Choosing the right home EV charger based on your EV make & model

Whether you’re an electric vehicle owner or considering an EV, knowing which charger is right for your car is crucial. One key factor to consider is the charger's amperage rating. In this blog post, we will simplify the process by categorizing EVs into three groups based on the charger's amp rating.

White Tesla parked and charging in a garage

Why choose a Level 2 home EV charger?

There are two main ways to charge an electric vehicle from home: Level 1 charging and Level 2 charging. While which home EV charging method you select will depend on your lifestyle and preference, there are many benefits to Level 2 charging.

A Level 2 charger is faster than a Level 1 charger, due to its higher electrical power and voltage. It requires a 240-volt outlet, similar to those used by electric dryers or ovens, and delivers a current often ranging from 16 to 80 amps. To use a Level 2 charger at home, a professional installation is required because of their specific electrical requirements. Once installed, a Level 2 charger will take around 4-6 hours to charge your EV to 80% - ideal for overnight charging.

It is a no-brainer that a Level 2 charger is the preferred choice for EV owners seeking faster and more efficient charging from home. Just ask the 13,860 EV owners surveyed in a study by J.D. Power, which showed that home EV charging satisfaction improved by 179 points when moving up from a Level 1 portable charger (561) to a Level 2 permanently mounted charger (740).

Ultimate Guide: Level 2 Charging FAQs

When it comes to selecting a Level 2 home EV charger for your electric vehicle or PHEV, it is important to know your vehicle’s onboard charger rating. For example, an onboard charger could have 11.5 kW, 9.6 kW, or 7.4 kW of power. When adding a 240-volt Level 2 charger, some cars will be amperage-constrained due to their onboard chargers. If you have a specific question about your car’s onboard charger, contact Lectrium.

EV models compatible with 48A home EV chargers:

If you own one of the EV models listed below or are considering purchasing one, a charger with 48 amps is your best choice, as it will provide the fastest charge to your vehicle. This means your vehicle’s onboard charger can accept at least 11.5 kW, which is currently the highest level possible for EV onboard chargers. The good news is, if your EV works with a 48A charger, it can also use a charger with lower amperage ratings, such as 40A or 32A, and so on without any problems. However, be mindful that you won’t be getting as fast of a charge as with a 48A charger.

Additionally, the key difference between 48A chargers and lower amp chargers is that the 48A device should be hardwired directly to the electrical panel, for safety and compliance reasons. In contrast, lower amperage chargers can be plugged into a 240-volt outlet.

List of EVs most compatible with 48A level 2 chargers

Our 48A charger recommendations:

EV Models Compatible with 40A home EV chargers:

If you have one of the EV models listed below, a 40A charger is the way to go. This means your vehicle’s onboard charger can accept at least 9.6kW.

List of EVs most compatible with 40A level 2 chargers

Our 40A charger recommendations:

EV Models Compatible with 32A home EV chargers:

For the EVs listed below, a charger with 32A is just right. This means your vehicle’s onboard charger can accept at least 7.6kW.

List of EVs most compatible with 32A level 2 chargers

Our 32A charger recommendations:

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Do I need a permit for my home EV charger installation?

Before installing a home EV charger, it's smart to do some research on rebates and incentives available to you. This can help you make the right choices to qualify for rebates, which will depend on state rules and the charger you choose.

In most cases, a permit is recommended to make sure the installation qualifies for the federal rebate and that your home’s insurance terms and conditions are met. Read more about permitting here.

Blogpost: Do I need a permit for my home EV charger

Conclusion

Choosing the right home EV charger with the right number of amps will make sure your EV charges the most efficiently. Always check your car's info or talk with us to be sure it is a good match. With the right charger, you can keep your EV running smoothly and save energy, all while helping the environment.

Lectrium helps simplify the Level 2 charger installation process. Just fill out our quick survey to share some details about your home and charger preferences. No need for on-site visits. Our EV experts will provide cost estimates from local, trusted installers and schedule your installation in 1-2 weeks.

For a wide selection of EV chargers, visit our charger shop.

Happy charging ⚡️