What is the best Electric car charging station for home & cost?

Share

What is the best Electric car charging station for home? Can you install it at your home? To find a publicly available station to charge your EV battery, you can try PlugShare or Google Maps or use EVmatch or AmpUp for peer-to-peer charging. Public charging station rates and availability may be unfamiliar to new electric vehicle owners.

Consumer Reviews is supported by its audience. This website contains Paid Links. As an affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchase. Find more

Best Home EV charging station cost Calculation

For home charging, the math is a bit easier to guess. If you drive 540 miles a month, you will use 180 kWh. The average price of a kWh in the U.S. is $0.12/kWh. Multiple 180 kWh by $0.12, and you get $21.60 per month.

Best Electric car charging station for home cost (rate)

The location sets the baseline cost of energy. According to EIA, the July 2019 national average for commercial electricity is only $0.11 per kWh, but the price rate ranges from $.08 per kWh in Nevada, which is low, to the highest rate of $0.19 per kWh in California.

If you are going to use a public outdoor EV charging network, you need to know that best Home EV charging station cost change depending on the time of day or geographic area.

Other options include pay as you go and a monthly subscription. While many drivers don’t want to pay monthly, you can still pay as you go. My EV has all of the pricing information.

Guest and regular members will pay $.43/kWh. Electrify America charges an “idle fee” of $0.40 if your car remains plugged in for more than 10 minutes after it is fully charged.

Monthly rates for some stations are $4 to $7.99 a month. Electrify America offers a discount for Pass+ members. A $4 monthly fee gets you the discounted rate of $0.31/kWh.

EVgo charges $0.35 a minute for fast charging with no fee or commitment. For those who want to pay $7.99 a month, you only pay $0.31 a minute. No idle fees apply.

ChargePoint is a brand found at retail locations for the most part. While some companies or locations absorb the cost, ChargePoint will charge $10 to your card at signup if it isn’t free. This replenishes every time you get below $5.

Best Electric car charging station for home Installation cost

Best Home EV charging station cost – Supply Equipment: $200-$1,000+

Plug-in vehicles today typically come with the ability to charge at home on standard household current, 120 volts, which is called Level 1 charging. They also can charge on faster 240-volt circuits, called Level 2 charging.

If the vehicle has a small battery, under 10 kWh, you can often make do with the Level 1 charging system that comes with the vehicle. For plug-in cars with larger batteries, Level 2 is your best bet for overnight charging and quick top-ups.

Most automakers with plug-in vehicles in their lineups have a preferred charger provider, but there are dozens of companies selling EVSEs. A search online will help you find the features, power output and pricing that best suit your need. Just search for “EVSE” or “EV home chargers.” Prices for quality Level 2 home systems can range from just under $200 to more than $1,000 before installation.

Home Charging Setup – best Home EV charging station cost

Besides understanding what it will cost to power an EV, it’s also important to know the cost of a key piece of at-home technology: the electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), along with the cost of its installation. Another potential cost is a residential solar power system, which a growing number of people are considering, either for vehicle charging alone or for powering the car plus household. Let’s break down what these things cost.

Solar System EV charger Installation costs: $7,000 and Up

Unless you’ll be charging electric cars for many years to come, it can be difficult to make an economic case for installing a solar system just to serve your EV.

Such a system costs about $7,000 and doesn’t include the cost of a storage battery to hold power for overnight charging. That feature could double the cost. Put another way, a $7,000 system would purchase over 134,000 miles’ worth of power for a Bolt, assuming a rate of 18 cents per kWh.

In the Los Angeles area, a 1-kilowatt solar system produces an average of 4 kWh of power per day. A Chevrolet Bolt, which is EPA-rated at 29 kWh/100 miles and is one of the more efficient EVs available, would need at least a 3.6-kW system to get 50 miles of range per daily charge.

Electric car charging station for home – Cost of Installation: $800-$1,300

The biggest variable is permit costs, said Ken Sapp, general manager of Qmerit’s Energy and EV Solutions unit. The Southern California company specializes in connecting homeowners with qualified EVSE installers throughout the U.S.

Installation costs for EVSEs vary by region, depending on such factors as local labor rates, materials used, and government permit costs and requirements.

Nationally, average costs for a home EVSE installation with a short and uncomplicated 10-foot wiring, which runs from the electrical service box to the charging station, range from $800 to $1,300, Sapp said.

The costliest region is the Western U.S., where installation can run from $950 to $1,300. It’s least expensive in the Central U.S. states, at $800 to $1,100. Costs in the Southeast states can range from $850 to $1,150, while Northeast costs run from $900 to $1,200.

What is the best Electric car charging station for home?

ChargePoint Home Flex WiFi Enabled EV Charger

chargepoint home flex ev charger - Electric car charging station for home

Pros/Level 2 charger, Energy Star Certified, WiFi, compatible with Alexa, available in hardwired or plug-in, up to 50A charging for 37 miles of range per hour

Cons/Some users experience issues with the app, which is required for charging

If you have ever used public charging, there’s a chance you have come across a charger from ChargePoint. The company’s home charger is WiFi-enabled and is available in either hardwired or plug-in versions with your choice of a NEMA 14-50 plug or a NEMA 6-50 plug. Both options feature a 23-foot long cable. Like the JuiceBox, the ChargePoint home charger works with Alexa, which means you can control it remotely an Alexa device.

