November 16, 2022
The three most important considerations when choosing a Level 2 EV charger are price, the ability to schedule charging overnight when electricity prices are lowest, and charging speed. The best decision for you depends on your preferences and your EV model.
While all EVs come with a Level 1 mobile charger, some include a Level 2 adapter that you can use instead of purchasing a separate, wall-mounted charger. This will be your cheapest option, but still requires installing a 240V NEMA 14-50 outlet. These plugs are not designed to be frequently removed, so this option is best if you plan to leave the portable charger plugged in.
Some vehicles allow you to schedule a charge directly with your car’s infotainment system or mobile app. However, if your vehicle doesn’t have this capability built in, you’ll need a wifi-enabled smart charger like the highly rated Enel X JuiceBox 40 to schedule charging when your electricity rates are lowest. For the average US driver, scheduled charging saves up to $600 annually.
Finally, you may be able to increase your charging speed by installing a hardwired high-amperage Level 2 charger, like the Tesla Wall Connector. This option varies by vehicle since some have a maximum power input limit below what these high-amperage chargers can deliver.
Treehouse can help you navigate these complexities and recommend the best solution based on your preferences and vehicle.
We've put together a few helpful resources to prepare you for installation day.
Installing more than one GFCI on the same circuit can result in nuisance tripping. For this reason, we recommend installing a hardwired charger.
Federal Pacific Electric (FPE) and Zinsco panels have design flaws that can cause their breakers to fail, creating a safety hazard.