How to Pick the Best Home EV Charger for Your Electric Car

As the demand for electric vehicles (EVs) increases, more people are on the lookout for a good residential charging solution. In this guide, we look at how to pick the best home EV charger for your electric car, including the different types of EV chargers and factors to consider when making your decision. 

Key takeaways: 

• The three types of home EV chargers are Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast chargers.
• Things to think about when choosing a home EV charger include your driving habits, vehicle compatibility, and complexity of installation. 
• Some electric vehicles have more powerful onboard chargers than others, and not all chargers are compatible with all vehicles.
• Expert guidance is available to help you choose and install an appropriate EV charger that suits your needs. 

How does EV charging work? 

Before we get into choosing the best home EV charger, let’s take a quick look at how EV charging works. Essentially, it’s the same as charging any other electronic device but on a larger scale. 

When you plug your electric car into its charger, power flows from your home’s electrical system through the charging cable and into your vehicle’s onboard charger. The onboard charger converts the incoming electricity from alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC). This process is controlled by your vehicle’s onboard computer. 

When the battery reaches its maximum capacity, or you choose to end the charging session, your vehicle is ready to be unplugged and driven. 

Different types of EV chargers: Level 1, Level 2, and DC Fast Chargers

There are three main types of electric vehicle chargers: Level 1, Level 2, and DC Fast Chargers. Each type has its own unique advantages and drawbacks, depending on your driving habits and preferences. To help you choose the best home EV charger for your needs, we look at the pros and cons of each below. 

Level 1 Chargers

Level 1 Chargers (also known as ‘trickle chargers’) are the most basic type of EV chargers and usually come free with most electric vehicles. 

Pros of Level 1 Chargers:

• Compatible with standard outlets: One of the main advantages of Level 1 Chargers is that they’re compatible with standard household outlets (120-volts). This means you can plug your EV charger anywhere there is an available outlet, whether that’s at home, work, or a friend’s house. 

• No installation required: Because they’re compatible with traditional outlets, Level 1 Chargers don’t require any specialized wiring or installation (unless you need to install a new outlet near your car).

• Most affordable: Level 1 Chargers are the most affordable on the market, and most electric cars come with a Level 1 Charger included. There are also no associated electrician or installation costs since they’re compatible with standard household outlets.
• Easy to use: Using a Level 1 Charger is a no-brainer. Simply plug in the charger - as you would any other battery or device - and your vehicle will automatically start charging without any complicated setup or configuration. 

Cons of Level 1 Chargers:

• Slow charging speeds: The main drawback of Level 1 Chargers is that they are the slowest of all EV chargers. Depending on your vehicle’s battery capacity, you might get an average of 3 to 6 miles of range per hour of charging. This means it can take 48 hours and up to 100 hours to fully charge your car. For that reason, Level 1 Chargers are most suited for overnight charging, emergency top-ups, or cars with a small battery.
• Not ideal for complete recharges: Because of their slow charging speeds, Level 1 Chargers aren’t ideal for complete recharges. If you have a long-range electric vehicle with a large battery capacity, it can take several days to fully recharge your battery when depleted.

While Level 1 Chargers are convenient, accessible, and easy-to-use, their slow charging speed makes them best suited for EV owners who:

• Don’t have a long daily commute
• Are happy to charge their car overnight
• Have access to an electrical outlet near their parking spot.

Level 2 Chargers

Level 2 Chargers are the most popular type of home EV charger and provide faster charging speeds than Level 1 Chargers. 

Pros of Level 2 Chargers:

• Faster charging speeds: The main advantage of Level 2 Chargers is that they’re significantly faster, letting you charge anywhere between 8-19x faster than you would with a Level 1 Charger. Depending on your car’s battery size, Level 2 Chargers can charge an EV within 5 to 9 hours, providing 10 to 70 miles of range per hour of charging. 

• Flexible installation options: Level 2 Chargers can be installed indoors or outdoors, wall-mounted or on a standalone pedestal. This gives you more flexibility with where you charge your car. 
• Smart features: Many Level 2 Chargers come with advanced features, like Wi-Fi connectivity, mobile app integration, and scheduling capabilities. With these features, you can monitor and control charging remotely, schedule charging times to take advantage of off-peak electricity rates, and be notified when charging is complete.

Cons of Level 2 Chargers:

• 240V power requirements: Unlike Level 1 Chargers, Level 2 Chargers aren’t compatible with standard household outlets. They need a 240-volt power source, similar to household appliances like electric stoves or dryers. 

• Higher upfront costs: Level 2 Chargers are more expensive than Level 1 Chargers, but they do come with faster charging speeds and additional features that can make the added cost worthwhile. 
• Require professional installation: In most cases, Level 2 Chargers require professional installation by an electrician or EV charger installation experts. This adds an extra cost. 

Overall, Level 2 Chargers are the most popular for a reason: they’re efficient and practical home EV chargers. Choose a Level 2 Charger if you: 

• Value faster charging speeds & convenience 
• Want to take advantage of smart features
• Have more than one EV
• Don’t mind paying extra for installation. 

DC Fast Chargers

DC Fast Chargers, also known as Level 3 Chargers, are the fastest EV chargers available. They’re the same type you’d find at public charging stations. Unlike Level 1 and Level 2 Chargers, which use alternative current (AC) to charge a vehicle’s battery via the vehicle on-board inverter-charger, DC Fast Chargers provide direct current (DC) power for rapid charging, circumventing the limits of the vehicle inverter. 

Depending on your electric vehicle, you can charge your car to 80% capacity in around half an hour using a DC Fast Charger. This makes them ideal for people who frequently take long trips or if you need to charge your car quickly. 