The app allows you to schedule charging when electricity is cheapest, as well as set reminders so you never forget to plug in your vehicle.

This recommendation is a Level 2 charger that can charge up to 50 amps, adding up to 37 miles of range per hour on most electrified vehicles. The plug-in station can be set to charge at 16 amps to 50 amps, giving you control based on your home’s electrical supply. This is a UL-listed charger, so you know it’s been designed and built for electrical safety, as well as being Energy Star certified. The company provides a 3-year warranty and 24/7 customer support with the charger.

JuiceBox Smart EV Charger – Electric car charging station for home

juicebox 40 smart ev charger - Electric car charging station for home

Pros/Built-in WiFi, JuiceNet support, compatible with Amazon Echo/Alexa, compact size, several variants to choose from

Cons/Some users report problems with the WiF

The JuiceBox series of home EV chargers is available in three variants, 32 amp (7.7 kW), 40 amp (9.6 kW), and 48 amp (11.5 kW). The 32- and 40-amp versions can either be used as a plug-in charger (NEMA 14-50) or hardwired, while the JuiceBox 48 is only currently available as a hardwired option. Built on the universal J1772 charging standard, all versions of the JuiceBox are WiFi-enabled, Level 2 charging stations that can charge all electric vehicles on the market, including Tesla vehicles by using an adapter.

With these chargers, you can use the JuiceNet mobile app and web portal to control scheduling, energy metering, notifications, and LED charging light indicators. You can even ask JuiceNet to remind you to plug-in your vehicle if you’ve setup up a daily charging routine. These chargers are also compatible with Amazon Echo/Alexa and Google Home, so you can use voice commands to monitor, manage, and control your charger.

Each charger is housed in a weatherproof, dust-tight, polycarbonate casing that is indoor and outdoor rated. They’re equipped with a 25-foot cable with a standard SAE J1772 plug at the end and the company provides a three-year warranty for use under normal residential operating conditions.

Grizzl-E Level 2 EV Charger

grizzl-e level 2 ev charger - Electric car charging station for home

Pros/Heavy duty construction, three-year warranty, made in Canada, adjustable amperage, IP67 rated

Cons/No wireless capabilities, no app support, short power cord

Made in Canada, this Level 2 EV charger comes with a three-year warranty and full customer support, making it a good option for those who are new to home EV charging. Attached to this charger is a NEMA 14-50 plug and a 24-foot premium cable and it offers adjustable amperage: 40A, 32A, 24A, and 16A. It’s IP67 rated for water resistancy and is also fire resistant. Keep yourself protected with a collection of safety features including built-in GFCI, over current, over voltage, under voltage, missing diode, ground fault, and over temperature protections.

The exterior of the charger features a heavy duty, rigid design with an air tight metal enclosure. It can easily be detached from the wall mount, if you ever have to transport it to a different location.

If you prefer to keep things simple, this is the home EV charger for you. There’s no wireless capability, so there isn’t an app you need to configure and setup. In other words, if you simply want a charger you can plug into your EV to charge it without messing with any other settings, consider Grizzl-E.

Siemens VersiCharge Home Charger

siemens us2 versicharge universal home ev charger

Pros/Multiple versions available, Level 2 charger, flexible control, three-year warranty

Cons/Delayed charging isn’t compatible with all vehicles

The Siemens VersiCharge is available in three models: Hardwire, Universal, and Smart Grid. The Hardwire model is the most affordable of the three, but must be directly wired into your electrical panel for indoor applications. The Universal model is the VersiCharge’s best value offering, as a plug-and-play solution that can work indoors and outdoors. Lastly, the Smart Grid is like the Universal model in that it’s plug-and-play, but also is a WiFi connected charger so you can use an iOS or Android app to remotely control the charger.

All three chargers have a power output of 240V x 30A, which equals 7.2 kW. The Hardwire version comes with a 14-foot cable, while the Universal and Smart Grid models feature a 20-foot cable. Since it is a Level 2 charger, it offers approximately four times faster charging than Level 1, and works with all J1772 complying cars as well as Tesla vehicles using Tesla’s charging adapter. Regardless of the model you choose, you’ll need a two-pole, 40A circuit breaker. The charger measures 14.5-inches wide by 16-inches tall by 6.5-inches deep.

Manufactured in California, the Siemens charger also offers flexible control with pause and 2/4/6/8-hour delay functions accessible from the front of the charger, although the delayed charging may not work for all vehicles. It includes a mounting bracket, charging cable, and NEMA 6-50 plug for the Universal and Smart Grid models. One of the biggest benefits to this charger is that it comes with an industry-leading three-year warranty.

