A Guide To Electric Vehicle Chargers 

The electric vehicle revolution is upon us. Major automakers like Ford, GM, and Volvo have announced plans to transition to all-electric lineups over the next decade. Consumers are switching to emissions-free transportation as more affordable and long-range EV models hit the market. But owning an EV comes with questions – how will I charge it? Can I install a home charger? Are public charging stations readily available? Thankfully, great strides have been made in EV charging technology and infrastructure. With some planning, EV owners can enjoy convenient and fast charging solutions for daily commutes and long road trips.

This guide dives into the different levels of EV charging, highlights top-rated home and public charging options, and provides tips for choosing the best EV charger to enable a seamless transition to electrified driving. Whether you own an EV or are just considering going electric, discover the best EV chargers from places like Top Charger to keep you powered up in 2023 and beyond.

Levels of EV Charging

Three primary levels of EV charging provide different speeds of charging:

Level 1

This uses a standard 120V household outlet to provide slow charging. It can add about 3-5 miles of range per hour charged. Level 1 is best for overnight charging at home when you don’t need a quick boost.

Level 2

Level 2 uses a 240V outlet, like those used for large appliances such as dryers. This can add 10-20 miles per hour of charging, making it feasible for both at-home and public charging stations.

DC Fast Charging

DC fast charging bypasses the onboard charger and provides direct current straight to the battery. This enables rapid charging, with some systems adding 60-300 miles of range in just 20 minutes. DC fast charging allows convenient top-ups while on road trips.

Top Home EV Chargers

Installing a dedicated home charger provides the ultimate convenience for EV owners. Here are some top picks:

ClipperCreek HCS-40

This 40 amp Level 2 charger provides 9.6 kW of power and can charge any EV model. The simple but durable design can be mounted either indoors or outdoors. It’s made in the USA and includes a 25-foot charging cable.

ChargePoint Home Flex

This smart home charger can provide up to 50 amps and 11.5 kW of power. Integrated WiFi allows remote monitoring and access via the ChargePoint app. The Home Flex has flexible power settings to meet your charging needs and can integrate with home energy management systems.

Siemens VersiCharge

VersiCharge is a compact and sleek Level 2 charger available in both 30-amp and 40-amp models. Integrated load management allows controlled EV charging when other devices are in use. It also has WiFi connectivity and a useful Eco Mode to minimize energy costs.

Top Public Charging Networks

When out and about, it’s essential to have access to public EV charging stations. Major networks are rapidly expanding nationwide:

ChargePoint

With over 150,000 public charging spots, ChargePoint has the world’s largest public EV charging network. Drivers can quickly locate ChargePoint stations along their route with the mobile app. Both Level 2 and DC fast charging options are available.

EVgo

EVgo specializes in DC fast charging aimed at enabling long-distance EV travel. They have over 800 fast-charging locations nationwide, with plans to install thousands more by 2025. EVgo stations can add 150+ miles of range in 15 minutes.

Electrify America

Electrify America is systematically building out a network of DC fast chargers along major highway routes across the US. They have about 650 stations and will expand to 1,400 by the end of 2025. This provides essential infrastructure for convenient long-distance EV travel.

What Makes These the Best EV Charger Options

When compiling our recommendations for the best EV chargers currently available, we looked at a variety of factors to determine the top options:

• Charging speed – Faster chargers add more miles of range per hour, enabling you to get back on the road more quickly. We favored faster Level 2 and DC fast charging options.
• Reliability – We only recommend chargers that deliver consistent charging sessions without unexpected faults or errors. Reliable chargers give you confidence you can consistently charge when needed.
• Network access – For public chargers, being part of a widespread charging network is highly advantageous for travel flexibility. We recommend chargers on networks like ChargePoint.
• Value – While fast chargers come with higher price tags, we recommended options that deliver robust charging capabilities for a reasonable, competitive price.
• Innovative features – With smart chargers, you can monitor charging status, schedule demanding times, set charging rates, and more for added convenience.

Based on these criteria, we’re confident the EV charger recommendations in this guide represent the top available options for fast, convenient, reliable charging at home and on the go. Choosing among the best chargers will ensure a smooth transition to driving electric.

What to Look for in an EV Charger

With an ever-expanding range of EV charger models and networks, it’s essential to consider your needs and priorities when selecting the right option. Here are some key factors to evaluate:

• Charging speed – Faster charging is more convenient but also more expensive. Evaluate charging needs before investing in higher-powered equipment.
• Innovative capabilities – Many newer EV chargers have smart WiFi connectivity that allows remote monitoring, access controls, and energy management. This provides added functionality and insight into charging habits.
• Expandability – For home charging, an expandable modular design allows adding additional chargers as EVs need to grow.
• Access to networks – For public charging, the location and size of the charging network should provide ample options when traveling. Apps can make it easy to locate compatible stations.
• Cost – Home chargers vary widely from $200 to $1000+ depending on power output and features—public DC fast charging fees of around $0.30-0.40 per minute.
• Future-proofing – With EVs advancing quickly, the charging capacity should adequately meet future charging needs and new EV models.

The suitable EV charger or charging network allows seamless integration of EV ownership into daily life. Frequent slow charging at home and access to public fast charging enable you to always keep your EV powered up. Leading home charger manufacturers provide quality products to meet your unique charging requirements. With the continued expansion of public networks like ChargePoint nationwide, EV road trips are becoming increasingly practical. The proper charging equipment and sound charging habits will keep EV owners moving confidently from point A to B.