When you buy an electric vehicle, you must keep the battery charged so you can drive it anywhere you want. The best way to charge is at home because it is very convenient and cost-effective. However, to get the best experience, you need to purchase and install the correct Level 2 charger.
With the number of models available on the market, it could be overwhelming selecting the one that will meet your needs. However, we have listed the most innovative car chargers you can purchase today.
The Enel X JuiceBox Pro 40A
This Level 2 charger comes as both wired and plugged in, but both models are suitable for outdoor and indoor use because of their NEMA 4/IP66 rating.
The JuiceBox Pro can supply 9.6 kW, meaning your EV will charge at seven times the rate you get by plugging into a standard household socket with a Level 1 charger.
Enel has included an anti-theft lock so that it can be installed in shared apartment housing. Other features include a JuiceNet app that lets you monitor the charging through your smartphone. On the charger itself, you can keep track with LED lights showing the charging status.
Cable length is fine, and Enel used quality materials. The footprint is small enough to be unobtrusive.
Siemens VersiCharge Home Charger
With close to two centuries in business, Siemens is a name you can trust. This is a company shifting its focus to green tech, and the VersiCharge is proof of its new identity.
This home charger has a version suitable for indoor use and another one for both indoor and outdoor applications. There is a third option, the Smart Grid that has Wifi compatibility. All models run on 240 volts and can be easily mounted with a bracket that Siemens provides.
Siemens has designed the VersiCharger to be straightforward to use, with a simple control panel. You can even tell the charging status from a distance from a status halo.
The VersiCharge lets you delay charging by up to eight hours, and you can adjust the charging speed from 1.8 kW to 7.2 kW.
Bosch Level 2 Plug-in EV400 series
Bosch needs no introduction as it is one of the best in the game. The EV400 offers high quality and the innovation the manufacturer is known for.
Feel free to install these charging stations indoors or outdoor as the elements can do nothing to them. When not in use, you can turn them off completely with a switch.
The EV400 series can be installed on any 240 volts line because they automatically detect faults and cut the power flow. They will also resume charging when there is a power interruption. These models have LED lights to read the status from a distance.
Maximum power from these chargers is 7.6 kW, way faster than Level 1 chargers.
Pulsar Plus Smart Charger
Enjoy the benefit of a compact design and powerful performance. The Pulsar Plus charges your EV at 7x the speed of a Level 1 charger. The charger can connect to the myWallbox app through Wifi or Bluetooth and you can create a charging schedule that can take advantage of off-peak periods. You can also get notifications and set reminders through the app.
The Pulsar Plus lets you adjust the capacity between 16A to 40A, meaning you can connect to lower-power circuits when you don’t need max power. You can also connect multiple Pulsar Plus chargers to the same circuit safely so that you can charge more than one EV at a time.
ChargePoint Home Flex
Many sites pick this model as their best and it is easy to see why. The attention to detail in the design is pleasing, coupled with a small footprint. However, the small size doesn’t mean it is a slow charger.
The Home Flex is available as plug-in or hardwired and you will find the 23-foot long cable useful when you can’t park close to the unit. It has an app to control the charger and also view charging history.