That said, it’s important to note that not all vehicles are compatible with DC Fast Chargers. They are also the most expensive type of charger and require specialized installation that makes them extremely cost prohibitive. Finally, they are typically not possible to connect to the grid in residential areas without an immense amount of planning and cost. 

6 things to consider when choosing a home EV charger

Now that you know the three different types of chargers, let’s look at things to consider when choosing the best home EV charger for your electric car. 

1. Charging speed

One essential consideration when choosing a home EV charger is charging speed. As you are now aware, different EV chargers offer varying charging speeds. 

A faster charger may be more suitable if you: 

• Have a long daily commute 
• Frequently drive long distances 
• Have limited time to charge your car 
• Have multiple electric vehicles in your household 
• Plan to upgrade to a higher-capacity EV in the future. 

2. Amperage compatibility 

The amperage (or electrical current) of a charger affects how quickly the battery charges. For example, a 32-amp charger will be faster than a 15-amp charger. When choosing a home EV charger, you need to make sure it’s compatible with both your vehicle and home. 

• Vehicle compatibility: Electric cars can accept anywhere between 16 to 80 amps depending on the power of their onboard charger. Most battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) can accept between 40 to 48 amps using a Level 2 Charger. Check your vehicle’s maximum amperage acceptance and choose a charger that matches or exceeds that amperage. 

• Home compatibility: You also need to make sure your home’s electrical infrastructure can support the amperage rating of your charger. For example, a 40-amp Level 2 charger will require a circuit breaker with a minimum 50-amp rating. If you're not sure how many amps your house has available for charging, you can look on your electrical panel or ask an electrician for help. 

3. Charging location

Where you charge your vehicle will determine the best type of home EV charger to buy. In most cases, people charge their EVs in their usual parking spot, whether that’s a carport or a garage. When thinking about charging location, consider: 

• Distance from electric panel: Ideally, you want your car to charge as close to the panel as possible to limit the need for conduits. 
• Charging port location: Consider where the charging port on your EV is and whether you usually reverse into the parking space.  
• Cable length: Measure what length of cable your charger needs to reach your car’s charging port.
• Weatherproofing: If you’ll be charging your car outdoors, you may need to buy an outdoor-approved waterproof charger. 

4. Wall-mounted vs portable

Another thing to look out for when choosing home EV chargers is if you prefer a wall-mounted or portable charger. Wall-mounted chargers are designed for permanent installation while portable chargers can be used in different locations, such as if you move home. 

• Wall-mounted: These are the most common type of home EV charger. They’re available in different power levels, however the minimum is 7kW. This can charge a Tesla with a 60 kWh battery in around 8-9 hours. 

• Portable: Portable chargers can be moved from one location to another. They’re convenient if you plan to move home or want to bring your charger indoors rather than keeping it outside. Most Level 2 portable chargers have a power rating of 3.5kW, making them half as powerful as wall-mounted chargers.

Advanced features & smart technology options

If you’d like more control and flexibility over your home EV charger, you’ll likely want to choose one with advanced features and smart technology options. These include: 

• Wi-Fi connectivity: With Wi-Fi, you can monitor and control charging through an app on your smartphone or tablet. 

• Scheduling: Some chargers can be programmed to operate during off-peak hours to take advantage of lower electricity rates and save money. 

• Energy tracking: This feature allows you to monitor your vehicle’s energy consumption and costs. 

Related costs

As with any purchase, cost is an essential factor to consider when choosing the best home EV charger. Beyond the upfront costs involved with purchasing your home charger, you might also want to factor in electricity cost and incentives. These can all affect the type of home EV charger you choose. 

Cost factors to think about when buying a residential EV charger include: 

• Upfront cost: EV chargers can range from a few hundred dollars to more than a thousand dollars, depending on the brand and power level. 

• Electricity cost: Electricity costs may vary depending on the power level of your charger. Chargers with scheduling options can allow you to save by taking advantage of off-peak rates without having to wait until midnight to plug in. You might want to also consider inquiring with your utility provider about the availability of EV specific plans.
• Incentives: Depending on where you live, you may be eligible for federal tax credits or utility incentives. In Arizona, for example, customers of Tucson Electric Power can receive rebates up to $500 when purchasing a Level 2 charger.

Depending on your budget, it may be worth spending more upfront to enjoy the cost savings and incentives that come with certain types of home EV chargers.

Summary: Choosing the best EV home charger for your electric car

The type of home EV charger you choose can make charging your vehicle more or less convenient, efficient, and expensive. Ultimately, the most important things to consider are your daily driving habits and charging needs, your vehicle’s compatibility, and any associated installation costs and requirements. With these in mind, you’ll be able to set up a home charging station that makes owning an electric vehicle even more enjoyable than it already is. 

If you're looking to speed up your EV charge times dramatically, we can help. Our expert team at Sun Valley Solar Solutions can help you choose the best EV charger for your needs or install one you’ve already purchased. 

Here’s how it works when you choose us for your EV charger installation: 

• Step 1, Site visit: Since every home and car is different, we send one of our experts to evaluate your property and existing electrical infrastructure. 

• Step 2, Estimate: We’ll provide you with a detailed estimate outlining all necessary electric vehicle supply equipment and labor. 

• Step 3, Purchase: Choose your preferred charger, or we can make recommendations based on your home and electric car.
• Step 4, Install: We’ll schedule an installation date and get your new car charger all ready for you to use. 

Ready to make choosing and installing your home EV charger a breeze? Click here to fill out our car charger quote form or get in touch with our friendly team to learn more.