Most Level 2 EV chargers provide between 35 km and 70 km of range per hour of charging, which means a full charge for your electric vehicle can usually be completed in just a few hours.
Since your vehicle spends most of its time parked at home, home EV charging is the most convenient and efficient way to keep your battery full.
So how do you choose the best EV charger for your home? Here is what you need to know.
Which EV Charger Should You Choose?
Considering that your vehicle spends most of its time parked at home and that the vast majority of drivers in Quebec travel less than 100 km per day, charging your electric vehicle at home should be simple and worry-free.g.
Most Level 2 home charging stations available today range between 30 amps and 48 amps.
New 60-amp and 80-amp EV chargers are starting to appear on the market, but they are still relatively rare since most residential electrical panels do not have enough capacity for these higher-power installations.
For most homeowners, 40-amp and 48-amp EV chargers remain the most popular and practical options.
40A vs 48A EV Chargers
40 Amp EV Chargers
40-amp EV chargers, such as the EVduty-50 or the Wallbox Pulsar 40A, offer an excellent balance between charging speed, installation cost and electrical requirements.
These chargers typically provide 50 km to 55 km of driving range per hour of charging.
Another advantage is that installation costs are usually similar to those of a 30-amp charger, making the 40-amp EV charger one of the best choices for home charging.
40A vs 48A EV Chargers
40 Amp EV Chargers
40-amp EV chargers, such as the EVduty-50 or the Wallbox Pulsar 40A, offer an excellent balance between charging speed, installation cost and electrical requirements.
These chargers typically provide 50 km to 55 km of driving range per hour of charging.
Another advantage is that installation costs are usually similar to those of a 30-amp charger, making the 40-amp EV charger one of the best choices for home charging.
48 Amp EV Chargers
If you drive longer distances and spend less time at home, a more powerful charger may be beneficial.
A 48-amp EV charger, such as the EVduty-60 or the Wallbox Pulsar 48A, can deliver 65 km to 70 km of range per hour of charging.
This means it takes just over four hours to recover approximately 300 km of driving range.
However, installing a 48-amp charging station is usually more expensive because:
- The installation requires higher-capacity electrical wiring (6-gauge wire)
- Your electrical panel must support a 60-amp breaker
For this reason, a licensed electrician should always verify your electrical capacity before installation.
NEMA 14-50 Plug vs Hardwired Installation
Many 40-amp EV chargers can be connected using a NEMA 14-50 outlet, also known as a stove outlet.
On the other hand, 48-amp chargers must be hardwired directly to the electrical panel.
A NEMA 14-50 outlet offers several advantages:
- The charger can easily be moved if needed
- Some homeowners move their charger inside the garage during winter
- Others prefer a plug-in charger so they can take it to a cottage or when visiting friends or family
This flexibility makes plug-in EV chargers a popular option for many homeowners.
Buy Your EV Charger Online
You can find a wide selection of EV chargers, charging cables and electric vehicle charging accessories directly in our online store.
Conclusion
Choosing the right home EV charger mainly depends on:
- your daily driving distance
- your charging needs
- the capacity of your electrical panel
For most homeowners, a 40-amp Level 2 EV charger offers the best balance between charging speed and installation cost, while 48-amp chargers are ideal for drivers who need faster charging at home.
Now you know how to choose the right EV charger for your home.
Frequently Asked Questions About Home EV Chargers
How fast does a Level 2 EV charger charge a car?
A Level 2 EV charger (240V) typically adds 35 km to 70 km of range per hour of charging, depending on the power of the charger and the vehicle’s onboard charger.
What is the difference between a 40 amp and a 48 amp EV charger?
A 48-amp EV charger charges about 20% faster than a 40-amp charger. However, installing a 48A charger usually costs more because it requires 6-gauge wiring and a 60-amp breaker.
Do I need a special outlet for a home EV charger?
Many 40-amp EV chargers can plug into a NEMA 14-50 outlet, while 48-amp chargers usually require a hardwired installation by a licensed electrician.
How long does it take to charge an electric car at home?
Most electric vehicles can fully charge overnight (6 to 8 hours) using a Level 2 home EV charger.
What is the best EV charger for home use?
For most homeowners, a 40-amp Level 2 EV charger offers the best balance between charging speed, installation cost and electrical requirements.