Pulsar Plus Level 2 EV Charger

wallbox pulsar plus level 2 electric vehicle smart charger - Electric car charging station for home

Pros/Compact design, Level 2 charger, accompanying app to wirelessly control the charger

Cons/Mounting hardware isn’t great, app doesn’t have a ton of features

Looking for a more compact design because you don’t want a large, unsightly charger hanging from your garage wall? This sleek Level 2 charger from Wallbox fits the bill, offering 240-volt charging in a small package. The Pulsar Plus offers up to 40 amps of power, which means charging your EV up to seven times faster when compared to standard, Level 1 charging cables. It comes with a 25-foot charging cable.

By using the myWallbox app, you can connect the charger to your smart devices, allowing you to wirelessly control and monitor your charger through Bluetooth or WiFi. With the app, you can create charging schedules to reduce the cost of charging, as well as set reminders and get notifications of charging progress. Have two EVs at your home and need a pair of chargers? You can connect more than one of these chargers to the same electrical circuit thanks to built-in smart power management, which will automatically balance charging for the most efficient energy distribution.

This recommendation is UL listed for electrical safety and NEMA Type 4 rated for water-tightness and dust resistance. It can either plug into a NEMA 14-50 or hardwired. 

ClipperCreek HCS-40 EV Charging Station

clippercreek ev charging station hcs-40 - Electric car charging station for home

Pros/Level 2, 32 amp, compact, lockable connector, three-year warranty

Cons/No programmable features, some vehicles’ delayed charging feature may not work

The HCS-40 from ClipperCreek is another charger made in America and is a Level 2 station. It offers 32 amps of power (7.7kW) and is a hardwired charger that works indoors or outdoors. It is ETL listed so it has met the requirements of widely accepted product safety standards for EV charging stations, along with being in a rugged, fully sealed NEMA 4 enclosure.

Measuring 9 inches by 19.7 inches by 5.3 inches, the ClipperCreek HCS-40 comes with a 25-foot charging cable, a wall mount J1772 connector holster, and a lockable SAE J1772 connector with lock and keys included. When the charger isn’t being used, the charging cord can be stored with an integrated cable wrap.

This charger comes with a three-year warranty.

AmazonBasics Level 2 EV Charging Station

amazonbasics level 2 ev charger

Pros/Level 2, up to 25 miles of range per hour (32 amp), award-winning compact design

Cons/Only a one-year warranty, basic charger

It was only a matter of time before Amazon’s in-house brand, AmazonBasics, began manufacturing home EV chargers. The company’s offering is a Level 2 option, offering 240-volt, 32-amp charging with an 18-foot cable. If you’re able to take advantage of the 32 amps, you can get up to 25 miles of range per hour from this charging station. The home station uses a NEMA 6-50 outlet, while the hardwired station can be installed indoors or outdoors. If the 18-foot power cable is too short for you, there’s an option for a 25-foot cable.

Constructed from durable PC material, this recommendation has an IK10 rating for impact resistance and a NEMA-4 rating for water/dust protection. This is one compact charging station, measuring just 11.2 inches by 7.6 inches by 3.2 inches and its been awarded a Red Dot Award for its design. AmazonBasics includes a one-year limited warranty.

Bosch Level 2 EV Charger

bosch level 2 ev charger

Pros/Well-respected brand, NEMA 3R weather-resistant, sleek design, three-year warranty

Cons/Price

A well-respected brand in the automotive industry, Bosch offers a Level 2 EV charger, but it’s one of the most expensive on the market. It features a compact and sleek design and charges any vehicle meeting the J1772 standard. Bosch’s charging stations are cUL and UL listed and meet or exceed NEC 625, SAE J1772, as well as having a weather-resistant NEMA 3R enclosure for indoor and outdoor use.

This charger can be installed hardwired or as a plug-in with a NEMA 6-50 plug. To protect it from the possibility of overheating is a thermal sensor on the NEMA 6-50 plug. It does have an on/off switch for zero energy consumption when it’s not being used, while multi-function LEDs indicate charging and power status.

If ever necessary, you can purchase a replacement charging cord and coupler separately for this charger. Although it’s a bit more expensive than other options on our list, Bosch is an extremely reputable brand and it includes a three-year limited warranty.

EVoCharge Level 2 EV Charger

evocharge evse level 2 charger

Pros/Level 2, 30-amp, can be hardwired or plug-in, connector holster, on/off switch

Cons/Price

A U.S.-based company located in California, EVoCharge’s Level 2 charger is fully compatible with all electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles sold in the U.S. and Canada. This charger offers maximum 7.68kW charging, meaning it charges up to 8 times faster than a standard AC Level 1 charger. It delivers an estimated 25 to 35 miles of range per hour of charging.

It’s an easy to install home EV charger with a standard NEMA 6-50 plug and comes with a universal mounting bracket for wall mounting, as well as post mount or the ability to mount to any other structure. It supports multiple current ratings (20A, 30A, 40A) so you can adjust the maximum output current (16A, 24A, 32A). The charger is NEMA 4 outdoor and indoor rated and can also be hardwired.

Editor’s recommendations

Abu Saleh Rizvee
Abu Saleh Rizvee

I love to write content and contribute for my society. I invest my days in creating content for products those I love and brands who need online presence

Articles: 1357