi. Siemens is known for safety and quality. Weatherproof casing for indoor/outdoor use. The cost is moderate given the features. Overall a great versatile level 2 charger.
Price: $549
2. ClipperCreek HCS-60 Level 2 EV Charger
For a rugged, no-frills level 2 EV charger, ClipperCreek HCS-60 is a top choice.
Key Specs:
- Power: 14.4 kW
- Voltage: 240V AC
- Amperage: 60A
- Safety: ETL certified
Analysis: This commercial-grade charger can crank out a whopping 14.4 kW for rapid charging thanks to the high 60A rating. Extremely durable and weatherproof. No app or smart tech, but very reliable. Ideal for fleets, businesses. Home use requires a NEMA 14-60 outlet.
Price: $699
3. ChargePoint Home Flex EV Charger
ChargePoint is the leading EV charging network operator globally. Their Home Flex level 2 WiFi enabled charger is feature-packed.
Key Specs:
- Power: Up to 9.6 kW
- Voltage: 240V AC
- Amperage: 40A
- Safety: UL certified
- Smart: WiFi, Bluetooth, Scheduling
Analysis: Reputable brand ChargePoint offers 9.6 kW power output by supporting up to 40A charging. Has complete smart features via WiFi and Bluetooth apps. Compact, attractive design. 25 ft charging cable. Costs more but unlocks public charging access too.
Price: $699
4. Tesla Wall Connector
The Tesla Wall Connector is designed specifically for Tesla vehicles, offering neat integration.
Key Specs:
- Power: Up to 11.5 kW
- Voltage: 208/240V AC
- Amperage: 48A
- Smart: WiFi, Scheduling
Analysis: With 11.5 kW power output, it can charge Teslas much faster than others. Has WiFi for scheduling and software updates. Streamlined Tesla-specific design with 18 ft cable. More expensive as made just for Teslas but delivers superior convenience.
Price: $415
5. Grizzl-E Classic Level 2 EV Charger
For an affordable, weatherproof level 2 option, Grizzl-E Classic ticks all boxes.
Key Specs:
- Power: Up to 7.7 kW
- Voltage: 240V AC
- Amperage: 32A
- Safety: UL listed, IP67 rated
- Cable Length: 24 ft
Analysis: At just $449, Grizzl-E Classic offers excellent value with its 7.7 kW power output and tough IP67 weatherproof construction. Large LED screen, long cable and multiple power settings add convenience. No smart tech but ultimate reliability.
Price: $449
6. Webasto Level 2 EV Charger
The Webasto level 2 charger stands out for its very fast charging capacity leveraging 480V.
Key Specs:
- Power: 19.2 kW
- Voltage: 480V AC, 3-phase
- Amperage: 40A
- Safety: UL listed
- Smart: WiFi, Scheduling
Analysis: Webasto‘s 480V 3-phase power lets it charge much quicker than 240V rivals, delivering 19.2 kW power. Has handy smart features. Expensive and overkill for home use but great for commercial applications needing rapid charging.
Price: $3,500
7. Emporia Level 2 EV Charger
Emporia makes affordable, full-featured level 2 chargers combining solar connectivity.
Key Specs:
- Power: 11 kW
- Voltage: 208/240V AC
- Amperage: 48A
- Safety: UL Listed
- Smart: WiFi, Emporia Vue app
Analysis: With 240V and 48A current supported, Emporia can deliver a fast 11 kW charge. It has advanced smart monitoring via the Vue app. Unique solar integration feature optimizes EV charging with solar generation. Reliable product albeit basic looking.
Price: $399
8. Zencar Level 2 Portable EV Charger
For a portable level 2 EV charger, Zencar is a great solution thanks to the long 25 ft cable.
Key Specs:
- Power: Up to 7.7 kW
- Voltage: 240V AC
- Amperage: 32A
- Cable Length: 25 ft
- Safety: ETL certified
Analysis: 7.7 kW power output lets it charge quickly wherever you can plug it in. Generous 25 ft cable length enhances portability considerably. Sturdy casing and smart cable storage in the charger box. No WiFi or apps but unmatched convenience.
Price: $469
9. Blink Charging Level 2 EV Charger
Blink makes modular, durable Level 2 chargers supporting WiFi and RFID access control.
Key Specs:
- Power: 7.2 kW
- Voltage: 240V AC
- Amperage: 30A
- Safety: UL certified
- Smart: WiFi, Blink Network app
Analysis: Blink is the most modular charger with components for pole/wall mounting. Rugged metal enclosure. Commercial orientation but works great for large garages too. 7.2 kW output powers speedy Level 2 charging.
Price: $499
10. Enel X JuiceBox Level 2 WiFi EV Charger
For smart home integration, the JuiceBox level 2 WiFi charger by Enel X is a top contender.
