Home Chargers Comparison

Discover which EV home charger meet your needs.

Tesla Smart EV
Model Gen 3 wall connector
Tesla Smart EV
Price of charger $850 $895
Rated Power 7.4 kW 7.4 kW
Dynamic Load Balancing ** Yes
Solar matching ** Yes
OCPP 1.6 Yes
Cable length 7.3m 5m
Colour options White (Red, Blue, Black, Silver costs +$160) Black

FAQs

The answer to this question is based on the following factors:

1) How many miles do you drive every day?

2) Do you have a fully electric car, or is it a plug in hybrid (gas and electric).

For short range driving and plug in hybrid cars: If you only drive less than 40 miles per day, or if you have a plug in hybrid car, you can use a charger that plugs into a standard wall outlet (120 volt). These chargers will provide you with 2-5 miles of driving range for every hour of charging. These chargers are convenient and economical, but are limited in their output and the charging rate is slow. Using industry terms, these are called “Level 1 EV Chargers.”

For longer range driving and for fully electric cars: If you drive more than 40 miles per day, and you have a fully electric car, then you need a 240 volt charger. These chargers are larger and require professional installation, but provide 10-20 miles of charging range per hour of charging. Using industry terms, these are called “Level 2 Chargers".

Trickle charging is slow and lacks any smart functionality.

Wall-mounted charging points offer the best solution for charging an EV at home. In a typical single-phase house, they will provide around 50 km of range per hour.

Some chargers take advantage of solar panels, load balancing, and offer extensive reporting or app-based control. They are the best option for workplace charging or apartments.

Chargers are typically priced by the unit and require you to pay an electrician to install them.

The costs can mount up (expect to pay $800-$1200 depending on your setup). Typically, the further the charger is from your switchboard, the higher the cost.

However, some charger providers offer installation as a package deal (which removes the hassle and uncertainty around total cost).

NOTE: A lower-cost unit + the cost of install could be more expensive than the cost of an installation package for a superior product.

Comprehensive installation packages often cover the installation of the EV charger, which might include:

  • Charger installation
  • Any required electrical upgrades
  • Additional wiring and fittings
  • Start-up and configuration of the charging system

Some companies might include a period of maintenance or support as part of the package.

Smart chargers come with various benefits that enhance the charging experience:

  • Remote Monitoring: Track charging progress and history from your smartphone.
  • Energy Management: Integrate with home energy systems to optimize usage and cost.
  • Scheduling: Set charging times to take advantage of off-peak electricity rates.
  • Updates: Receive software updates to ensure your charger is always up to date.

Charging Options

Level 1 (120 Volt)
 

electric vehicle charging level1-120v

Level 2 (240 Volt)
 

electric vehicle charging level2-240v

Direct-Current (DC) Fast Charging
 

electric vehicle charging dc
What does the charge port on the vehicle look like? EV charging level2 j1772 nacs EV charging level2 j1772 nacs electric vehicle charging level dc cc chademo tesla combo
How fast do they charge? About 5 miles per 1 hour of charging* About 25 miles per 1 hour of charging* ~100 – 300+ miles per 30 minutes of charging†
Where can I find them?
  • In your house/garage
  • Possibly at your apartment/condo and workplace
  • May not need to install anything; some automakers provide charger cords with vehicle purchase
  • In your house/garage (You will need additional equipment)
  • Possibly at your apartment/condo and workplace
  • At public charging stations
  • At public charging stations
  • In many cities and along highway routes across the country (see locations)
Additional Information
  • Uses the same outlet you use for your cell phone and toaster.
  • Plug your car directly into the 120 Volt outlet using the charge cable (EVSE) that often comes with the vehicle.
  • Many people with commutes less than 40 miles a day find this sufficient to charge their PEV overnight and meet their daily driving needs.‡
  • Uses the same 240 Volt outlet you might use in your home for an electric oven or clothes dryer.
  • Allows for faster home charging and can replenish hundreds of miles of range to your vehicle overnight, ensuring a full battery under most circumstances.
  • If you do not already have a 240 Volt outlet in an ideal location for charging your vehicle, a qualified electrician can help you install a new outlet and a Level 2 charger.
  • An electrician can determine if your home has sufficient capacity or needs an upgraded electrical panel and will ensure work is done properly.
  • DC fast chargers are the fastest option for charging PEVs and are found primarily along highways and in cities.
  • They supply high levels of electricity directly to your vehicle’s battery, bypassing the AC to DC conversion.
  • Many PEVs can regain hundreds of miles of range in as little as 20-30 minutes, depending on the charger and vehicle.
  • For cost savings, charge at home or at work using Level 1 or 2 chargers if you have more time.
  • The rate of DC fast charging is faster when the battery is near empty and slows as it approaches full.
  • It is generally more time-efficient to charge up to around 80% of battery capacity with DC fast charging before moving on to the next charging station.
  • Charging beyond 80% with DC fast charging can take significantly longer and may not be necessary unless you need the full range.

Some EV chargers are capable of matching charging with solar energy production, helping to reduce energy costs and increase sustainability.

Dynamic load balancing helps manage and optimize electricity consumption across various appliances and EV chargers, ensuring efficient use of available power and preventing overloads.