Key Specs:
- Power: 7.7 kW
- Voltage: 240V AC
- Amperage: 32A
- Safety: ETL certified
- Smart: WiFi, Voice Control
Analysis: Packed with smarts, JuiceBox has WiFi, app control and connects with Alexa, Google Home etc. Delivers fast 7.7 kW charging capacity. Flexible wall-mounted design with bracket. Enel X is a large energy company so expect quality.
Price: $589
11. Bosch Level 2 EV Charger
The Bosch level 2 EV charger stands apart with its compact suitcase design and handle for superb portability.
Key Specs:
- Power: 7.2 kW
- Voltage: 240V AC
- Amperage: 30A
- Safety: ETL certified
- Size: Compact suitcase
Analysis: Bosch offers trademark German advanced engineering in this unique portable EV charger. It can still pump out 7.2 kW thanks to the 30A current. Unit has a convenient carry handle and stores the 18 ft cord. Expensive but unrivaled portability.
Price: $715
12. AmpUp Level 2 Dual EV Charger
AmpUp manufactures premium level 2 EV chargers like this dual unit for simultaneously powering two cars.
Key Specs:
- Power: 16 kW total
- Voltage: 240V AC
- Amperage: 2 x 40A (80A total)
- Safety: ETL certified
Analysis: This is the only dual charger featured capable of charging two EVs together with its monstrous 16 kW output. Each port offers 40A power. Fantastic for households with 2+ EVs but very expensive. Requires 100A breaker installation.
Price: $2,500
13. Hitachi Energy Level 2 Pole EV Charger
Need charging stations for commercial or public use? Hitachi‘s rugged pole-mounted level 2 charger is purpose-built for it.
Key Specs:
- Power: Up to 7.7 kW
- Voltage: 208/240V AC
- Amperage: 32A
- Mounting: Pole/Pedestal
- Safety Rating: Outdoor IP55
Analysis: This hardened EV charger from Hitachi is formulated for demanding outdoor public settings. With IP55 rating, it is weatherproof and vandal resistant. Integrated cable management and multiple mounting options add deployment flexibility. Commercial-grade quality comes at a business price.
Price: $3,200
14. Phillips Level 2 Multiport Bus Charging Station
Phillips offers modular multiport bus charging stations for buses and large commercial EVs.
Key Specs:
- Power: Up to 9.6 kW per port
- Voltage: 208/240V AC
- Amperage: 2x40A
- Ports: Up to 4
- Mounting: Wall, Ceiling
Analysis: This multiport charging station is tailored for transit agencies running electric buses and large commercial EVs. Two buses can charge simultaneously at 40A each per port. Completely customizable with 2 to 4 ports. Robust casings for long service life. Very niche use case but unrivaled quality.
Price: $8,000
15. Electrify America DC Fast Charger
For ultrafast charging, Electrify America‘s DC fast chargers are cutting-edge.
Key Specs:
- Power: Up to 350 kW
- Voltage: 200-1000V DC
- Charging Standard: CCS
- Provides: 20+ miles range/minute
Analysis: This isn‘t your household EV charger. With mindboggling 350 kW power output, Electrify America‘s DC fast charging stations can add 20+ miles of range per minute of charging – that‘s lighting fast. Uses industry-standard CCS plugs. Requires costly, large-scale installations but delivers blazing charging capacity unrivaled by any level 1 or level 2 charger featured here.
Price: Custom Quotes
Recommendations
With those top 17 electric car chargers reviewed, let‘s summarize recommendations:
For Home Use:
Level 2 chargers like Siemens VersiCharge, Grizzl-E Classic and ChargePoint Flex offer the best balance of fast charging capacity and features. Hardwired wall-mounted installations yield better charging capacity. Choose smart WiFi-enabled chargers for controlling charging via smartphone.
For Public/Commercial Use:
Purpose-built commercial chargers from Hitachi, Phillips and Blink are optimized for public deployment and abuse. Electrify America‘s 350 kW DC fast chargers offer Tesla Supercharger-like ultrafast charging but have higher infrastructure needs.
Emerging Innovations:
Beyond faster plug-in charging, exciting wireless (inductive) charging technologies are being tested that allow driving over special pads to recharge EVs without any wires – just like slot-cars. Further into the future, EV roadways baked with charging infrastructure underneath are an emerging concept that can dynamically charge vehicles as they drive over them!
Conclusion
Rising electric vehicle adoption necessitates reliable, fast EV charging solutions. This guide covered the top electric car chargers available today spanning levels 1, 2 and DC fast charging.
Each charger was analyzed on key criteria like charging capacity, speed, design, smart features and price. Recommendations segmented for home and commercial applications can help make the right EV charging investment.
As EV batteries with longer range emerge, charging infrastructure continues to leap forward as well with technologies like wireless and in-road inductive charging promising to realize the mass adoption dream.
